Matchday 22 of the Barclays Premier League features Manchester City versus Arsenal on Sunday, which has massive implications at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Chelsea will try to maintain their two-point lead over the title-holders.
Here are the five Premier League matches to watch this weekend…
Everton vs West Bromwich Albion
New West Brom manager Tony Pulis guided the Baggies to their third home victory of the season last week, and they’ll have a chance to build on that against a hapless Everton side on Monday at Goodison Park.
Everton is winless in their last five Premier League matches, which has left them just three points above the relegation zone. West Brom is just a point behind the Toffees, so this is a significant meeting for both sides. However, the Baggies have lost five straight road games.
Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has some injury concerns, including James McCarthy, who will have to pass a fitness test. Aiden McGeady is suspended and six others are injured, so Martinez will have to rotate a lot.
Yousouff Mulumbu and Jason Davidson are away on international duty, while Jonas Olsson is still hurt, but Pulis has more options to choose from as opposed to Martinez.
Monday programming alert: Watch Everton vs West Bromwich Albion on Sportsnet World at 3:00 pm ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
West Ham United vs Hull City
West Ham and Hull City have been struggling as of late. The Hammers have lost four games in a row, while Hull has earned just four wins this season.
West Ham has dropped to seventh place in the table, and the Londoners seven points behind Manchester United for a Champions League spot. Meanwhile, Hull is in the relegation zone, but is just a point away from safety.
The Hammers have won their last four home games in all competitions against Hull, and the Tigers have earned just one victory on the road in their previous 10.
Hull manager Steve Bruce has a long injury list, with at least six players ruled out on Sunday. Nikica Jelavic and Abel Hernandez are among those who won’t feature, so the Tigers won’t have a lot of firepower up front.
Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate are the only absentees for West Ham.
Manchester City vs Arsenal
The marquee match of the weekend takes place at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with the Gunners suffering two more injury blows prior to the game.
Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Debuchy will be sidelined for three months. They join Jack Wilshere, Serge Gnabry and Abou Diaby on the injury list. Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs will most likely return, as will Danny Welbeck.
Man City has a fully fit squad, but won’t have Yaya Toure or new signing Wilfried Bony, who are both on international duty with the Ivory Coast.
The last time these teams met in September, the game finished in a 2-2 draw. Both sides have split the last six fixtures in all competitions. They’re also level on goals with 12 each in those six matches.
Sunday programming alert: Watch West Ham United vs Hull City on Sportsnet World at 8:30 am ET. || Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
Queens Park Rangers vs Manchester United
Manchester United lost their first Premier League match since Nov. 2 when Southampton earned three points at Old Trafford last weekend. The Red Devils have a chance to rebound against lowly Queens Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road.
QPR is winless in its last four matches, but all of those games have been decided by one goal or less. The Hoops haven’t beaten United in a league game since New Year’s Day in 1992, and have lost the last six meetings by a combined score of 14-1.
Alejandro Faurlin and Yun Suk-Young are ruled out with injuries. Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand is doubtful and may not be fit enough to play.
United manager Louis van Gaal has an injury concern thanks to Robin van Persie’s ankle problem. He’s questionable, and most likely won’t be risked. It’s a bit of a blow, as the Dutchman is tied with Wayne Rooney in team scoring with eight goals this season. Ashley Young is the other unavailable player.
Swansea City vs Chelsea
Chelsea gained some ground on Manchester City last week after the Blues shut out Newcastle Unted. They have a tricky away test at Swansea on Saturday as the league-leaders try to stay ahead of Man City.
Swansea has suffered just two home defeats this season. However, the Welsh side has lost to Chelsea in their last four meetings, including a 1-0 defeat in April.
Jefferson Montero is still injured, so he’ll miss out on the game for the Swans. Manager Garry Monk will also be without the suspended Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yueng, who’s away at the Asian Cup.
Cesar Azpilicueta is Jose Mourinho’s only injury concern, but Filipe Luis will probably fill in at left-back in the Spaniard’s absence. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois may also be rested due to his sore finger.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Queens Park Rangers vs Manchester United on the four main Sportsnet channels at 9:30 am ET and Aston Villa vs Liverpool on Sportsnet World at 9:30 am ET. || Also, watch Burnley vs Crystal Palace at 9:30 am ET online at Sportsnet World NOW || Broadcast schedule
