Premier League Matchday 32: Ten Things to Watch This Weekend

The action is coming thick and fast in the Premier League, with Matchday 32 following hot on the heels of an exciting round of midweek fixtures.

Without further ado, read on we look at some key talking points and statistics ahead of what promises to be another thrilling weekend in the English top flight.

Crystal Palace vs Manchester City

The clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park undoubtedly has the potential to be a banana skin for the reigning Premier League champions.

After winning just one of their first nine home league matches this season, Palace have picked up ten points from their last five fixtures on home soil (W3, D1, L1).

However, they have failed to score in their last four home games against Man City and the visitors will fancy their chances of keeping their title bid on track.

Aston Villa vs Brentford

Issues at both ends of the table could be impacted when Aston Villa and Brentford go head-to-head in the Midlands on Saturday.

The fixture looks to be a classic ‘home banker’, with Villa’s impressive tally of 11 victories at Villa Park matches by Brentford’s 11 defeats on the road.

History is against the Bees as they have never won a league fixture away at Villa, drawing five and losing three of their previous eight visits.

Everton vs Burnley

The fixtures computer has produced a tasty relegation clash this weekend, with Everton vs Burnley set to be a crucial game in the battle to avoid the drop.

A 1-1 draw at Newcastle United in midweek was Everton’s 13th league game without a win – the club has not experienced a longer winless run in the top-flight since 1937 (14).

However, a home game against a Burnley side that has looked out of its depth in the Premier League since winning promotion should prove to be just what the doctor ordered.

Fulham vs Newcastle United

Fulham and Newcastle United meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday in a game which could have a significant bearing on qualification for the Europa Conference League.

The home side head into the game five points behind the Magpies, and a victory this weekend would keeping them in contention for a European spot.

They could be a good bet to get the job done, with Newcastle’s away record (W3, D2, L9) leaving a lot to be desired for a so-called ‘big club’.

Luton Town vs Bournemouth

The Luton Town vs Bournemouth game offers the home side the opportunity to continue a remarkable goalscoring run at Kenilworth Road.

The Hatters have got on the scoresheet in 11 consecutive home league games, with their last blank coming against Tottenham Hotspur in October.

However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches on home soil – a statistic which suggests the ‘both teams to score’ market could deliver a winning return here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs West Ham United

The eye-catching fixture between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United is another which could impact European qualification this season.

Wolves head into the game 11th in the standings, but a victory this weekend would move them level on points with West Ham with a game in hand.

Gary O’Neil’s side have defeated Sheffield United and Fulham in their last two home games, but are yet to win three on the spin at Molineux this term.

Brighton & Hove Albion vs Arsenal

Attention switches to the south coast in the final game on Saturday as Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal meet at the Amex Stadium.

The Seagulls have assembled an impressive 14-game unbeaten streak on home soil in all competitions and will be eager to derail Arsenal’s title challenge this weekend.

However, the Gunners’ 34-11 goal difference and 30 points accrued is the best in the Premier League and they should enhance that record at the Amex.

Manchester United vs Liverpool

A blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Liverpool is always one of the most eagerly anticipated games in the Premier League calendar.

Each of the past five matches between the two sides at Old Trafford have featured at least three goals, and another classic is on the cards on Sunday.

Mohamed Salah is the undisputed danger man for the visitors having netted 13 goals in 14 appearances against the Red Devils.

Sheffield United vs Chelsea

All reasonable logic suggests Sheffield United vs Chelsea should produce an away win, but it would be foolish to make any assumptions where the Blues are concerned.

They failed to defeat 10-man Burnley last weekend, before producing a remarkable comeback to beat Man United in midweek.

Chelsea have scored and conceded in nine of their past 10 games across all competitions – on that basis, expect plenty of goalmouth action at Bramall Lane.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest

Matchday 32 concludes in London on Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest square off in a hugely important fixture.

Spurs are firmly in the mix for Champions League qualification, while Forest are battling to avoid relegation to the Championship following their recent points deduction.

A record of just one victory in their last nine meetings with Spurs suggests the Tricky Trees will find it difficult to follow up their midweek win against Fulham.

Premier League Matchday 32: Ten Things to Watch This Weekend

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