The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsA review of all the upcoming Premier League fixtures. Chelsea host Arsenal in an eagerly awaited all London clash, can Manchester City keep their 100% league record intact when they host an in form West Ham team? Can Newcastle finally get their first win of the season when they host Watford Saturday?
Liam Moore rounds up all the action coming your way this weekend.
Chelsea V Arsenal, 12:45, Stamford Bridge.
This all London derby has potentially came at a bad time for both clubs. With Arsenal’s shock midweek loss to Dinamo Zagreb and Chelsea’s pitiful league form this game could be a very close one. Willian will be missing the game for the hosts, while Radamel Falcao, Oscar and Pedro are all doubts for the match. Per Mertesacker is in contention for a starting position after four match absent. If Arsenal were to come out victorious it would set a new record, the first time Jose Mourinho has lost back to back home games as a manager.
Aston Villa V West Brom, 15:00, Villa Park.
Villa host West Brom in this Midlands derby. Villa will be looking to put Leicester City’s incredible come back behind them while the visitors will be looking to record a win after last week’s scoreless draw at home to Southampton. Villa could be missing Carles Gil and Angel Crespo for the visit of West Brom. The baggies have just experienced defeat once in their last six away games, (W2 D4).
Bournemouth V Sunderland, 15:00, Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth entertain Sunderland Saturday afternoon where they’ll be looking to get back to winning ways after last week’s defeat at the hands of Norwich. Although they played well, they’ll have nothing to say about the defeat as Norwich were a level above on the day. While Sunderland are still seeking for their first win of the campaign. Tyrone Mings and Max Gradel will be missing the home match while Steven Fletcher will undergo a late fitness test to see if he travels with the squad. Callum Wilson will be looking to record his fifth goal of the campaign while Jermain Defoe will be looking to net against his 35th Premier League team.
Newcastle V Watford, 15:00, St James’ Park.
Watford travel up to Tyneside to take on an out of form Newcastle team. Watford will take a lot of confidence out of their home win against Swansea last week while Newcastle will be hoping that this is the week they finally pick up maximum points offered. Aleksander Mitrovic will be missing for the hosts, as he serves out his second game for his straight red before the international break. Valon Behrami and Miguel Britos, both miss out through suspension for the visitors too. Newcastle will be eager to get themselves on the score sheet this weekend, a task they’ve failed to do for their previous four Premier League games.
Stoke City V Leicester City, 15:00, Britannia Stadium.
Stoke host Leicester in this Saturday afternoon match. High flying Leicester currently sit second in the league and after last week’s inspiring come back they’ll be feeling confident of picking up all the points here. Stoke will be looking to leave the relegation zone as they currently sit 18th picking up two points from a possible fifteen. John Walters, Glen Johnson and Peter Odemwingie are all doubts for the game while Charlie Adam and Ibrahim Afellay will miss out through suspensions. Leicester City have no new injuries. The impressive Jack Butland has made 27 league saves this campaign, more than any other.
