PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH PREVIEWS - SATURDAY MARCH 5

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal – Saturday 1245

Positions: Tottenham 2^nd, Arsenal 3^rd

Form (last six matches – league matches only – earliest results first):

Tottenham

WWWWWL (15pts)

Arsenal

LDWWLL (7pts)

·         This is the first North London derby for some time where both sides are in the top three, although both sides’ title ambitions were hit by an unexpected defeat in midweek. Arsenal may keenly feel the losses to injury of defender Laurent Koscielny and goalkeeper Petr Cech, so possibly Tottenham will edge this one.

Chelsea v Stoke City – Saturday 1500

Positions: Chelsea 10^th, Stoke 7^th

Form:

Chelsea

WDDWWW (14pts)

Stoke

LLLWWW (9pts)

·         Two teams in excellent form meet here, but the odds favour Chelsea, whose unbeaten run now extends to 10 matches.

Everton v West Ham United – Saturday 1500

Positions: Everton 11^th, West Ham 6^th

Form:

Everton

DLWWLW (10pts)

West Ham

DWLDWW (11pts)

·         West Ham are in excellent form and are closing in on the Champions League places. Given their boost from the fine win over Tottenham in midweek, they may be favourites here.

Manchester City v Aston Villa – Saturday 1500

Positions: Man City 4^th, Aston Villa 20^th

Form:

Man City

WDWLLL (7pts)

Aston Villa

DLWLLL (4pts)

·         The last time City lost three league matches in succession was 2008, when their manager was Mark Hughes and the Sheikh Mansour era was in its infancy. Given that their opponents are Aston Villa, who appear to be exiting the league with something of a whimper, few would expect that run to extend to four matches here.

Newcastle United v Bournemouth – Saturday 1500

Positions: Newcastle 19^th, Bournemouth 15^th

Form:

Newcastle

WLLWLL (6pts)

Bournemouth

DWLLDW (8pts)

·         Two sides still in need of the points meet here. Home advantage may just swing it for Newcastle.

Southampton v Sunderland – Saturday 1500

Positions: Southampton 9^th, Sunderland 17^th

Form:

Southampton

WDWWLL (10pts)

Sunderland

DLDWLD (6pts)

·         Sunderland have moved out of the bottom three for the first time in months, while Southampton’s good run of form has ended with successive defeats. The Saints remain favourites here, but if Sunderland can keep it tight at the back, they could claim the points.

Swansea City v Norwich City – Saturday 1500

Positions: Swansea 16^th, Norwich 18^th

Form:

Swansea

WDDLLW (8pts)

Norwich

LLLDLL (1pt)

·         Swansea may be breathing a little easier after going six points clear of safety with their excellent win over Tottenham. However, this remains a vital match for both teams.

Watford v Leicester City – Saturday 1730

Positions: Watford 12^th, Leicester 1^st

Form:

Leicester

WWWLWD (13pts)

Watford

WDLWDL (8pts)

·         Other results meant Leicester stay three points clear at the top despite only managing a draw against West Brom. Watford played well despite losing to Man Utd on Wednesday, and the leaders may find them difficult to break down.

Tipster Street.