Premier League MatchDay 11 has five-star showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United highlights the weekend's festivities.

Arsenal climbed to first place by topping Liverpool, giving the Gunners 13 points through their last five matches. Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey rank among the Premier League top scorers for the league's second-best offensive club.

MatchDay 11 Saturday, November 09, 2013
Time	Home		Away	TV	Venue
15:00	Aston Villa	v	Cardiff		M. Atkinson
15:00	Chelsea	v	West Brom		L. Probert
15:00	C.Palace	v	Everton		C. Pawson
15:00	Liverpool	v	Fulham		M. Jones
15:00	Southampton	v	Hull		H. Webb
17:30	Norwich	v	West Ham	Sky1	J.Moss
MatchDay 11 Sunday, November 10, 2013
12:00	Tottenham		Newcastle	Sky1	C. Foy
14:05	Sunderland		Man City	Sky1	M. Dean
16:10	Swansea	v	Stoke		M. Oliver
16:10	Man Utd	v	Arsenal	Sky1	R. Madley

This game also could represent a turning point in Manchester United's season. While a loss traps the eighth-place squad in the middle of the table, a win propels them up the ranks and announces their legitimacy as a championship contender.

Robin van Persie, who has scored six goals this season for United, returns to face his old club, sprinkling even more intrigue into this showdown.

Liverpool will cheer for United this Sunday to avenge their loss to Arsenal while helping the Reds inch closer to first. They'll seek redemption of their own against Fulham, who have amassed just 10 points this season.

Along with Everton and Hull City, Liverpool must take their chances to capture three points.

In a battle featuring a less certain outcome, Newcastle will follow up their upset over Chelsea by facing Tottenham Hotspur, who are looking to break a three-way tie for second place. Despite their inconsistency, Newcastle registered a colossal victory over Chelsea while drawing against Liverpool and playing Everton rough early in the year.

While Tottenham have remained competitive through a strong defense, their attack isn't the same this season without Gareth Bale. They have mustered just nine goals through 10 matches, so beating a squad who love to knock off the top clubs could present some challenging circumstances.

Saturday 9th November 2013

 


Aston Villa have managed to find the net once more than West Ham but, as they prepare to face Cardiff at Villa Park, have gone four Premier League games without troubling the scorers. The last time Paul Lambert's men were able to celebrate a goal was back on September 28 when they shocked Manchester City in front of their own supporters.

Home defeats by Everton and Tottenham in between away draws to Hull City and the Hammers have seen them slide to the fringes of the relegation scrap. Cardiff go into the game one point better off than their opponents and Malky Mackay's men will expect to build on their memorable South Wales derby victory over Swansea last time out.

Villa manager Paul Lambert is again bereft of several players through injury. Andreas Weimann and Antonio Luna (both hamstring), Gabriel Agbonlahor (ankle) and Joe Bennett (back) are sidelined, along with long-term casualties Jores Okore (knee), Gary Gardner (back) and Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles). However, midfielder Fabian Delph could return after missing last weekend's draw at West Ham through illness.

Cardiff boss Malky Mackay must decide whether to tinker with his derby-winning line-up. Mackay may decide to rest Craig Bellamy after the striker's exertions in the win over Swansea, and could also be tempted to restore Aron Gunnarsson to his side. Striker Andreas Cornelius (ankle) remains the lone absentee.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Aston Villa W D L L D; Cardiff W L L D W

Top scorers (all competitions): Christian Benteke (Aston Villa) 5; Fraizer Campbell, Steven Caulker, Jordon Mutch & Peter Odemwingie (Cardiff) 2

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire).

Verdict: Aston Villa 0 Cardiff 1




Chelsea, like Manchester City, can boast a 100 per cent record in front of their own supporters in the Premier League this season and are strong favourites to make it six wins from six when West Brom arrive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. An unexpected defeat by Newcastle at St James' Park last weekend stalled the Blues' momentum under Jose Mourinho, before order was restored with a midweek success against Schalke in the UEFA Champions League.

West Brom, under the stewardship of former Mourinho assistant Steve Clarke, have been inconsistent this season, with the highs of a success against Manchester United at Old Trafford tempered by the lows of home defeats at the hands of Swansea and Southampton and a 4-1 drubbing by Liverpool at Anfield.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed Eden Hazard will be available - the Belgium international was dropped from the squad to face Schalke in the Champions League after missing a training session earlier in the week. Striker Fernando Torres is not expected to be back until after the international break, while full-back Ryan Bertrand is available again. Midfielder Marco van Ginkel (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Albion winger Scott Sinclair is unlikely to be back from hamstring trouble in time to face his former club but Victor Anichebe has recovered from a hamstring problem. Fellow striker Nicolas Anelka (groin) is doubtful but right-back Billy Jones (hamstring) joins Zoltan Gera and Ben Foster on the absentee list.

