It is one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends of the season. It is ‘Super Saturday’ as Merseyside and London grab the headlines among many others in the world. The unfortunate fact about derbies is that form gets thrown out the window with passion, rivalry and bragging rights taking centre stage.
Tottenham vs Arsenal
Arsenal have been on a run, winning 5 of their last 6 games. Spurs are also in good form, dropping just four points in their last 6 games. There will not be a certain Alexis Sanchez, who is fighting to feature in the decisive game and could disregard medical advice to play. He is out injured, but against Aston Villa there was no sign of his absence. Sanchez has failed in the big games and I fancy his unavailability will not be an issue. The stars to watch out for will be Christian Eriksen, and the best English forward in the league, Harry Kane. Spurs have kept just a single clean sheet in 32 derby games. They have managed to concede six penalties this season. What are the odds they will concede another this weekend as they face a side who have received six penalties themselves. Both league high statistics.
Santi Carzola has been in sparkling form, scoring goals and creating them. The Spaniard's future looked in doubt this summer with murmurs of a move back to Spain. He has rediscovered his touch and has been the catalyst to Arsenal's recovery over the last few months and he will be decisive on their way to a finishing the season strong. While Olivier Giroud's goal scoring return of five from six will be key, the form of David Ospina will have Gunners' fans happy as he has 3 clean sheets in 3, compared to Wojciech Sczesny's 3 in 17. Arsenal will be wary of slipping up but should be motivated as a win will take them to third with Southampton and Manchester United to play later.
Liverpool vs Everton
Merseyside will be buzzing. There is a happy-sad feel to the encounter. Everton fans will be happy this is the last time they face nemesis Steven Gerard in the derby. He has been a tormenter to the neighbours and on his last appearance will look to leave a lasting legacy. Liverpool will be losing their top goal scorer in the clash in recent times. The fourth highest scorer in the derby history and Liverpool will look to give their captain a worthy farewell and hope he gets a goal to make it a record third goal in a row. Everton have been woeful this season and a win last week against Crystal Palace seemed to ease the pressure on Roberto Martinez.
The return of Daniel Sturridge, the interplay between Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho is what will cause Everton even more misery. It will be difficult to see the blue side dominate. However derbies have little to no regard of form. Everton have had to rely on Romelu Lukaku and the big Belgian has rescued them on many occasions. The Toffees defence is leaky and it has been in relegation form. A tough task awaits them but could get something out the game if discipline is maintained. Early in the season a stunner from Phil Jagielka was one of the most exceptional equalizers in the clash. Liverpool are on the rise and the 3-4-2-1 formation has seen them regain the form that made them title contenders last season. We will be entertained, that is for sure!
Tottenham vs Arsenal
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| Harry Kane and Olivier Giroud |
Santi Carzola has been in sparkling form, scoring goals and creating them. The Spaniard's future looked in doubt this summer with murmurs of a move back to Spain. He has rediscovered his touch and has been the catalyst to Arsenal's recovery over the last few months and he will be decisive on their way to a finishing the season strong. While Olivier Giroud's goal scoring return of five from six will be key, the form of David Ospina will have Gunners' fans happy as he has 3 clean sheets in 3, compared to Wojciech Sczesny's 3 in 17. Arsenal will be wary of slipping up but should be motivated as a win will take them to third with Southampton and Manchester United to play later.
Liverpool vs Everton
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| Daniel Sturridge and Romelu Lukaku |
The return of Daniel Sturridge, the interplay between Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho is what will cause Everton even more misery. It will be difficult to see the blue side dominate. However derbies have little to no regard of form. Everton have had to rely on Romelu Lukaku and the big Belgian has rescued them on many occasions. The Toffees defence is leaky and it has been in relegation form. A tough task awaits them but could get something out the game if discipline is maintained. Early in the season a stunner from Phil Jagielka was one of the most exceptional equalizers in the clash. Liverpool are on the rise and the 3-4-2-1 formation has seen them regain the form that made them title contenders last season. We will be entertained, that is for sure!
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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