Matchday 29 of the Barclays Premier League features two matches with big implications in the race for a top-four spot. With just nine games left in the season, these fixtures could determine the fate of a few clubs.
Here are five matches to keep close tabs on this weekend.
Monday programming alert: Watch Swansea City vs Liverpool on Sportsnet World at 3:00 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Swansea City vs Liverpool
Liverpool’s resurgence has brought it within two points of fourth place. The Reds can remain within touching distance of Manchester United if they can defeat Swansea City on Monday in Wales.
The Merseyside club will be in tough without Martin Skrtel, Jordan Ibe, Lucas Leiva and a few other key players. However, manager Brendan Rodgers has coped with these dilemmas all season.
Swansea boss Garry Monk has just one injured player in Kyle Bartley. Everyone else is available for this match, so Monk can make some adjustments to cope with the speedy Liverpool attack.
Liverpool hasn’t lost to Swansea in its last six games against the Welsh side. The Reds have also kept a clean sheet in their previous five away matches, so it will be difficult for the hosts to break down the opposition.
Sunday programming alert: Watch Manchester United vs Tottenham on Sportsnet ONE and Sportsnet World at 11:30 am ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Manchester United vs Tottenham
Manchester United is in fourth place, and, if the season ended today, would own the final Champions League spot. However, their unconvincing play has led to speculation over manager Louis van Gaal.
United still supports its manager, but failing to qualify for the Champions League for a second straight season may change that stance.
The Red Devils face Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday and are just three points ahead of Spurs at the moment.
Van Gaal has two suspended players in Angel Di Maria and Jonny Evans. Ashley Young is questionable with a minor knock, while Robin van Persie is still hurt.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has no injury concerns and has a wealth of options to choose from for his trip to Manchester. Shockingly enough, Tottenham has lost just once against United in its last six meetings.
Chelsea vs Southampton
Chelsea was shockingly eliminated from the Champions League against PSG on Wednesday. The Blues only have the Premier League to focus on, so it’s the league title or bust at this point.
The Londoners face Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday as the Saints vie for a Champions League spot. They remain four points away from the final place.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is expected to select a strong team, with his only injured player being John Obi Mikel.
Southampton’s Ronald Koeman has just two unavailable players in Jay Rodriguez and Emmanuel Mayuka. Toby Alderweireld is now fully fit and should be able to start this match.
The last match between these two finished in a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s. This could be a tricky affair for Southampton, as Chelsea is undefeated in 14 straight home matches in the Premier League.
Burnley vs Manchester City
Manchester City may have one eye on Barcelona midweek as they try to avoid elimination in the Champions League, but this league match is just as important.
City is just five points behind league-leaders Chelsea, and the Citizens face a pesky Burnley side that is just a win away from climbing out of the relegation zone.
Burnley’s star striker Danny Ings is doubtful with injury, but considering the magnitude of the match, he should be available to manager Sean Dyche.
Man City manager Manuel Pellegrini has a fully fit squad, although he may make one massive alteration to his starting 11. Captain Vincent Kompany could be benched due to an altercation with teammate Fernandinho, even though the club denied the report.
Burnley is on a seven-game winless skid entering the weekend. City has won 17 of its last 19 Premier League matches, and hasn’t lost to the Clarets in their previous five encounters.
Arsenal vs West Ham United
Arsenal has a Champions League clash on Tuesday, but will need to focus on its match against West Ham. The Gunners are in third place in the English table, and are just three points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.
West Ham is 10th and looked like they could compete for a spot in European competition next season, but have slipped down the table recently. The Hammers are now 11 points out of a Europa League place.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has to make a few changes. Carl Jenkinson is ineligible, as he’ll be facing his parent club. Andy Carroll and Carlton Cole are both out, while striker Enner Valencia is doubtful after suffering an injury at his home.
Arsene Wenger has a few more injury concerns than West Ham. Seven players are unavailable, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain becoming the latest player to suffer a knock.
On the bright side for Arsenal, it has won the last six games against West Ham, outscoring their London rivals 19-5 in that span. It could be another long day for the visitors in this one.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Crystal Palace vs Queens Park Rangers on the four main Sportsnet channels at 8:30 am ET, Leicester City vs Hull City on the four main Sportsnet channels at 11:00 am ET and Burnley vs Manchester City on Sportsnet World at 1:00 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
