The Barclays Premier League is beginning to heat up, as the third and seventh-place teams are separated by four points, and Manchester City has pulled within five of leaders Chelsea. This weekend features a few match-ups that have big implications on the table.
Here are five matches to watch on Matchday 27…
Manchester United vs Sunderland
Manchester United slipped to fourth place after its loss to Swansea City last weekend. The Red Devils will try to rebound against relegation-threatened Sunderland at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Black Cats are only three points above the relegation zone entering this match. They have scored just 22 goals this season— only Aston Villa has fewer with 13, so United won’t be facing an offensive juggernaut.
United manager Louis van Gaal has just two injuries. Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie are both unavailable. Van Gaal said van Persie has a right ankle injury that will keep the striker out for a “long time.” With van Persie out, look for Radamel Falcao to have a starring role for United.
Sunderland’s Gus Poyet won’t have the electric Emanuele Giaccherini, and Will Buckley and Billy Jones are doubtful as well.
United has won 10 of its 13 matches at home in the league this season. Sunderland has only won twice on the road, so it looks like it will be uphill battle for the visitors on Saturday.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Sunderland vs Manchester United on the four main Sportsnet channels at 9:30 am ET, Stoke City vs Hull City on Sportsnet ONE at 9:30 am ET and Newcastle United vs Aston Villa on Sportsnet World at 9:30 am ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa
Tim Sherwood’s first Premier League match as Aston Villa manager ended in a 2-1 loss against Stoke City last week. He’ll have a chance to record his first win against a mid-table Newcastle side on Saturday.
If there was ever a time for Villa to earn a win, this is it. Newcastle is dealing with several injuries and suspensions. Jack Colback is out for the next two games due to yellow-card accumulation. Six additional players are ruled out, while Daryl Janmaat and Remy Cabella are doubtful.
Sherwood has a few dilemmas himself. Kieran Richardson is injured and Ron Vlaar is suspended. Aly Cissokho, Alan Hutton, Nathan Baker and Philippe Senderos are all doubtful, but the former two could be fit enough to start.
Villa has failed to score in nine of its last 11 away matches and has lost six consecutive league games. Newcastle is also undefeated against the Villans in their previous six meetings.
Stoke City vs Hull City
Stoke City is 14 points above the relegation zone, but its opponents, Hull, are only four points away from the drop entering this game on Saturday.
Hull should receive a boost this weekend when Mohamed Diame returns from injury. He might not start, but could be available off the bench for manager Steve Bruce. Robert Snodgrass, Liam Rosenior and James Chester are out of the match.
Stoke will be missing Ryan Shawcross, but full-back Erik Pieters should be fit to start, as will Geoff Cameron, who’s returning from a suspension.
The Tigers have won their last two games, but have lost 11 of their previous 12 away matches in the Premier League. Hull has only defeated Stoke once since May 2009, so the winning streak might come to an end.
Arsenal vs Everton
Arsenal is reeling after a devastating 3-1 loss at home against Monaco in the Champions League. The Gunners’ opponent this weekend, Everton, is fresh off a 7-2 aggregate victory over Young Boys in the Europa League. However, this game is important for both sides.
Everton is only six points above the relegation zone, while Arsenal is only two points ahead of fifth-place Southampton. Given what transpired to the north London side on Wednesday, they need to confidently defeat the Toffees at home.
Roberto Martinez has a few injured players. Tony Hibbert, Aiden McGeady, Bryan Oviedo, Christian Atsu, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are all ruled out.
Arsenal is still dealing with the same injuries. Mathieu Debuchy, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey, Mathieu Flamini and Abou Diaby are all unavailable for Arsene Wenger, so there won’t be a lot of room for rotation.
Four of the last six meetings between Everton and Arsenal have ended in draws, but the Gunners have won their last six home games in the league. They’re also undefeated in 17 straight against the Toffees at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool vs Manchester City
Since Dec. 21, no other team has performed better than Liverpool. The Reds haven’t lost in the Premier League since that date, but will have one of their biggest tests of the season when they face Manchester City on Sunday.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers did not have Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho for their Europa League match against Besiktas. However, they could be fit to play against City this weekend.
City doesn’t have any crucial injuries at the moment, so Manuel Pellegrini will be able to rotate following the team’s Champions League loss against Barcelona in midweek.
Liverpool and City have split each of the last six meetings, winning two games each in all competitions.
City could move to within a couple of points of Chelsea with a win, while Liverpool can pass Mancheter United and Southampton for a top-four spot.
