Matchday 27 Preview: North London derby & Etihad Showdown Highlight Blockbuster Premier League Weekend

Matchday 27 of the Premier League promises plenty of drama at both ends of the table, with title bidders, top-four contenders and relegation battlers all facing pivotal tests.

From the North London derby to heavyweight clashes at the Etihad and Villa Park, the stakes could scarcely be higher this weekend, offering ample betting opportunities.

Only the bravest would bet against Manchester City overcoming Newcastle United at 1/2. However, that’s not the shortest price on the board, with Arsenal tipped at 3/5 to get the better of Tottenham in the latest edition of the North London derby. 

Without further ado, let’s look at the upcoming Premier League fixtures.

Aston Villa vs Leeds United

Saturday’s Premier League action kicks off at Villa Park as top-four hopefuls Aston Villa take on season-long bottom-half strugglers Leeds United in a must-win clash.

Villa’s underwhelming return of just one win from their last three league outings left their faint title hopes in tatters, but they’re still boasting a comfortable six-point cushion over fifth-placed Chelsea.

Unbeaten in three of their last four league games (W1, D2), Leeds United will be out to arrest a six-game winless Premier League streak against Unai Emery’s charges (D2, L4).

However, after a 2-1 win in November’s reverse fixture, the Lions could secure only their second league double over them in the division.

Brentford vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Sitting only four points adrift of the top five, high-flying Brentford head into proceedings on the back of a three-game unbeaten league run (W2, D1), looking to build on a 1-1 draw against Arsenal last time out.

Despite faring outstandingly at the Gtech Community Stadium this season, Keith Andrews’ men have picked up just one win across their last four home matches in the top flight (D2, L1).

Brentford’s rough patch in London must be music to Fabian Hurzeler’s ears, as the 32-year-old manager has become the odds-on favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be relieved of his duties.

Visiting Brighton have claimed a joint-low one league fixture since the start of December (D6, L6), making this a ‘make or break’ clash for the under-fire German tactician.

Chelsea vs Burnley

Liam Rosenior’s appointment has coincided with Chelsea’s return to form, with table-topping Arsenal remaining the only side to have beaten the Blues since his arrival.

Four wins from their last five Premier League outings have re-established the Stamford Bridge outfit as genuine top-four contenders, keeping them within touching distance of the top four.

Chelsea trail fourth-placed Manchester United by a single point and will be looking to hold up their end of the bargain when they take on relegation-threatened Burnley at home.

With Cole Palmer and Reece James fit for Saturday’s showdown in West London, anything other than a landslide victory for the resurgent hosts would be a major upset.

West Ham United vs Bournemouth

Nuno Espirito Santo seems to have finally steered West Ham United back on track, as evidenced by the Hammers’ promising run of just one defeat from their last seven competitive games (W5, D1).

However, the London side would be naive to take this meeting lightly, with in-form Bournemouth set to arrive in the capital amid a six-game unbeaten league streak (W4, D2).

Andoni Iraola’s men have hit their stride following a patchy form in the festive period, but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels if they’re to haul back a seven-point deficit to fifth-placed Chelsea.

Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Etihad Stadium forms the backdrop for one of Matchday 27’s standout fixtures, as Man City and Newcastle United go head-to-head for the third time this calendar year.

Pep Guardiola’s team won both League Cup semi-final legs against the Magpies via a two-goal margin, meaning they should be confident about avenging November’s 2-1 loss at St James’ Park.

As a result of that success, Newcastle could complete their first league double over the Cityzens since 1955/56, though it’s worth noting that they’re winless in their last 21 away meetings in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Crystal Palace’s pursuit of only their third top-half finish since returning to the top flight in 2013 is hanging by a thread amidst a string of poor results.

Indeed, the Eagles have won just one of their last 11 league matches (D3, L7), while their last home victory in the Premier League dates back to the beginning of November (D3, L5).

With that in mind, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ visit could be just what the doctor ordered for Oliver Glasner’s disjointed side, given that the visitors are already preparing for life in the Championship.

Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool

Fighting on opposite sides of the table, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are both in desperate need of points, albeit for different reasons.

Despite avoiding defeat in five of their last six league games (W2, D3), Sean Dyche’s men are still frantically looking over their shoulders, with 18th-placed West Ham breathing down their necks.

On the other hand, Liverpool’s top-four hopes are hanging in the balance after their last four Premier League matches fluctuated between victories and defeats (W2, L2).

As confirmed by Arne Slot during his latest interview, the Reds are still without Alexander Isak, who could return to action next month.

Sunderland vs Fulham

Sunderland and Fulham have both struggled for form in the Premier League lately, with the hosts losing their last two top-flight games in a row without scoring.

However, the Black Cats’ recent woes pale in comparison to Fulham’s slump, as the Cottagers have lost three consecutive matches while conceding at least two goals in each defeat.

On that basis, the visitors’ bid to secure their first league double over Sunderland since the 2002/03 campaign seems to be anything but a foregone conclusion.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

The stakes will be at an all-time high when Tottenham and Arsenal renew hostilities in the latest edition of the iconic North London derby on Sunday.

A 2-1 home loss to Newcastle last time out marked the end of Thomas Frank’s regime at Tottenham, with former Juventus boss Igor Tudor taking over the reins until the end of the season.

Tudor couldn’t have hoped for a sterner test on his touchline debut, as Spurs aim to throw the Gunners’ title quest into further chaos following a pair of gut-wrenching draws against Brentford and Wolves.

Everton vs Manchester United

Man Utd’s first-ever visit to Everton‘s brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium comes at an opportune moment for the Red Devils, who have hit a purple patch under interim manager Michael Carrick.

Despite being knocked down from a four-game winning league run with a last-gasp 1-1 draw at West Ham, the visitors will take the field in high spirits, looking to strengthen their position in the top four.

Former United boss David Moyes will be eager to throw a spanner in the works, as the Toffees hope to bounce back from a frustrating 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth in their last league contest. 

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