Manchester United will look to return to winning ways when they face Southampton at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have registered back to back draws in the league, a run which has seen them fall a staggering 15 points behind leaders Manchester City. It’s not quite the way Mourinho would have wanted his December to be, but it’s almost as clear as daylight that their title challenge is over.
Southampton confirmed the sale of defender Virgil Van Dijk to Liverpool for 75m pounds, a record fee for a defender. With results not going their way, it will be interesting to see how they fare without the Dutchman.
Liverpool will host Leicester City at Anfield. The Reds are on the back of a 5-0 thrashing of Swansea City while securing the signing of Van Dijk, a player they have courted since the end of last season.
Leicester on the other hand followed up their draw against Man United with defeat against Watford. They now face a daunting task to register their first win in 3 games.
Chelsea take on Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are third on the table and have won three of their last four games. Opponents Stoke have won just one of their last five games, leaving them in 13th place and just three points off the relegation zone. Worrying times for Mark Hughes whose job seems to be on the line.
Bournemouth will go in search of points against a resurgent Everton at the Vitality Stadium. Without a win in their last five games, Eddie Howe will be expecting a response from his charges.
Following a 5-0 drubbing against Liverpool, Swansea know only a win will do when they travel to face 10th placed Watford at Vicarage Road.
On the back of draws in their respective games, Huddersfield and Burnley will face off at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Newcastle and Brighton will look to return to winning ways at St. James’ Park.
Tomorrow, Manchester City travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace. The Citizens have continued to set the pace in the League, with their latest being a 1-0 win over Newcastle. The only downside was yet another injury suffered by captain Vincent Kompany, and a return time is yet to be established.
Palace’s defeat to Arsenal ended an impressive run of 8 matches unbeaten for the Eagles. Roy Hodgson will now hope his charges can shake off that setback, and what better way to do it than against the League leaders?
West Brom tackle Arsenal at the Hawthorns. The Gunners picked up just their third away win of the season against Crystal Palace, with the match also marking Arsene Wenger’s 801st League game in charge, leveling with Man United’s great, Sir Alex Ferguson. West Brom have won just two out of 20 games all season, with 15 points to show for it.
New manager Alan Pardew has yet to work his magic on the squad, but has tasked his side with putting in a good showing.
