Gameweek 18 of the Premier League season kicks-off on Friday night, with a host of potentially vital games taking place over the next three days. Here is the pick of those games:
Friday
Wolves v Liverpool (Kick-off 8 PM)
The Friday kick-off gives Liverpool the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points, as the Reds travel to Molineux to face in-form Wolves.
The home side has made a steady start to life in the Premier League and currently sit seventh-place in the table. In fact, a win would move Nuno Espirito Santo’s side into the top six.
A run of three straight wins in the top-flight has aided the home sides rise up the table. Last time out, the team from Midlands recorded a 2-0 home win over Bournemouth. They have now won their last two home games in the top-flight after three straight defeats at Molineux.
Liverpool are currently top of the table, leaders reigning champions Manchester City by just a point. The Reds are the only unbeaten team left in the top-flight this season, having recorded 14 wins and three draws.
Jurgen Klopp’s side has now recorded six consecutive wins in the Premier League. The men from Merseyside have also scored at least twice in five of their last six league outings.
The Reds are now undefeated in nine league games on their travels, having recorded seven victories. They have also scored at least three goals in their last three away games on their travels.
Liverpool are the favourites to win this clash. However, Wolves have already drawn with City and beaten Chelsea at Molineux, so they may not be easy opponents for the visitors.
Sunday
Everton v Tottenham (Kick-off 4 PM)
On Sunday afternoon Tottenham face a trip to Everton’s Goodison Park, as the home looks to recapture their form.
The honeymoon period is over for Portuguese boss Marco Silva at Everton. The Toffees have now won just one of their last six league games. In their last Premier League outing, the Merseysiders suffered a 3-1 defeat at reigning champions Manchester City, despite having some excellent chances.
The Toffees have at least been hard to beat at Goodison Park, as they have suffered just one defeat in their last 12 league games on home soil. Going back slightly further, the Merseysiders have also lost just three of their last 24 home matches at Goodison Park in the league.
Tottenham heads into this clash in top form after six victories in their last seven league matches. Last time out in the top-flight Spurs recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win at struggling Burnley.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been strong of late on their travels, winning six of their last away matches in the top-flight. The team from north London have been hard to stop going forward in recent away matches, as they have scored in their last 15 away matches in all competitions.
The recent history of the fixture is on the visitor’s side, as they are unbeaten in 11 matches against Everton in the top-flight. Spurs have also won the last three games between the two teams.
This weekend’s other Premier League games (3 PM kick-off unless stated)
Saturday
Arsenal v Burnley (12:30 PM kick-off)
Bournemouth v Brighton
Chelsea v Leicester
Huddersfield v Southampton
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Fulham
West Ham v Watford
Cardiff v Manchester United (5:30 PM kick-off)
Who will pick up the big results in this weekend’s Premier League games?
