Premier League preview & predictions: Gameweek 19
Barely got your breath back, right?
Don't worry, you're not alone - but there's no time to chew over the fat of the Premier League's midweek games, because it's straight into another gruelling weekend of action for 18 of the 20 teams in the division.
Aston Villa and Everton will be watching on after their game was postponed because of an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Midlanders, but for Liverpool and Manchester United it's a date with destiny at Anfield - a date that is setup with the backdrop of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side topping the Premier League table for the first time in years.
A number of sides are playing twice during gameweek 19, but for now, here's 90min's preview and predictions of the first dose of games on offer.
Saturday
Wolves vs West Brom
What time is kick off? 12:30 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Molineux
TV channel? BT Sport (UK), fuboTV (US)
The weekend action gets underway at Molineux as struggling West Brom travel to goal-shy Wolves in the hope of getting some welcome points on the road.
The Baggies had been expected to shore things up under Sam Allardyce, but gritty performance against Liverpool aside, he's struggled to co-ordinate their defence like he's been able to do so many times before.
Wolves is not an easy place to go, but with Raul Jimenez on the sidelines, Nuno Espirito Santo's side aren't as prolific in front of goal as they once were and, consequently, don't hold the same fear factor. A close game could result in a much needed away point.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 West Brom
Leeds vs Brighton
What time is kick off? 15;00 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Elland Road
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
Leeds United score loads of goals, concede loads of goals and are generally a whole lot of fun to watch.
Brighton play lots of good stuff, stroking the ball around elegantly, but they often flatter to deceive in front of goal, evidenced by their desperately poor Premier League record of two wins in 18 games. A dogged performance at Manchester City was impressive, but Graham Potter needs points, not pretty performances.
At Elland Road, that may be a step too far.
Prediction: Leeds 3-2 Brighton
West Ham vs Burnley
What time is kick off? 15;00 (GMT)
Where is it being played? London Stadium
TV channel? Amazon Prime (UK), Peacock Premium (US)
West Ham are on the up under David Moyes, even though they've been without number one striker Michail Antonio for a chunk of the season through injury.
He's back now, and it's a good job too - as the Hammers opted to cash in on the struggling Sebastien Haller at the beginning of the month. West Ham's opponents this weekend are Burnley, who historically give them a little bit of grief with their bustling front of two of Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.
The Kiwi loves scoring against the Hammers, and could do so again in another tightly contested game.
Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Burnley
Fulham vs Chelsea
What time is kick off? 17:30 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Craven Cottage
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
The gloves will be off in west London on Saturday evening as ever-improving Fulham take on neighbourhood rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage.
Scott Parker's side are playing much better of late, and deservedly took a point of Tottenham in midweek after falling behind to a Harry Kane goal. In truth, they should probably have got all three points.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are blowing very hot and cold, and can either look scintillatingly brilliant or absolutely abysmal under Frank Lampard. The boss will hope it's the latter on derby day, and he may get his wish.
Prediction: Fulham 1-2 Chelsea
Leicester vs Southampton
What time is kick off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where is it being played? King Power Stadium
TV channel? BT Sport (UK), Peacock Premium (US)
Two aesthetically pleasing sides to watch clash in the late, late game on Saturday as high-flyers Leicester welcome Southampton to King Power Stadium.
Weirdly, Brendan Rodgers' hosts play so much better away from familiar surroundings, likely because Jamie Vardy still thrives of the increased amount of space left in behind defences. Against Southampton, he won't get much of that - and instead the visitors will look to get on the ball as much as they can and push the Foxes back.
Ralph Hasenhuttl's well-oiled pressing machine will be without Danny Ings though as he's tested positive for COVID-19, and that could result in an entertaining blank.
Prediction: Leicester 0-0 Southampton
Sunday
Sheffield United vs Tottenham
What time is kick off? 14:00 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Bramall Lane
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
Basement boys Sheffield United got off the mark last time out against Newcastle, thanks to Billy Sharp's expertly taken second half penalty.
The Blades will hope to carry that momentum into their clash with Tottenham, whom they took four points off last season in what was a fairytale maiden campaign back in the top flight. Jose Mourinho hasn't forgotten how his side capitulated at Bramall Lane last season, and righting that wrong is sure to be on top of his agenda.
What did Jose Mourinho have to say about Sheffield United?
"They are a very good team. So honestly, if in our mind is we are going to play against the worst team in in the Premier League, we are going to be in big trouble."
Harry Kane and Son Heung-min will provide the firepower as Spurs look to brush off recent disappointing draws snatched from the jaws of victory.
Prediction: Sheffield United 0-2 Tottenham
Liverpool vs Manchester United
What time is kick off? 16:30 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Old Trafford
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), Peacock Premium (US)
Read 90min's full preview of the game here.
It's been a long time coming for Manchester United, but they are finally back on top of the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils travel to Liverpool looking to rub salt into the wounds of a weakened fierce adversary, but Jurgen Klopp will have every confidence that his fearsome front three - supplemented by his razor sharp midfield - can help bring United back down to earth.
Is Anthony Martial injured?
Manchester United's French striker is struggling with a muscle complaint, and could be joined on the sidelines by Nemanja Matic if they fail to pass a fitness test.
The roar of the Kop will obviously be missing, but this game should captivate the attention of all across the country - and when it's all said and done, it could be a share of the spoils brought about by a moment of magic...or maybe a penalty.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
What time is kick off? 19:15 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Etihad Stadium
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), Peacock Premium (US)
Manchester City are back, there's no two ways about it.
Granted, they are not at their free-flowing, goalscoring best, but Pep Guardiola's side are popping the ball around nicely, have got their act together in defence after pairing John Stones with Ruben Dias and have the hottest young talent in the country playing well, the dynamic Phil Foden.
Three points on the way then? Well, that may not be so straight forward - as Crystal Palace have proven they can go to the Etihad and get a result against the odds. Can they do it again? We think not.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-1 Crystal Palace
Monday
Arsenal vs Newcastle
What time is kick off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where is it being played? Emirates Stadium
TV channel? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
It's not an easy time to be an Arsenal supporter, even though Mikel Arteta's side have banished the unthinkable relegation fears that had crept on to many people's radars towards the end of 2020.
But even though the Gunners have chalked up some wins, Arteta is the first to admit that his side are lacking quality in the final third - and their inability to get goals out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is doing significant damage.
Fortunately, they have another chance to down Newcastle, who took them to extra time in the FA Cup third round, and it's an opportunity they may seize with the visitors low on confidence.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle