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Premier League preview by Demola Aluko

Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge Sunday afternoon is the most exciting fixture in the premier league this weekend as David Moyes will look to record is first ever victory against Jose Mourinho in what looks like an impossible task for the Red Devils.

Meetings between the two teams have been pivotal in the tittle race in the last decade, and Sunday’s clash at Stamford Bridge will not be different as struggling United continue to search for the lost ”fighting spirit” which was typical of them during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Old Trafford.

David Moyes, like Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, has never won against Jose Mourinho in all nine previous matches. The former Everton manager, knowing that defeat against Chelsea will be a big blow for the champions, would surely be glad to return to Manchester with a point.

Before Sunday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge , Arsenal, who returned to the top of the table courtesy of their hard-fought 2-1 win away to Aston Villa on Monday night will hope to retain the top spot with victory over struggling Fulham. The Gunners are strong favourite to win this.

Manuel Pellegrini’s City look set to complete a century of goals for the season in all competitions when they welcome relegation-threatened Cardiff to the Etihad, having moved onto 99 with Wednesday’s FA Cup romp against Blackburn.

Liverpool, who remain contenders for the title will face Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday night. Liverpool have won their last seven home games at Anfield, and with the return of injured striker Daniel Sturridge, manager Rodgers will hope to see more goals in this fixture following the England international’s second half goal against Sunderland after coming from the bench last week.

Crystal Palace boss Tony Pulis faces his former club Stoke City for the first time on Saturday, with Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew up against their old employers when West Ham play host to Newcastle. Sunderland are off the bottom of the table and will aim to continue their upward momentum against Southampton, while struggling Norwich play host to Hull City at Carrow Road.

Norwich City are another side in trouble at the wrong end of the Premier League table as they prepare to tackle Hull City, with the Canaries’ limp FA Cup exit away to Fulham in midweek an eighth game without a win for Chris Hughton’s struggling team.

Tottenham travel to Swansea on Sunday, with the north London club enjoying a resurgence under new manager Tim Sherwood which has seen them take 13 points from the last 15 on offer.  Swansea, meanwhile, are struggling to match their achievements of last term, with Michael Laudrup’s men currently on a run of seven Premier League games without success.

The final fixture of the 22nd round of Premier League matches takes place on Monday night, with Pepe Mel taking charge of his first game since being appointed West Brom manager in the Hawthorns clash against high-flying Everton. It will be a stern debut examination against an Everton side who have suffered the least defeats of any team in the Premier League and have the joint-best defensive record to boot under Roberto Martinez.


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