EPL Week 11 - Sunday Preview

Arsenal v Tottenham @ Emirates Stadium

It's a white hot North London Derby as bitter rivals Arsenal and Tottenham collide at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. With Manchester City's surprise slip up yesterday, the Gunners have the chance to go top of the table heading into the international break. The goals have dried up for Spurs having suffered frustrating draws against West Brom, Bournemouth and Leicester City in consecutive games. Despite being the only remaining unbeaten team in the Premier League, Spurs have slipped to 5th, however welcome back star striker Harry Kane for the high octane clash. Last year these sides played out two draws in the Premier League with Spurs holding on for 1-1 at the Emirates.

Verdict - Arsenal 1 Spurs 1

Tottenham are the draw specialists and I think they can frustrate Arsenal for long periods here. Expect Arsenal to play this game on the front foot and have the majority of the chances. However, with Harry Kane back, I would not be underestimating Spurs pulling off an upset here.  

Hull City v Southampton @ KC Stadium

Struggling Hull will be looking to arrest their alarming slide when they host Southampton on Sunday. Hull have shipped 20 goals in their last 6 games, which has seen them slide all the way into 18th and in the relegation zone. Southampton were outplayed at home last week by Chelsea in a comprehensive 2-0 defeat. However, the Saints have conceded just 4 goals in their last 6 Premier League games and will fancy their chances of another clean sheet here. The Saints have won their past 6 League games against Hull as well as their last 4 Premier League clashes. 

Verdict - Southampton 1 Hull 0

Hull are on the slide in a massive way and I don't think they have the quality to dig themselves out of it. Southampton are a well organised and disciplined side and 1 goal might be enough for them here to claim all 3 points. 

Liverpool v Watford @ Anfield

Rampant Liverpool have the chance to enter the International break in equal first place if they can dispense with Watford on Sunday afternoon. The Reds have sizzled in their second year under charismatic manager Jurgen Klopp, scoring 24 goals in their opening 10 games. The Reds have been close to perfect at home with 3 victories and 1 draw and will fancy their chances of another dominant display against Watford. Watford can't be underestimated having made an excellent start to the season to sit 7th after 10 games. Watford have lost just once on the road this year, and have kept clean sheets in each of their past 3 games. When they last visited Liverpool in May, Watford were defeated 2-0, and they have won just 1 of their last  9 League games at Anfield. 

Verdict - Liverpool 3 Watford 1

Sticking with the patten here and going for Liverpool to entertain, win and concede a soft goal. The Reds are rampant at home and, despite Watford performing extremely well on the road this year, I just think Liverpool are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment. I expect the Reds to win comfortably. 

Swansea City v Manchester United @ Liberty Stadium

Reeling Manchester United will be without Jose Mourinho on the bench when they visit Swansea on Sunday.  Mourinho was given a one-match touchline ban for his outburst in the tunnel against referee Mark Clattenburg in their side's disappointing 0-0 draw against Burnley at Old Trafford. It continued a wretched run of results for United with just 1 win in their past 7 Premier League games, seeing them slide all the way to 8th on the table after a promising beginning. Swansea have problems of a whole deeper scale having collected just 2 points from a possible 27 after an opening day victory. The Swans are cast adrift in 19th spot and need points in a hurry if they want to get out of the hole they have dug themselves. 

Verdict - Swansea 2 Manchester United 2

Taking a bit of a punt here and thinking United's rot might get a bit worse before it gets better with a draw at lowly Swansea. With Mourinho missing and the side lacking any sort of confidence, any away game in the Premier League might prove difficult. United have looked incredibly shaky at the back of late and Swansea might be able to knick a couple of goals here and walk away with a share of the spoils.