Arsenal’s emphatic victory in the early kick-off is followed by a quintet of three o’clock clashes, before league leaders Chelsea look to stretch their legs at the top when they play host to Stoke City this evening.
Before that, the two double Gameweek 31 sides are in action as Villa pay visit to Old Trafford and QPR make the trip to the Hawthorns.
Everton entertain Southampton at Goodison Park as Roberto Martinez’ men gun for three consecutive victories for the first time this term. Saints frontman Graziano Pelle is currently suffering a 12-match barren run for the Hampshire club, yet his headed goal in midweek against England should serve as a much-needed confidence boost. Pelle starts as Ronald Koeman makes four changes, notably dropping Sadio Mane to the bench. As for Everton, they’re without Romelu Lukaku as Ross Barkley is recalled, along with Gareth Barry who returns from suspension.
Leicester City go head-to-head with West Ham United in a duel between two sides struggling for form. Despite besting a poor Sunderland outfit last time out, the Hammers have registered just one win in the previous eight Gameweeks, while the Foxes languish at the foot at the table by virtue of an eight-match winless streak. Diafra Sakho – who’s bagged two goals in his last five – remains the Irons’ principle threat. In defence, the return of Winston Reid allows manager Sam Allardyce to field two recognised centre-backs for the first time since their defeat to Chelsea. The Foxes shift to a 4-4-2 today, with Riyad Mahrez returning to the staring XI for the injured Matt Upson.
Man United play host to Aston Villa off the back of crucial wins over fellow top-four hopefuls Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks. Marouane Fellaini (three goals during international break) and Juan Mata (a brace against Liverpool) have emerged as key components in United’s midfield in the final third of the term – they both start again today. Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor boast three goals in as many league clashes for the Villains, ensuring the Red Devils rearguard are in for a contest.
Swansea lock horns with a Hull City side whose recent results belie some impressive performances. The Tigers attempted over double the volume of shots (19) that Chelsea managed (eight) when the Blues paid a visit last Gameweek, with the fit-again Abel Hernandez gracing the scoresheet. The Swans will hope that Bafetimbi Gomis can generate some momentum after netting his third of the season at Villa Park. The Swans are unchanged this afternoon, while Steve Bruce recalls Robbie Brady for Andrew Robertson at left wing-back.
West Bromwich Albion invite Queens Park Rangers to The Hawthorns in the first match-up of the R’s double. The Baggies have shut out the opposition in their previous three home ties but are without the suspended Craig Dawson for this encounter. QPR’s leading scorer, Charlie Austin, has failed to score in his last three starts and will need to rediscover his touch if the Hoops are to mount a last-gasp dash for survival. The Baggies are able to recall Brown Ideye up front, shifting Chris Baird to right-back in the only change. QPR also make one change: Junior Hoilett is recalled as Eduardo Vargas misses out.
Chelsea continue their pursuit of the Premier League crown when they match-up against Stoke in Saturday’s evening encounter. Eden Hazard sits atop the midfielders leaderboard having only failed to deliver attacking returns in four of his last 14 starts. Diego Costa is expected to figure, despite recent injury concerns, as he seeks to hold off both Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane in pursuit of the Golden Boot. Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic walk the suspension tightrope: a booking against the Potters will incur a two-match suspension and rule them out of the Blues’ next two fixtures (qpr, MUN).
