Premier League: Three key matches to watch in week 17

The Premier League keeps on rolling this weekend with three games in particular to keep an eye on in week 17.

With the Premier League quickly heading into its winter period, it’s time for teams to pick up some needed points before the new year begins. Fortunately, it’s a good time for teams to pile on the points in quick fashion with three more rounds of action in the Premier League before the new year begins.

For others, it may be a time to prepare their wish list for the January transfer window. Regardless, teams will have to stay in top shape and remain healthy with the matches coming in quick succession. With round 16 closing on Wednesday, we are now quickly approaching the half-way point of the campaign.

And a swift turnaround means it’s week 17 this weekend, with three mouthwatering matchups that will take center stage. Here is a look at the three top matches from this weekend’s Premier League slate.

Crystal Palace (16th) vs. Chelsea (1st)– 12:30 G.M.T. Saturday

Even though both teams sit at opposite ends of the table, the games represents a London derby nonetheless. After six straight league defeats through October-November, Crystal Palace has found it tough to gain any momentum this season.

Alan Pardew’s position as manager remains in danger after a 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday. Some bad luck has gone against the Eagles this year, but they still have to play tough for 90+ minutes.

Christian Benteke will provide the aggression up-top, while Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend provide the creativity and pace. Meanwhile, Palace’s opponents, Chelsea, are on fire right now, winning ten-straight in the league and keeping eight clean sheets in that span.

The Blues defeated Sunderland 1-0 on Wednesday at the Stadium of Light, with Cesc Fabregas netting the winner. Thibaut Courtois has been superb in-goal this season, while Diego Costa is tied for the league lead in goals.

Chelsea are on such a roll right now that it’s hard to see them not winning this game. However, never count out Palace at a rowdy Selhurst Park.

Manchester City (4th) vs. Arsenal (3rd) — 16:00 G.M.T. Sunday

This top-four clash sees two sides fighting to stay in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are coming off a 2-0 win over Watford on Wednesday – a win which snapped a two-match losing streak.

With Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho suspended, it has forced other players to step up in their absence. David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne are the two likely replacements against the Gunners, and both are world-class players in their own right. The defense of Manchester City will still be the worry for Guardiola, though. Especially with some top attacking players in the Arsenal lineup to worry about.

Arsene Wenger’s side fell 2-1 at Everton on Tuesday, which was their first league defeat since opening day. Alexis Sanchez (12 goals, five assists) has been the team’s best player, with Mesut Ozil (five goals, two assists) a close second.

The duo, combined with the pace of Alex Iwobi, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Theo Walcott, have caused a ton of problems for opposing teams. Defensively, Arsenal have been underrated, too, with Laurent Koscielny leading the back line.

Both teams obviously want to win this match, but a draw may just suit both sides more than any possible defeat would.

Everton (8th) vs. Liverpool (2nd) — 20:00 G.M.T. Monday

Another installment of the Merseyside derby awaits on Monday evening, with both teams coming into this match on a winning note. Ronald Koeman’s Everton defeated Arsenal 2-1 at Goodison Park on Tuesday, while Jurgen Klopp’s Reds shook aside Middlesbrough 3-0 a day later.

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Over the last five meetings between these two sides, Liverpool has the edge with two wins, and three draws also occurring. Everton has not defeated their local rivals since October 2010, which just shows Liverpool’s recent dominance in this rivalry.

For Liverpool to remain on Chelsea’s heels, they need to play solid defensively whilst also getting after the Everton back-line. With Philippe Coutinho out injured, players like Adam Lallana (six goals, six assists), Sadio Mane (seven goals, four assists), and Roberto Firmino (five goals, three assists) have filled the gap in production do far. Meanwhile, Divock Origi could be the wildcard in this game after netting twice in midweek.

Everton need to keep Liverpool’s wide players in check if they want to bag the three points. Ashley Williams needs to be the leader at the back, while Ross Barkley has to be the team’s spark in midfield.

Romelu Lukaku (nine goals) is the Toffees’ leading scorer and will have to be physical with the Liverpool defenders. The Belgian will be relied on heavily to provide the goals, with the rest of Everton’s team netting just 11 times between them.

Everton should give Liverpool a tough time for the first half, but eventually Liverpool will likely earn the win as the second 45 plays out.

Next: Sunderland a good bet to survive again after recent changes

That’s the three top matches coming up in week 17. Just three reasons why the Premier League should be your main priority on T.V. this weekend.

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