The Premier League returns to action this weekend after the international break. Sunderland will kick off this weekend on Saturday facing Manchester United and Arsenal will host Reading. Other games this weekend:
Manchester City vs Newcastle United on Saturday, March 30th at 15:00
Manchester City welcomes Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Newcastle is only 3 points above Aston Villa and is not completely out of the relegation scare yet. Should they manage to overcome City this weekend, they will almost be certain of safety and can begin to look up the table to push for a top half finish. City, on the other hand, are all but out of the title race now and will be looking to confirm a second placed finish – and may just be keeping one eye on the FA cup semi-final the following week.
West Ham vs West Brom on Saturday, March 30th at 15:00
West Ham have been in the news a lot this week after winning the bid to secure the Olympic stadium as their home ground. For now, however, their home matches will remain at Upton Park – and that will be the venue on Saturday afternoon for the travelling West Brom. West Ham are also in a similar situation to Newcastle despite such an impressive start from the newly promoted club. However, although being on 33 points like Newcastle they have played a game less than those around them and so may be feeling a bit more confident that they won’t be dropping down immediately back to the championship.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool on Sunday, March 31st at 13:30
Aston Villa has finally began to hit there form, winning two games on the run. Not just any two games either – they gained 3 points in consecutive back to back matches against two of the bottom three clubs and their relegation rivals. The two wins has now gave them breathing space as they are now on 30 points albeit only three points clear of Wigan whom have a game in hand. Therefore they will be hoping to continue their fine form as they play host to Liverpool as the lunch time kick off on Sunday. Liverpool themselves had been in good form, winning three of their last four. However that fourth game was a 3-1 defeat to Southampton which effectively ended their push for 4th. Losing to teams lower in the league has been a massive problem of Liverpool’s for some time as the last time these two faced this season the score was again a 3-1 shock defeat to Liverpool and an unlikely victory for Aston villa at Anfield.
