Premier League Preview - Saturday 25th February
Premier League football returns on Saturday after a break for FA Cup action last weekend. The latest round of fixtures sees action that could have a bearing on the title challenge and the fight to avoid relegation.
Chelsea v Swansea City
This fixture sees top of the table Chelsea host Swansea City, which sees two in-form teams battle it out. Swansea have gained 12 points from a possible 18 in 2017, whilst Chelsea have gained 11 points from the same period. Swansea City manager Paul Clement is relishing returning to his former club, saying “It is a big task for us.”
“We went to Liverpool with a very positive attitude and also Manchester City, where we were very close to getting something as well.”
“We will approach this with the same mentality and try and execute the plan on Saturday.”
Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough
Boro travel to Selhurst Park with only Chelsea and Manchester United conceding fewer away goals than Boro this season. However, Crystal Palace can do a league double over Middlesbrough for the first time since 1992/93 after beating them 2-1 in September at the Riverside Stadium.
Everton v Sunderland
Everton host Sunderland at Goodison Park with Romelu Lukaku missing the club's training camp in Dubai over the past week. Lukaku has scored seven times in the Premier League against Sunderland.
The Black Cats slumped to a 4-0 defeat against Southampton in their last Premier League fixture, however David Moyes will be looking to pick up some vital points as he returns to his old club.
Hull v Burnley
After a shock exit to Lincoln City in the FA Cup, Burnley look to restore some pride as they face 18th placed Hull City. Hull could win three consecutive top flight home matches for the first time in their history if they beat Burnley on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Burnley will be looking to see a return in fortune which saw their biggest Premier League away victory at the KCOM Stadium when they won 4-1 in April 2010.
West Brom v Bournemouth
14th placed Bournemouth travel to the Midlands to face West Brom. The Baggies are looking to make it seven Premier League wins out of eight at The Hawthorns and need just seven more points to better their tally for the whole of the last Premier League season.
Bournemouth have hit a poor run of form recently, win-less in all competitions in 2017. Bournemouth’s only win in six league meetings was in this fixture last season.
Watford v West Ham
The evening fixture sees Watford face London rivals West Ham United at Vicarage Road. Watford remain in good form against West Ham, having won three of their last four Premier League meetings.
Andy Carroll will miss the tie on Saturday, with manager Slaven Bilic confirming “the only thing about him is that now he is a little bit injured and he didn't train for ten days. That is a big blow for us but, saying that, he is going to be back very soon.”
