Matchweek 15 Previews
Manchester United v. Tottenham
Jose Mourinho makes his highly-anticipated return to Old Trafford on Wednesday, as he leads Tottenham into the Theater of Dreams on a 3-match winning streak in all competitions. While life has gotten off to a good start under Mourinho for Spurs, they have conceded 6 goals in their 3 matches since his appointment. Still, as the mood around the club has improved over the last couple of weeks, so have the results. Manchester United, on the other hand, are still struggling, as the man who was brought in to replace Mourinho just under a year ago has hardly improved upon what he was given. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has Manchester United off to their worst-ever start through 14 Premier League matches, and things need to take a turn for the better quickly if he is to keep his job.
Chelsea v. Aston Villa
After raising many eyebrows during the early part of the season, Frank Lampard and the new-look Chelsea have cooled off lately. They have lost their last 2 Premier League matches, but still sit comfortably in 4th place. With 8 wins in their last 9 meetings against Aston Villa, Chelsea will look to get back on track on Wednesday at home. For the Villans, they have struggled to build any momentum away from home, and have dropped a league-leading 13 points from winning positions this season. Can they turn things around at Stamford Bridge?
Liverpool v. Everton
Liverpool have dominated the Premier League this season, as they sit 8 points clear at the top of the table. Similarly, the Reds have dominated the recent history of the Merseyside Derby, as they last lost to bitter rivals Everton over 9 years ago. On top of that, Liverpool are on the 2nd-longest home unbeaten run in Premier League history, and last suffered defeat at Anfield in April 2017. Still, they struggled to score against the Toffees last season. Everton, meanwhile, are at a low point under Marco Silva. They sit just 2 points above the relegation zone in 17th place and have just 1 win in their last 10 Premier League away matches. Time seems to be running out for Silva on Merseyside, and this Derby was the final straw for Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool back in 2015 – could the Everton boss be heading for the same fate?
Arsenal v. Brighton & Hove Albion
Things did not go as Arsenal fans would have hoped on Sunday, as the club began life after Unai Emery. They last won a Premier League match back in early October, but will feel optimistic playing at home, where they have not yet lost in the league this season. On top of that, Brighton come into this match on the back of a 3-match losing streak, and have just 3 wins in their last 13 Premier League matches. Can the Seagulls take advantage of a down-on-their-luck Arsenal side? Or will Gunners fans finally get the post-Emery boost they were hoping for at the weekend?
Sheffield United v. Newcastle United
Sheffield United have been this season’s surprise package, as they enter matchweek 15 in 7th place. The Blades are unbeaten in their last 7 Premier League contests and they have summer-signing Lys Mousset in blistering form at the moment. Newcastle United are not to be taken lightly, however, as they have just 1 loss in their last 5 Premier League matches and have found a good vein of form under Steve Bruce. While there are certainly positives to take so far, the Magpies have also struggled away from home this season, with 5 losses in their 7 league matches away from home.
