The Premier League continues this weekend with Matchday 30, and Sportsnet will have live coverage of five games:
Saturday, March 10
• West Ham United vs. Burnley, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West and Pacific)
• Everton vs. Brighton & Hove Albion, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet ONE)
• Huddersfield Town vs. Swansea City, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet World Plus)
• Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace, noon ET (Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet World)
Sunday, March 11
• Bournemouth vs. Tottenham, 11:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet World)
Here’s what you need to know ahead of this weekend.
THE BIG GAME
Manchester United vs. Liverpool: It’s a battle of second vs. third on Saturday when Jose Mourinho’s side welcome the Reds to Old Trafford.
Liverpool can climb over Manchester United in the table with a win, but recent history is working against Jurgen Klopp’s team. The Red Devils have won 10 of their last 13 Premier League home games against Liverpool, with their only losses coming during the 2008-09 and 2013-14 seasons.
Mohamed Salah has scored in his last five Premier League matches, so United would be well advised to keep close tabs on the Egyptian. If Romelu Lukaku scores on Saturday for United, he will be the fifth-youngest player to reach 100 Premier League goals.
Defender Eric Bailly (knee) is fully fit for United, while Marouane Fellaini (knee) could also return to action. Anthony Martial (knee) remains sidelined.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool: Salah is coming off a fabulous February in which he had a hand in more goals (four goals, two assists in three games) than any other player in the Premier League. For his efforts, the Egyptian was named the player of the month, as he helped Liverpool climb to third in the table and close the gap on Manchester United. The former Chelsea winger has now scored 32 goals in all competitions for Liverpool since making his move from AS Roma last summer.
Brighton & Hove Albion on a tear
Premier League newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion continue to surprise this season. The Seagulls are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League standings. Chris Hughton’s side is coming off a solid February in which they posted home wins over West Ham United and Swansea City, and earned a draw away to Stoke City. Hughton was named Premier League manager of the month for February. Brighton visits Everton on Saturday.
Bournemouth ailing ahead of match vs. Spurs
Bournemouth could be without three key players this weekend. Manager Eddie Howe confirmed Friday that Marc Pugh (calf) will miss Sunday’s home game against Tottenham. Also, fellow wingers Jordon Ibe (hamstring) and Ryan Fraser (back) are questionable. The good news for the Cherries is that influential forward Jermain Defoe is fully fit, having recently returned from an injury layoff.
Zaha back in training for Palace
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has returned to training this week after recovering from a knee injury that he picked up last month. Zaha has been a key figure to Palace this season with four goals, but he hasn’t played since a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Feb. 4. Palace currently sits 18th in the table, one point from safety. Manager Roy Hodgson’s team visits Chelsea on Saturday.
INTERESTING STAT
THE BIG QUESTION
Every week, Sportsnet’s soccer panel will debate The Big Question. Have your say by voting in the poll below:
HE SAID IT
“We have to use this win, use it as sort of a target. We’ve got to reach these levels every week. We’ve got another game Sunday and then next week in this competition, it’s not done yet.” – Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, after the Gunners’ midweek win over AC Milan in the Europa League.
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