Premier League: How Will The Top Teams Fair This Weekend?

Premier League: How Will The Top Teams Fair This Weekend? Bada Akintunde Premier League: How Will The Top Teams Fair This Weekend?

Title race set for more twists and turns in busy round of Premier League action

The international break is over and domestic action is back in full swing, with a packed Premier League weekend in store featuring key clashes up and down the table.

Before key World Cup qualifiers a lot happened, with league leaders Arsenal losing away at Manchester United, while Tottenham slipped up at home to Newcastle United.

Manchester City crashed at the Stadium of Light, with Chelsea dropping points in a 2-2 draw with WBA after being awarded a questionable penalty in the dying minutes.

Matchday 12 is set to bring in more changes to the top of the table, with the title race being wide open.

This week a number of key fixtures are to be played:

1. Everton vs Liverpool

2. Arsenal vs Southampton

3. Manchester City vs Tottenham

Other games involving top teams:

Cardiff City vs Manchester United

West-Ham United vs Chelsea

1. Everton vs Liverpool

The prestigious Merseyside derby will be one of the key fixtures this weekend. Roberto Martinez is looking good as Everton manager with his team are currently in 6th position, level on points with both United and Tottenham.

Liverpool on the other hand are hitting fine form this season, largely due to the stunning form of strikers Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez.

The Merseyside derby has always brought out the aggressive side out of both teams. This encounter will be one too watch out for.

Verdict: 2-3

2. Arsenal vs Southampton

Arsenal faced defeat at the hands of Manchester United last week, while Southampton continued their fairy-tale season with another victory. Arsenal have been in scintillating form this season, and so have Southampton.

Southampton are only three points behind the league leaders, Arsenal. They have also conceded fewer goals this season than any other team. Wenger needs his side to regain momentum from last matchday's defeat. With Southampton players impressing in club and country, it will be a flair filled match for sure.

Verdict: 2-1

3. Manchester City vs Tottenham

Both teams were beaten last week, both defeats were by one goal. Tottenham showed more intent to win last Matchday, if it wasn't for the heroics of Tim Krul, Spurs would have been level on points with Liverpool.

City on the other hand have an out-of-form Goalkeeper, which is the reason for their defeat. An in-form Joe hart may have prevented that goal, but the surprising aspect of their defeat at the Stadium Of Light was that with all their firepower, they were still unable to make any significant impact.

With both teams in dire need for a victory, it will be an amazing game for the neutrals.

Verdict: 3-1

Other games involving top teams:

Both United and Chelsea face off away against weaker oppositions this weekend. And both teams will be looking to pick up all the three points from their respective match-ups. Jose Mourinho will make sure his team get the 3 points against a weak Hammers side and won't let things get out of control this time around. David Moyes' United side are starting to gain valuable momentum, but with Carrick's injury setback, it will be interesting to see who steps up to the plate.

West-Ham United vs Chelsea Verdict: 1-3

Cardiff City vs Manchester United Verdict: 1-2

Can Arsenal add on their tally of 25 points, or will they be beaten by the Saints? Can City get back to their lethal best against Tottenham, or will AVB's team pull a shocker against Manuel Pellegrini's men? Will the Merseyside derby live up to its expectation, can Everton hold up against the lethal combination of Sturridge and Suarez? Can West Ham and Cardiff beat the likes of Chelsea and United, or is it just too big a task?

We will have to wait and watch.

Posted by Hodie J