Premier League Week 12 Matchup Preview

Norwich vs. Watford

November 8th 3:00pm ET– Both Norwich and Watford are at the bottom of the table, 19th and 20th respectively. Both teams are desperately looking for a win as they are stuck in the relegation zone. Norwich has two wins on the season, but has more losses than Watford. Similarly, Watford has no wins, but five draws and six losses. A win is needed for hope and confidence of both teams.

Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace

November 9th 7:30am ET– At this point in the season, Chelsea is on a five game winning streak in the Premier League. They have dominated their opponents with their strength in youth players and want to challenge for a top spot in the Premier League. Every game will be important for them as they want to stay in the top four. On the other hand, Palace has only one point in the last three games and is close to falling out of the top ten. If they were to lose this game, they would most likely drop into the bottom ten.

Burnley vs. West Ham

November 9th 10:00am ET– A few weeks ago, both of these teams were in the upper half of the table and looked pretty stable. However, they began to collapse and both teams have not gotten a win in their past three games. Burnley is coming off a thrashing from promoted Sheffield United, whereas West Ham is coming off a 3-2 home loss to Newcastle. A win is needed as both teams will want to break into the top ten.

Newcastle vs. Bournemouth

November 9th 10:00am ET– Bournemouth finally broke farther into the top ten last week as they triumphed over Manchester United. If wins like that keep coming for the Cherries, Bournemouth could be a top five team very soon. Comparatively, Newcastle is coming off a huge win against West Ham and it broke them away from the relegation zone. Another win this week would be wonderful for their hope and survival in this league.

Southampton vs. Everton

November 9th 10:00am ET– Both teams are deathly close to the relegation zone. Southampton has not won a game in the Premier League since early September. This game is an opportunity for them to get back on track after their last two games, which have lowered their confidence level. I have said it before, but Everton should be doing better with the team they have. They are on the cusp of the relegation zone with a great team. They are missing something and just need to get on track.

Tottenham vs. Sheffield United

November 9th 10:00am ET– Much like Everton, Tottenham has slumped all season and are missing that consistency. With the team they have, they should be doing better than 11th. This team made it to the Champions League final last year, but have not won a game out of the past four in the Premier League. Alternatively, Sheffield United is on an absolute streak. They are up to sixth and are undoubtedly the most prepared promoted team. To prove they can fit in this league, they need to keep that consistency in the long run.

Leicester vs. Arsenal

November 9th 12:30pm ET– At the moment, Leicester are battling it out for a top four spot and it looks to be a complete flashback to 2015/16 when they won the title. They are absolutely dominating teams, but need a win to prove they can challenge top teams. As for Arsenal, they sit in fifth and are also fighting for a top four spot. If they could ignore the chaos going on off the pitch, then they could possibly knock off the third place team.

Manchester United vs. Brighton

November 10th 9:00am ET– The pressure is mounting against Ole Gunnar Solskjær (Man United’s manager) as they have four losses and four draws already this season. Only three wins at this point is their worst start to a Premier League season. They need wins fast. Conversely, Brighton are on the right track and are in eighth place. The real question is if they can get any farther up in the table. They are proving they should truly be in this league and contest for it.

Wolverhampton vs. Aston Villa

November 10th 9:00am ET– After playing Manchester City and then Liverpool, Aston Villa finally get a break and take on Wolves. They will want to get themselves out of the bottom of the table. Being near the relegation zone, the Villans will no doubt want to get themselves out as fast as they can. On the other hand, Wolves are consistently in the middle of the table, but most people know they can do better than that especially after last year. It’s their choice if they want to work as hard and make a run into the top ten.

Liverpool vs. Manchester City

November 10th 11:30am ET– The Match of the Weekend or even the Match of the Year. This is one that could really define where these teams will be at the end of the season. Both have huge reasons to win this game. If Liverpool were to win at home, they would have an almost insurmountable nine point lead over City. If Man City were to win away from home, they would be only three points behind Liverpool and gain a great deal of confidence in their challenge to Liverpool. Also, if Liverpool were to lose, this would be their first of the season. Both teams have everything to play for. Who will win: The Reds or The Blues?