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Chelsea v Everton
Ahead of their midweek Champions League trip to Galatasaray, Chelsea first face Roberto Martinez’s Everton in the league on Saturday lunchtime.
Everton travel to the capital having not tasted victory at Stamford Bridge for nearly 10 years and to face a Chelsea side that haven’t lost at home all season, winning 11 of their 13 home games in doing so.
Chelsea have been in fine form in recent weeks but were dumped out of the FA Cup last Saturday by Man City, whereas Everton produced a quality second half display to knock out a dogged Swansea side.
A victory is vital for both sides if theyc are to stay on course with their respective goals for the season. A Chelsea win would keep them top of the Premier League while Everton need a positive result to keep in touch with Tottenham and Liverpool in the hunt for a European place.
Chelsea could make some changes to their starting line-up with one eye on the trip to Turkey on Wednesday while Everton will be hoping the superb form of full-backs Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman, a real highlight for them this year, can help turn around Everton’s indifferent away form so far this season.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12.45pm
Arsenal v Sunderland
Ahead of a nightmare March for Arsenal, which sees them play Everton, Bayern Munich, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in the space of 21 days, the Gunners must first play Sunderland at the Emirates on Saturday.
With that incredibly tough run of matches coming up for Arsene Wenger’s team, a positive performances and a victory are musts if Arsenal are to maintain their confidence and be in contention for the league title come May.
After a tough week for Arsenal, which saw them lose 2-0 to German champions Bayern in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night, they need to pick themselves up and go again against the Black Cats.
Sunderland remain in the bottom three despite picking up 10 points for their last 5 games and this may be the best time to face an Arsenal side that has had to deal with so many high pressure games in the recent weeks and with still many more to come.
Gus Poyet’s side were poor in their last league game, losing 2-0 at home to fellow strugglers Hull, but have Adam Johnson in fine form and chasing a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Arsenal can’t afford any slip ups against Sunderland if they are going to claim any silverware this year, a defeat could spell the end of any trophy hopes for yet another season.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3.00pm
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
In previous seasons, a trip to Selhurst Park would not have posed too many difficulties to a side of Manchester United's ilk. They would travel down the M6 full of confidence, and invariably end up going home with all three points.
This time though, it doesn't seem as simple. Crystal Palace are a changed team under Tony Pulis, and have won three of their last four Premier League matches. They have a game in hand on the teams around them, following the postponement of their away trip at Everton, but could be as high as 10th if they win the rearranged fixture.
There is no doubting it is a season of transition at Old Trafford. David Moyes has not had the start he would have hoped for, and playing Manchester United is not the near-impossible task it used to be for teams fighting in the bottom half of the division. The away side will still be the favourites, but don't be surprised if an upset is on the cards.
Palace, for the first time in over 18 months, have a fully fit squad after Glenn Murray returned from a long injury layout. Murray, top scorer in the Championship last season, played the final 20 minutes off the bench in the Eagles' 3-1 win over fellow strugglers West Brom last time out.
David Moyes will have to consider a Tuesday night Champions League trip to Olympiakos, but is expected to stick with Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie leading the line. Rafael will be back in contention after recovering from a clash of heads in United's 0-0 draw at Arsenal, and Marouane Fellaini could return for his first appearance in a United shirt since December.
United currently sit 7th in the table, eight points from the Europa League and 11 from the holy grail of the Champions League. Three points on Saturday will do Moyes and co. the world of good, and everything points towards a fascinating game under the lights at Selhurst Park.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm
Liverpool v Swansea City
Swansea will face the task of withstanding an in-form Liverpool side that have scored ten goals in their last two games at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds haven’t lost a league game on home turf since their 1-0 defeat against Southampton in September, and will be eager to seize victory in order to mount a Premier League title charge following their dramatic 3-2 away win against Fulham last Wednesday.
The triumph put Liverpool four points shy off top spot, as the dark horses of this season’s top-flight tussle continue to push leaders Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
In their previous six encounters with the Reds, Swansea have won two and lost just one in all competitions, which is perhaps an auspice of good fortune for Garry Monk. The 34-year-old will want to prevent his side from contending in a relegation scrap by salvaging something in Merseyside, as they are only four points off the drop.
Monk replaced Michael Laudrup as Swansea boss earlier this month, and will confront Brendan Rodgers as a manager for the first time. The ex-Swans captain made 45 appearances under Rodgers during the Irishman’s two-season tenure in South Wales (excl. play-offs).
KICK OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm
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