Premier League Matchweek 32 Preview

This week’s round of fixtures has a strangely muted feel to them, with only one match attracting obvious attention.

The Manchester derby takes place at Old Trafford on Sunday, and for the first time in the last couple of seasons it’s fair to say United go into it as favorites over City. Both teams will be looking to avoid breaking potential records: United have never lost five in a row against any club; City haven’t lost four consecutive away games since 2006.

The remaining fixtures tend to follow a ‘top vs. bottom’ pattern, giving the relegation candidates little chance of helping their Premier League survival chances.

Burnley are at home to an Arsenal side that are looking for their eighth league win in a row, a feat no top-flight team has achieved so far this season.

Hull City travel down to St. Mary’s to face seventh-placed Southampton; Sunderland will hope to carry over their winning form as take on the resurgent Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light; and QPR face a nonetheless daunting visit from the Diego Costa-less Chelsea.

Leicester, who have shown they won’t go down without a fight, have a chance to pick up some points when they make the short trip to play Midlands rivals WBA, who are themselves going through a mini-slump in form.

Grudge-match of the week sees Tim Sherwood take his new club, Aston Villa, to face Tottenham, the club that sacked him after last season. A win for Spurs would put the pressure on Liverpool in the battle for the single Europa League qualifying spot. Liverpool, level with Spurs on 54 points, are at home to Newcastle in the Monday night fixture.

The remaining matches - Swansea vs. Everton and West Ham vs. Stoke - are middle-of-the-table fodder.