Matchday 24 Previews
Manchester United v. Burnley
The good times continue to roll for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United. The Red Devils cruised to a win at Arsenal in the FA Cup on Friday, giving them 8 straight wins since Solskjaer was appointed interim manager. They now host Burnley, who have not won at Old Trafford in over 56 years. For the Clarets, despite losing at Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday, things have turned around for them in the Premier League as of late. The Clarets are unbeaten (3-1-0) in their last 4 PL matches and enter the matchweek 3 points above the relegation zone.
Newcastle United v. Manchester City
Manchester City continue to ease through multiple competitions, as they enter this match on the back of 8 straight wins in all competitions, outscoring opponents 33-2 in that stretch. Last season’s champions are showing no signs of slowing down and will hope to apply some pressure to league-leaders Liverpool, who lead by just 4 points, but play on Wednesday. At the other end of the table, Newcastle earned an important win over Cardiff City last time out in the Premier League. Still, the Magpies have a lot of work ahead of them if they hope to survive for another season in the top-flight. They will be put to the test in this match, as they are winless in their last 22 Premier League meetings against Man City.
Bournemouth v. Chelsea
Bournemouth rebounded from a poor run of form to defeat West Ham 2-0 last Saturday. They now host Chelsea, the first of 4 “big 6” teams they face in their next 6 matches. While Chelsea advanced to the EFL Cup Final on Thursday and the FA Cup 5th Round on Sunday, the mood around the club feels somewhat negative. They suffered a resounding defeat at Arsenal last time out in the Premier League, in which they failed to record a shot on target until the 82’. However, the acquisition of Gonzalo Higuain will give the Blues hope for more goal scoring threat in the final months of the season.
Southampton v. Crystal Palace
Southampton enter this match with 2 straight PL wins, plus their longest unbeaten run in the competition so far this season. They sit just 3 points above the relegation zone, but results have improved since the appointment of Ralph Hasenhuttl. They have had recent success against Crystal Palace, who enter this match with 1 win in their last 5 Premier League matches.
Liverpool v. Leicester City
League-leaders Liverpool enter this match fresh, having last played on January 19. They look to maintain their 4-point lead over Manchester City in the title race against Leicester, whom they have beaten 4 times in their last 5 Premier League meetings. The Foxes, on the other hand, have struggled of late, losing both of their last 2 PL matches and 3 of their last 4. They have lost each of their last 3 meetings against Liverpool.