Last season: Chelsea 1 West Brom 0, West Brom 2 Chelsea 1

Last five league matches: Chelsea D W W W L; West Brom W D D L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Eden Hazard, Oscar & Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 5; Saido Berahino (West Brom) 6

Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire). verdict: Chelsea 3 West Brom 1




Crystal Palace's decision to part company with Ian Holloway following a miserable start to the season has not produced any upturn in fortunes as they welcome Everton to Selhurst Park on Saturday. Caretaker Keith Millen, who is not interested in the job on a full-time basis, has overseen 2-0 defeats at the hands of Arsenal and West Brom which leaves the Eagles rooted to the bottom of the table after nine defeats in their opening 10 matches.

Everton have enjoyed a productive start under new manager Roberto Martinez, with just one defeat so far, and the Goodison Park club are placed among the clutch of teams from second to seventh who are separated by just a single point.

Palace's Adlene Guedioura is out for at least six weeks after fracturing two ribs and suffering a partly collapsed lung. Fellow midfielder Jonny Williams (ankle) is back in full training after recovering quicker than expected from a knee injury and defender Paddy McCarthy is edging closer to a first-team return. However, striker Glenn Murray and defender Jack Hunt remain long-term absentees.

A knee operation has ruled out Everton striker Arouna Kone for much of the rest of the season, but manager Roberto Martinez has no new injury concerns. Midfielder Darron Gibson is making good progress from his own cruciate ligament surgery while centre-back Antolin Alcaraz is nearing inclusion in the first-team squad for the first time after a slow recovery from hernia and hamstring problems.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Crystal Palace L L L L L; Everton W L W W D

Top scorers (all competitions): Dwight Gayle (Crystal Palace) 2; Romelu Lukaku (Everton) 5

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire).

Verdict: Crystal Palace 0 Everton 2




Liverpool are back in action at Anfield on Saturday following the disappointment of their 2-0 defeat at Arsenal last time out with struggling Fulham the visitors. Brendan Rodgers admitted prior to the trip to Emirates that his improving side remain a work in progress, a point which was demonstrated in their defeat by the Gunners.

But such is the tightly-packed nature of the title race this season that favourable results for the Reds this weekend would see them back within two points of the leaders. Fulham were overrun in the opening stages of their 3-1 home defeat by Manchester United last weekend before restoring a measure of respectability with their second half display, although manager Martin Jol remains a man in the spotlight.

Glen Johnson is fit to return after illness and fellow full-back Jose Enrique is in contention after missing the last three matches with a knee problem. After his first 45 minutes' action in nearly seven weeks after a shoulder operation playmaker Philippe Coutinho is pushing for a starting place for the Reds.

Fulham right-back Sascha Riether starts a three-match ban and striker Hugo Rodellega will be out for five to six weeks with a muscle injury in his left leg. Defender Matthew Briggs will be sidelined for another six weeks after hernia surgery while boss Martin Jol will wait on the fitness of central defender Brede Hangeland (sciatic nerve) and attacking midfielder Bryan Ruiz (back) before naming his final squad.

Last season: Fulham 1 Liverpool 3, Liverpool 4 Fulham 0

Last five league matches: Liverpool W W D W L; Fulham L W W L L

Top scorers (all competitions): Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool) 10; Darren Bent & Hugo Rodallega (Fulham) 3

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire).

Verdict: Liverpool 4 Fulham 0




Begovic's improbable strike was only the fourth goal that Southampton have conceded this season, giving Mauricio Pochettino's men the best defensive record in the Premier League ahead of Saturday's clash with Hull City at St Mary's. That solid backline has enabled the Saints to maintain their position in the upper reaches of the table, above Manchester United, level with City and only one point adrift of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Visitors Hull City have been impressively resilient in defence this term, with a record that is better than both the Manchester clubs and on a par with Merseyside duo Liverpool and Everton. Of the last eight league meetings between the two teams - all of which came in the Championship - the Tigers have won just once, with Southampton enjoying success in four of their last five.

