A tale of two derbies: North London & Merseyside

The North London and Merseyside derbies are two long-standing feuds with a history of bitter rivalry and magnificent matches – be sure not to miss this week’s Premier League face-offs

Chelsea failed to deliver a knockout blow to 2nd place Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, and Arsenal has been gaining stronger momentum by the week.

Things are hotting up in this season’s Premier League title race. Make sure you don’t miss these matches!

Everton vs Liverpool (8 Feb, 1.30am)

Some may argue that the fixture between Liverpool and Everton still remains one of the most exciting and passionate match-ups in world football today. Neither team has managed to hit top gear this season and both seem set for a mid-table finish.

Nevertheless, the Merseyside derby has never failed to invoke great passion and hard-fought games. It is always tough for a manager to motivate his squad when there is nothing to aim for in mid-table, but the passion-filled derby may just be the best chance for Merseyside fans to see their beloved teams in full-flight, and fight to the very last whistle. Will there be a sending off this time?

Prediction: Everton 0–1 Liverpool

Tottenham hotspur vs Arsenal (7 Feb, 8.45pm)

The Gunners are in the finest shape they have been in for a very long time, boasting goals not only in quantity but also in quality. Fresh off a 5-0 win against Aston Villa, they travel to White Hart Lane to face long-time rivals Spurs.

Spurs will be hoping to show some kind of good form after a 3-0 win against lower-half team West Bromwich Albion.

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger will be sure to look out for Spurs’ man in form and former Arsenal youngster Harry Kane, who looks to be the only threat Tottenham has in its squad.

Prediction: Tottenham 1–3 Arsenal

Aston Villa vs Chelsea (7 Feb, 11.00pm)

Around the 80th minute against Arsenal last week, Aston Villa hit a new record it could do without – ten hours without scoring a goal. It faces current table toppers the Blues, who will be hoping to pick up three points after an abysmal performance against runners-up Manchester City last week.

The Blues will be hoping to pick up more than just three points during the clash, seeing as the reverse fixture provided a galore of fine goals.

Chelsea looks like it has one hand on the trophy at this point, but going back to last season, bottom of the table Sunderland put an end to Mourinho’s unbeaten home run. Could there be an upset on the horizon?

Prediction: Aston Villa 0–5 Chelsea

Manchester City vs Hull City (7 Feb, 11pm)

Manchester City beat the Hull City 4-2 in the reverse fixture earlier in the year. The runners up will be hoping to add even more their goal tally, at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea was unable to knock City out of the title race last week but perhaps strong underdogs, or the Tigers, will do the job.

Prediction: Manchester City 2–0 Hull City
By Basil Lee