While most of the football world is talking about the Premier League top-two clash between the Manchester clubs, there’s also the small matter of a Merseyside derby at Anfield on Sunday.
We take a look at this weekend’s Premier League team news and big talking points.
Liverpool vs. Everton (Sunday, 2.15pm)
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Jurgen Klopp’s side come into the Merseyside derby against Everton with high hopes after a thumping 7-0 victory in the Champions League in midweek.
Despite being unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Everton, Klopp says his side can’t underestimate their city rivals from across Stanley Park.
Speaking to the BBC, Klopp said: “No doubt about their quality. If Everton are not top six it is usually a top seven team. It’s a fantastic club. They have gained confidence and scored the goal of the season with Wayne [Rooney, against West Ham].
Klopp described Everton boss Sam Allardyce as one of the most experienced managers in the Premier League. “I’ve only been here two years and have played him in three different clubs,” he said. “You know what you will get but it doesn’t make it easier. All Allardyce teams are difficult to play.”
The Everton manager will have defenders Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane available for the clash at Anfield. He told Sky Sports he was looking forward to his first Merseyside derby. “I have been involved in many derbies during my time in management, particularly in the Premier League,” said Allardyce. “But this is an atmosphere that is unique in derby terms.”
West Ham United vs. Chelsea (tomorrow, 12.30pm)
The Premier League’s early kick-off tomorrow sees Chelsea travel across the capital for a London derby against West Ham.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, who has confirmed that David Luiz and Danny Drinkwater will miss the clash at the London Stadium, says he’s wary of West Ham’s potential under new boss David Moyes.
“They have a lot of good players with great talent,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s a bit strange to see them in this position in the table. They have potential to do better – I hope not tomorrow. But this team is a really good team with good players. It won’t be easy against West Ham. It’s a London derby and we must pay great attention. I saw Manchester City struggle a lot to win against West Ham.”
Tottenham vs. Stoke City (tomorrow, 3pm)
They may be 18 points behind Man City, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t given up hope of chasing down the league leaders.
Speaking ahead of the home match against Stoke, he said: “Today the gap is massive, but in football if you believe always you can achieve what you want. Everything is possible.”
Stoke boss Mark Hughes has urged his side to be tough against Spurs at Wembley. He said: “Whenever we went up against them we always thought it was the toughest game for us – for whatever reason they always cause us problems.
“We will be looking to address that, so we have to be better and be tougher to beat than we have done in the past. There is a perception that they haven’t done too well at Wembley, but they demolished Real Madrid not too long ago.
“Teams are setting their stall out this year against them and that has affected them.”
This weekend’s Premier League fixtures
Tomorrow’s Premier League fixtures (3pm unless stated)
Sunday’s Premier League fixtures