Saints' Guly do Prado will be out for two months after undergoing a knee operation, but fellow striker Dani Osvaldo could be available - the record signing will be assessed after struggling with a nerve issue down his side.

Forward Sone Aluko has torn his Achilles and Hull may also have to make do without Robbie Brady, who has yet to fully recover from hernia surgery. James Chester (hamstring) and keeper Allan McGregor (hip/thigh) remain out but on-loan striker Danny Graham is available after missing out against parent club Sunderland and defenders Abdoulaye Faye and Alex Bruce are fit again.

Last season: No corresponding fixture

Last five league matches: Southampton W W D W D; Hull W D L L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) 4; Robbie Brady (Hull) 4

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Verdict: Southampton 2 Hull 0




Another Premier League boss shifting uneasily in his seat at present is Norwich boss Chris Hughton as the Canaries prepare to tackle West Ham at Carrow Road in the Saturday evening game, live on Sky Sports 1HD. Norwich's 7-0 battering at the hands of an outstanding Manchester City last weekend saw Hughton's men remain in the relegation zone in a season they were hoping to establish themselves in the Premier League following a summer of investment in new faces.

A home failure against the Hammers will naturally increase the pressure on the Canaries boss, who has come under fire from his own fans at times this term. West Ham sit just two points further up the Premier League table, with a lack of goals the

main concern for Sam Allardyce this term, with just eight scored in their 10 games to date. Norwich expect to have winger Robert Snodgrass available following concussion. Midfielder Nathan Redmond is a doubt because of a hip problem, while striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel remains out with a foot injury. Midfielders Alexander Tettey (ankle) and Elliott Bennett (knee) are both long-term absentees.

West Ham are without Winston Reid, who has injured an ankle. Fellow defender James Collins is available following hamstring trouble but the forward options remain limited with Andy Carroll (heel) and Mladen Petric (thigh) out. Matthew Taylor (thigh), George McCartney and Alou Diarra (both knee) are also absent.

Last season: West Ham 2 Norwich 1, Norwich 0 West Ham 0

Last five league matches: Norwich W L L D L; West Ham L W L D D

Top scorers (all competitions): Johan Elmander, Gary Hooper, Jonathan Howson, Anthony Pilkington & Steven Whittaker (Norwich) 2; Ravel Morrison & Ricardo Vaz Te (West Ham) 4

Referee: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire).

Verdict: Norwich 0 West Ham 0





Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been given the all-clear following the worrying head injury he sustained in the 0-0 draw with Everton last weekend and can expect to start the home game with Newcastle, live on Sky Sports 1HD. The White Hart Lane contest, which is the first game in our hat-trick of live action on Super Sunday, gives Spurs the opportunity to improve on a miserable goalscoring record of just five goals in front of their own supporters in the Premier League this term, two of which have come from the penalty spot via the boot of Roberto Soldado.

Newcastle will head to the capital buoyed by their excellent 2-0 home success against Chelsea last weekend and can take further heart from their record at White Hart Lane, where they have enjoyed six victories in the Premier League era.

Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris will start, despite being knocked unconscious in the draw at Everton. Boss Andre Villas-Boas is set to recall several players after Europa League action but Danny Rose (toe), Sandro (hamstring), Zeki Fryers (groin) and Emmanuel Adebayor (foot) are all likely to miss out.

Magpies captain Fabricio Coloccini could return to the starting line-up after a groin injury but fellow defender Steven Taylor (hamstring) is not expected back until after the international break. Midfielder Cheick Tiote, who limped off against Chelsea last weekend with a muscle strain, is set to figure.

Last season: Tottenham Newcastle 1, Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1

Last five league matches: Tottenham D L W W D; Newcastle L W D L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Jermain Defoe (Tottenham) 8; Loic Remy (Newcastle) 6

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).

Verdict: Tottenham 1 Newcastle 0



Manchester City currently sit just two points ahead of United and six adrift of Arsenal as they prepare for their trip to Sunderland, which can also be seen live on Sky Sports 1HD. Manuel Pellegrini's men are peerless in front of their own supporters, but porous on the road, with three defeats from their five away games so far. City have also suffered 1-0 defeats on their last three Premier League visits to the Stadium of Light, with their last victory on Wearside coming back in August 2008, when Stephen Ireland and Shaun Wright-Phillips were on the scoresheet.

