Top guns in the EPL get a chance to showcase their ability as race for top four hots up

The North London Derby is always heated with players clashing on the pitch [Courtesy]

The world is set to witness yet another weekend of stellar performances from the EPL teams especially the top five.

Among the top five clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham are the only clubs facing a tough weekend out as they have been pitched against each other in the North London Derby that kicks off early Saturday afternoon.

Game Yetu looks at some of the mouthwatering fixtures that are scheduled to be played this weekend:

 

SATURDAY

Tottenham Hotspur Vs Arsenal

Tottenham's Eric Dier gestures to Arsenal fans after scoring in the fixture at the Emirates [Courtesy]

This is a fixture that is known for the rivalry between the two neighbours who reside in North London.

Over the years, fans have experienced dramatic scenes in this fixture with every team wanting to grab the rights to be called the Kings of North London.

Arsenal have a chance to close the gap on spurs when they visit Wembley tomorrow.

The gunners, who are now ranked fourth in the standings thanks to their fine run of results will be hoping to stamp their authority in north London against a Spurs side that is struggling with two successive defeats in the past matches. This means there is more to play for than just bragging rights.

Tottenham will be hoping to welcome back Jan Vertonghen, Eric Dier and Delle Alli while arsenal’s Stefan Lichtsteiner and Alex Iwobi will be in contention for a place in the squad. Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin, and Danny Welbeck are all sidelined.

Bournemouth Vs Manchester City

City will be banking on Aguero to fire them past the Cherries [Courtesy]

With the Premier league now looking like a two horse race after Tottenham Hotspur’s poor form, Manchester City will be hoping to maintain pressure on the league leaders, Liverpool, when they visit AFC Bournemouth.

The Cityzens edged out West Ham United thanks to a controversial Sergio Aguero penalty that saw them beat the London based side by a goal to nil on Wednesday evening. The Cherries present a whole new challenge for Pep Guardiola’s side as they will be looking to halt their poor run of results including the 5-1 humiliation by arsenal on Wednesday night that has seen them drop significantly in the table. Bournemouth’s stubborn nature at home will play a key part in this fixture.

The Cherries will miss the service of Steve Cook, Callum Wilson, David Brooks, Simon Francis and Lewis Cook through injury while Jefferson Lerma will be serving a suspension. Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte stay out injured while Gabriel Jesus and John Stones are set to miss out too.

Manchester United Vs Southampton

Manchester United will be looking to keep their fine form going [Courtesy]

The Red Devils meet the Saints at the Theatre of Dreams tomorrow afternoon.

The Ole Gunnar Solskjaer coached side are enjoying an unbeaten run of 14 domestic matches. They also boast a record of not losing to an English side at home inside 90 minutes this season.

On the other hand, Southampton will be looking to keep their charge out of the relegation zone alive against the mighty United after a win over Fulham in midweek.

Manchester United have a long injury list to worry about which includes: Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Phil Jones, Anthony Martial, Matteo Darmian, and Antonio Valencia but will be hoping to welcome Marcus Rashford back.

The Saints will be without Danny Ings, Mario Lemina and Michael Obafemi who are sidelined with injury.

SUNDAY

Fulham FC Vs Chelsea

Chelsea players celebrate after scoring in a past match [Courtesy]

With under fire Maurizio Sarri having finally gained some confidence form the Chelsea management in midweek, Chelsea will look to take advantage of a struggling Fulham when they make a short trip to Craven Cottage to take part in the West London derby on Sunday.

The Blues ended Tottenham’s title hope in midweek with a victory that reported to have saved Sarri’s job for now.

On the other hand, their west London neighbours Fulham are in total disarray after a run of eight defeats that has permanently left them in the relegation zone leading to the end of Claudio Ranieri’s short Lives tenure.

Fulham will be without goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli and centre-back Alfie Mawson while Chelsea are largely injury free for this weekend. Whether goalkeeper Kepa returns to the side remains to be seen.

Everton Vs Liverpool

Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah will make up the attack in the absence of Firmino [Courtesy]

This is another of the three derbies set to be played this weekend. Everton take on League leaders Liverpool at Goodison Park on Sunday in the Merseyside Derby.

Both teams won in midweek and will be hoping to keep up with the good results. The reds will look to push for their first title in over 25 years by avoiding being leapfrogged by relentless Manchester City.

Roberto Firmino is set to miss out with an injury while Mohammed Salah will be looking to once again become a hot-shot he was in the previous season.

Other matches on the cards this weekend include Brighton vs Huddersfield, Burnley vs Crystal Palace, Wolves vs Cardiff, West Ham vs Newcastle and Watford vs Leicester.

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