What to Watch : Matchday 28
The weekend is here. I know spring is almost here(well in most places at least) and nice weather makes it tempting to get out to enjoy the outdoors instead of sitting inside in front of a TV. This weekend’s schedule is an odd one where most of the better matchups are on Sunday so if you are looking to take a day off of watching soccer, Saturday seems to be a good one. I will give you the best out of the bunch as a recommendation but will not fault you for skipping it. I even looked at several other leagues around Europe but did not really see anything special so get out there and catch up on some outdoor projects if you want.
Everton vs Burnley
Saturday 12:30 Eastern
Best of the bunch of Saturday’s games where you can root against Everton as they fight a resilient Burnley team. I have no made secret of my lack of enthusiasm when it comes to watching Sean Dyche football but when it is against Everton players, butchering them with physical play has a way of providing some enjoyment
Burnley is dangerously close to the relegation zone and will want to at least steal a point while Fulham is facing a tough game against City. Everton wants to secure a trip to the Champions League and a win at home will be important especially with some tough fixtures coming up
Arsenal vs Tottenham
Sunday 11:30 EST
Rivalries are always fun to watch as a neutral and this one is definitely one I have enjoyed over the years. Both these clubs are far from where they envisioned themselves to be at this stage of the season. The London teams both did well on Thursday and have one foot in the next round in the Europa League. It will be interesting to see which team will be fresher when they face off. Tottenham will be hoping for three points to continue their chase for the top 4 and should be an interesting matchup of styles between the two managers. Arteta has been able to make some of the changes he wanted to in Arsenal but the maddening inconsistency of the team remains and I would expect the Spurs to be more disciplined in following their gameplan. A lot of great talent on display on both sides and I expect a high-scoring game unless Jose is backing up the bus as we speak on a Friday evening to have it ready for Sunday.
Manchester United vs West Ham United
Sunday 14:15 EST
I still think City will run away with this title despite United having their number in head-to-head matchups over the last few seasons. Manchester United is just not consistent enough to make a title run. Their game on Thursday against Milan ended in a very disappointing draw with a last-second Kjaer header giving the Italians a great result to take back to Italy. West Ham has only lost 4 of their last 20 premier league games but and losses were to Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City. They will be the team with more energy and will look to get the three points at Old Trafford.
Lingard who had a great start to his loan spell at West Ham will not be able to go against his parent club but the Hammers will pose a big challenge to Manchester United and I expect a very competitive game that should be fun to watch. Hard not to root against United despite West Ham losing points is probably better for the Reds. At this point, we can always hope for winning #7 to qualify for Champions League next year and enjoy some Manchester United misery on a sunday afternoon.
Have a great weekend! YNWA