EPL: Derby-day provides perfect opportunity for strugglers
All four teams qualified for Europe last year but have struggled so far as only Arsenal currently occupy a European spot.
The North London derby
Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Aston Villa was their first since opening day but the Gunners are still unbeaten in the league as the two wins sandwiched three consecutive draws. Arsene Wenger’s side will be confident of victory after doing the double over their arch-rivals last year. The Gunners have also won their last three home derbies, two of which were convincing 5-2 victories.
Marquee signing Alexis Sanchez is determined to make his first derby one to remember, according to Arsenal teammate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. "Sanchez and Wilshere played 90 minutes the other day [in the League Cup on Tuesday]," he said on Thursday. “But Sanchez really wanted to train today and people had to tell him to take it easy.”
Chamberlain was also quick to highlight the importance of the match. “I think Sanchez knows we have a massive game and, as a new boy, it's good that he does know that,” he said. “Obviously, everyone else who has already been involved in a North London derby knows how big it is; the intensity goes up in training and everyone just wants to be around and pushing for a start.”
Tottenham have started slowly under new manager Mauricio Pochettino and after a draw and two defeats in their last three fixtures, sit in ninth place. However, Pochettino is determined to emerge victorious from his first North London derby and help his side finish above Arsenal for the first time in 19 years.
“We [Pochettino and his coaching staff] arrived three months ago and we need to make our way, but we are focused on the game and know the history,” he said. “But it is also important to write our own history, starting now.”
The Merseyside derby
Both Merseyside clubs impressed last season as Liverpool narrowly lost out to Manchester City in the title race and Everton finished fifth with a record points tally. However, they currently occupy 11th and 14th place respectively ahead of their showdown at Anfield.
Liverpool have lost three of their opening five league games, while Everton have won only once.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has described his team as a ‘work in progress’ but believes that Everton’s visit can act as a springboard for the season. "We know we need to be better,” he said. “The derby gives us an opportunity to do just that. It provides us with a platform to go on a good, consistent run.”
Everton lost 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace last weekend but manager Roberto Martinez says they will approach the game with a positive attitude, despite having last won at Anfield on September 27, 1999, exactly 15 years to the day.
Other fixtures
Leaders Chelsea, who went three points clear at the top after drawing 1-1 at Manchester City last weekend, will host third-placed Villa. Second-placed Southampton, level on points with Villa, take on newly-promoted Queens Park Rangers. City, meanwhile, visit Hull City.
Manchester United face an injury crisis in central defence ahead of their home game against West Ham United. Manager Louis van Gaal will hope to see a vastly improved defensive display after United’s 5-3 defeat at Leicester City last weekend.
However, with Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling injured, and Tyler Blackett suspended, Marcos Rojo is United's only available senior centre-back.
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