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Premier League Preview . By Demola Aluko

European League fans across the world can not wait to see their teams return to actions after the necessary evil called International day (International friendlies).

For those whose countries will not be participating at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, international friendlies are of little or no importance. But to the national teams preparing for the global tournament, friendlies are necessary evils that lead to better outing.

However, all attention returns to major leagues across Europe this weekend with Saturday’s London derby between Chelsea and Tottenham being the stand-out fixture.

Jose Mourinho’s leaders have the chance to open up a seven-point lead when they tackle their London rivals at Stamford Bridge,with the FA Cup quarter-finals halving the top-flight fixture schedule.

Mourinho continues to play his mind game, maintaining that Chelsea are not favourites for the Premier League title, but even the most naive supporter will not be drawn into that cheap mind game as the Blues prepare to face Tottenham. Chelsea are the form side in the top-flight at the moment, having dropped just four points from the last 30 on offer and currently hold a four-point advantage over Arsenal and Liverpool, with Manchester City – who will have three games in hand by Saturday evening – a further two adrift. Chelsea boast an impressive home record against Spurs, having lost none of their last 26 games in all competitions against Spurs. However, the visitors from North London have put up a decent run since new manager Sherwood took over from former boss AVB. Sherwood’s confidence in Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor has paid off with the in-form former Arsenal striker consistently finding the back of the net. Adebayor can cause any defence a great havoc on his good day, so, Chelsea back four led by captain John Terry will have to keep their eyes on the Togolese for the entire 90 minutes and  avoid loss of concentration which could cost the home team in this London derby.

 

This weekend sees a Manchester United side which has fallen from grace under David Moyes visit West Brom at the Hawthorns.  West Brom, though, have managerial issues but their problem can not be compared in size to that of United, who as current Champions are now scrapping for the consolation prize of a place in the Europa League as they trail leaders Chelsea by 18 points and fourth-placed Manchester City by 12. The Baggies will look to at least get a draw from this, but United can also fancy their chances and possibly steal the three points at stake on this trip.

Elsewhere in the Premier League this weekend, two teams who have both changed their managers this season, Cardiff and Fulham will be determined to snatch a win in order to move away from relegation zone. The two sides are currently rooted at the very bottom of the the Premier League table.

Crystal palace will look to continue their upturn in fortunes since the arrival of former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis as they host Southampton this Saturday. Palace had won three home matches prior to their defeat at the hands of Champions Manchester United last weekend, while Southampton go into Saturday’s fixture on the back of a humiliating home defeat to Liverpool.

Stoke will head to Carrow Road to keep a date with Norwich City in good spirits, having defeated tittle contenders Arsenal, thanks to a controversial second half penalty-kick converted by Jon Walters at the Britania Stadium last week. Mark Hughes Norwich will the services of Nigeria captain and defender Joseph Yobo for this encounter.

Demola Aluko