Chelsea sacking Jose Mourinho will make the biggest noise over the weekend in the English Premier League (EPL) 2015-16. Chelsea will be cynosure of all eyes as a manager-less Blues try to forge a way back to the upper tier of the league, after plunging to new depths so far.
As for matters on the field, Manchester United will take the field first up on Saturday. Struggling Norwich City are the opponents and have every reason to be brimming with confidence as newly promoted Bournemouth capped off a historic win against the 20-time English champions. United have been parched for goals up front, which is worrying. With the struggling Canaries as opponents, a deflated Louis van Gaal’s side look frontrunners.
Around the time when the whistle is blown at Old Trafford, defending champions Chelsea will be facing Sunderland. There are speculations that Guus Hiddink will soon take over the reins at Stamford Bridge although it will be interesting to see the kind of reception he gets. The Stamford Bridge faithful loved and revered Mourinho and it will be hard to take for many present at the Shed. Sunderland are a team who are in the red zone and even under Sam Allardyce, the side hasn’t improved a great deal.
Table toppers Leicester City have another tough assignment as they travel to Everton. Romelu Lukaku’s has been prolific in front of goal and his team are on the rise. After dispatching Chelsea last week, potentially proving to be the decisive factor in Mourinho losing his job. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez at the moment can score goals out of thin air. That may be the difference in the game.
Newcastle United, who have won two on the bounce now are in pole position to make it a three on the trot. Aston Villa, struggling at the bottom have a mountain to climb as the fight relegation. The Geordies have shored up their defense and their attack, led by Marco Mitrovic and Giorginho Wijnaldum have bite and pace going forward. Former Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has a formidable fixture to tackle, as he plays against Stoke City against Britannia, a daunting prospect even for some of the best European teams.
Current form though, tilt the scale towards Crystal Palace just about nicking it. As for winning streaks, Bournemouth are also on a hat-trick, fresh after upsetting Chelsea and Manchester United in consecutive weeks. It is not impossible for Eddie Howe’s side, who are brimming with confidence and verve, and playing a positive brand of football.
Sunday
Super Sunday will have Watford and Liverpool clash at Vicarage Road and despite the positive start that Jurgen Klopp has had with the Reds, there are some chinks in their armour. Odion Ighalo’s got into double figures for this season with his goal tally and is hot on the heels of Vardy and Mahrez. Swansea City are another club that went to give their manager the boot. There was a time when playing at the Liberty Stadium was a nightmare for teams but times have changed and the Swans have looked off the pace this season. West Ham United’s excellent away record helps them hold the cards for this encounter.
Arsenal vs Manchester City
Undoubtedly, the biggest game of Matchweek 17 is the clash of two of the top three sides, Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. Just like Swansea losing their aura, Arsenal have regained some of their lost stardust over the last couple of years. No longer is Arsene Wenger’s side bullied in big games. In the last five months, the Gunners have registered wins against Chelsea, Bayern Munich and a thumping win against Manchester United.
Arsenal’s breathtaking entry to the knockout phases of the UEFA Champions League also gives adds to the momentum they have built post the hammering by Munich at the Allianz Arena. Both sides are struggling with injury but Olivier Giroud and Mehsut Oezil’s flair and goals in recent weeks make the home side favourites.
Predictions:
Manchester United vs Norwich City - 1-0
Chelsea vs Sunderland – 0-0
Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur – 1-2
West Bromwich Albion vs Bournemouth – 2-1
Everton vs Leicester City – 2-2
Stoke City vs Crystal Palace – 0-0
Newcastle United vs Aston Villa 2-0
Watford vs Liverpool 2-2
Swansea City vs West Ham United 0-2
Arsenal vs Manchester City 2-0