It is derby day in the Premier League on Sunday as one of the biggest days of the campaign so far takes place. This is also the last day of matches before an international break so all eight sides involved will be motivated for the points.
Arguably no two sides are in bigger need of the points on Sunday than Newcastle and Sunderland. They play one of the biggest Tyne-Wear derbies there have ever been. Norwich’s win on Saturday has piled the pressure on these two and I don’t think it is over exaggerating things to suggest the loser at St James’ Park will find it very hard to survive.
Sunderland have had the better of their recent meetings but Rafa Benitez has had enough time to get his views across and we should see Newcastle improve much more going into this game. Much has been made about Benitez’s good record over Sam Allardyce. I’m not sure if that is going to be a factor here but in truth I’m struggling to get up for a bet here.
I’ve always had this thing about Sunderland’s dominance in this Premier League fixture being down to the number of home grown players they have but one thing Steve McClaren did do for Newcastle was sign some British talent so maybe that advantage Sunderland had isn’t as big. The game is too big for me to bet on.
While that game is going ahead Southampton take on Liverpool at St Mary’s. I have to say I was tempted by Liverpool in this match. I get the feeling they are just getting up a head of steam under Jurgen Klopp but really their season is about the Europa League now so I’m put off there too.
The second derby of the day sees both colours of Manchester clashing at the Etihad as City meet United. I don’t think City have a prayer of the title now but if they are to keep any feint hopes alive this is a match they just have to win.
United are a side who can’t afford to be out of the Champions League again and with a four point gap between them and City already they can’t afford to lose this one. In an ideal world they will win this game and move to within a point but lose and they can kiss goodbye to any chances they have of being among Europe’s elite.
The reverse fixture between these two was one of the most boring, turgid games of football you’ll ever see but given that both need to win this match I’m expecting something a little more exciting. Obviously local rivalry will dictate that should there be a goal it will all kick off because neither will want to lose.
United can’t defend while City’s record without Vincent Kompany isn’t crash hot so I’m going to back both sides to score here. If we get an early goal this one will ignite and I think both can find the net in what could turn into a crazy game of football.
The last game on Sunday sees Tottenham playing Bournemouth. Leicester piled the pressure on Tottenham on Saturday and anything but a Spurs win and this will be Leicester’s title to well and truly lose if it isn’t already.
Bournemouth are a dangerous side who can’t be taken lightly so Spurs will need to be at their best here. With the pressure the home side are under I can’t be backing them at short odds but I respect Spurs enough to not get involved in the game.
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