SPIRITED performances like when Manchester United forced a 1-1 outcome with lowly Burnley are among the signs of wonders of the English Premier League. Burnley may be at the bottom, with bare chances of escaping relegation, terrorised Manchester United in their tie that emphasised the importance of realising that all matches must be played with no assumptions over result.
United are not at their best as they tackle Southampton, one of the latest pains for the big teams. Manchester have not been at their best in a long time. Their dreary results have confined their ambitions, if any, to a finish in the top four. Will they achieve it?
Ahead of them in the top 4 contest are West Ham and Arsenal. More important is their contest on Saturday against Southampton, though down the ladder on points, are on form. They will task United.
Southampton threw a spanner in the works for Manchester City with an early opener in their 1-1 January 22 game that City managed to split the point in the second half. How will United fare against Southampton?
Successes over Tottenham on Wednesday in their match provoked mixed reactions. The five-goal thriller saw Southampton triumph. They would want to stretch their fortunes against a Manchester United that have floundered for most of the season. An interesting game with all the chances of producing more goals than expected.
Will Liverpool be quaking in their boots as they face the Burnley on Sunday? They should not. Liverpool with a fuller squad after AFCON should be able to take the full points.
Sadio Mané is back and so is Mo Salah. They are a daily pair that would panic any opposition. Yet their return from AFCON presents some trouble for Liverpool. They have to deal it.
Mané won. Salah lost. Liverpool are working on Salah and Mané to remain the best strike force in the EPL. It is a long work that would be tested when they meet Burnley on Sunday. The match could be the opportunity both crave. For Burnley a lift out of their drift would be a lot of delight. Liverpool should light the sparkle of a title chase with the game if they win.
Other matches would fill up the fight in the middle for better positioning in case there are slips in the top four. Man City against Norwich falls into this class. A win for City will widen the gap between the leader and the chasers.
The scrambles to avoid relegation, gain points for more money at the end of the season, battle for more attention which partners and sponsors like will intensify as the EPL goes into the gear where every matter matters.
Chelsea, 2012 World Club Cup runners-up, are in the final of the competition again. Their opponents are Brazil’s Palmeiras who are on their first final. The game at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi kicks off 5pm on Saturday. Chelsea return to EPL on 19 February to tackle Crystal Palace.
Saturday 12 February
12:30 Man Utd v Southampton
Brentford v Crystal Palace
Everton v Leeds
Watford v Brighton
17:30 Norwich v Man City
Sunday 13 February
14:00 Burnley v Liverpool
14:00 Newcastle v Aston Villa
14:00 Spurs v Wolves
16:30 Leicester v West Ham
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