Sunderland are showing signs of recovery under Gus Poyet, with victories over Newcastle and Southampton sandwiching the 1-0 defeat at Hull City when the Black Cats played all of the second half with nine men.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet will again be without banned duo midfielder Lee Cattermole and full-back Andrea Dossena, who both serve the second match of a three-game ban following their dismissals at Hull last weekend. Keeper Keiren Westwood is available after a head injury, but he may face a battle to oust deputy Vito Mannone, while full-back Ondrej Celustka is fit despite hobbling off against Southampton in midweek.

City are without playmaker David Silva (calf) and captain Vincent Kompany (thigh), while midfielder Fernandinho and defender Matija Nastasic are also doubtful after suffering knocks in the midweek Champions League win over CSKA Moscow. Striker Stevan Jovetic (calf) is also still sidelined while manager Manuel Pellegrini again looks set to prefer Costel Pantilimon to Joe Hart in goal.

Last season: Sunderland 1 Man City 0, Man City 3 Sunderland 0

Last five league matches: Sunderland L L L W L; Man City L W W L W

Top scorers (all competitions): Emanuele Giaccherini (Sunderland) 3; Sergio Aguero (Man City) 13

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Verdict: Sunderland 0 Manchester City 3


Michael Laudrup's Swansea have the chance to make amends for their derby setback when they return to Premier League action in front of their own supporters against Stoke City on Sunday afternoon. Juggling domestic and European commitments appears to be hampering the Liberty Stadium outfit somewhat this term as they are yet to hit the heights of last season, with five of their 10 league games ending in defeat and their Capital One Cup defence coming to an abrupt end at the first hurdle.

Stoke remain a side in transition under Mark Hughes and Tony Pulis' replacement takes his side to Wales just one point and one place above the relegation zone. Such are their struggles in front of goal this season it will be a statistic of some embarrassment for the Potters that goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is their joint top-scorer this season following his freak wind-assisted effort after 13 seconds of the 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend.

The Swans are without suspended goalkeeper Michel Vorm - Gerhard Tremmel will deputise. Jonjo Shelvey should return having missed the Europa League trip to Kuban Krasnodar due to personal reasons. Michu and Pablo Hernandez remain on the sidelines with ankle and thigh problems respectively, while Jordi Amat is pushing to partner Ashley Williams at the heart of the defence.

Stoke midfielders Glenn Whelan and Jon Walters have returned to training after being sidelined this week with hamstring and thigh injuries respectively, with boss Mark Hughes to take stock of the duo on Saturday ahead of the game. Defender Erik Pieters, meanwhile, failed to complete Friday's training session due to a back niggle and will also be under observation ahead of the match.

Last season: Swansea 3 Stoke 1, Stoke 2 Swansea 0

Last five league matches: Swansea L L W D L; Stoke L L D L D

Top scorers (all competitions): Wilfried Bony (Swansea) 7; Kenwyne Jones (Stoke) 4

Referee: Robert Madley (West Yorkshire).

Verdict: Swansea 0 Stoke 1



Arsenal's credentials as title challengers continue to be the subject of significant debate and Arsene Wenger's side will be able to win over more doubters with victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1HD. The Gunners opened up a five-point lead over the chasing pack last weekend with a 2-0 home success against fellow high-flyers Liverpool, before producing a smash-and-grab raid to defeat UEFA Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

But Manchester United, for all the talk of a crisis under new manager David Moyes, have put together a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with five victories and two draws. Robin van Persie scored in both Premier League meetings with his former club last season and can expect to return to the starting XI despite his penalty miss when stepping off the bench against Real Sociedad on Tuesday night.

United striker Danny Welbeck will not recover from the knee injury which has kept him out since the middle of October. Striker Robin van Persie will almost certainly face his former club despite missing a penalty following his introduction as a substitute into the midweek Champions League draw with Real Sociedad, while defender Jonny Evans may return after a back problem.

Arsenal will check on Jack Wilshere (ankle) but fellow midfielder Mathieu Flamini is set to return to full training following groin trouble and could feature. Theo Walcott (abdominal surgery), Yaya Sanogo (back), Lukas Podolski (hamstring), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Abou Diaby (both knee) remain sidelined.

Last season: Arsenal 1 Man Utd 1, Man Utd 2 Arsenal 1

Last five league matches: Man Utd L W D W W; Arsenal W D W W W

Top scorers (all competitions): Robin van Persie (Man Utd) 9; Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) 11

Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).

Verdict: Manchester United 1 Arsenal 2

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