Previewing Sunday’s EPL fixtures

There are two must-see Premier League’s games on Sunday, Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal v. Manchester United.

With Saturday’s fixtures producing some unexpected results, anything can happen on Sunday, when the top three Premier League clubs and Arsenal take the pitch.

Manchester City v. Tottenham Hotspur

Roberto Mancini and Manchester City will take on Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Roberto Mancini’s men are currently top of the Premier League table with 51 points, while Spurs are in third place, having tallied 46 points.

City have dominated their opponents at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League this season, scoring over three goals per game and conceding less than half a goal per contest.

Players to Watch

For Manchester City, keep an eye on Spanish international David Silva.

When City are playing well, Silva is bossing the game.

If he can get the better of Tottenham’s midfield, it will be a long and frustrating night for Harry Redknapp and Spurs.

For Tottenham Hotspur, Brad Friedel will need to be on top form if Spurs are to get the result they crave.

The former United States international has been steady in goal for Redknapp, and has kept eight clean-sheets in the Premier League this season.

X-Factor

With Yaya Toure having joined the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations, Manchester City will surely be more vulnerable in central midfield.

If Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart can win the midfield battle, I fancy Spurs to steal at least a point at the Etihad Stadium.

Prediction

Manchester City 1 – Tottenham Hotspur 1

Arsenal v. Manchester United

The last Premier League match of the weekend, Arsenal v. Manchester United, should be a cracker.

The Gunners will want to avenge their embarrassing 8-2 loss at Old Trafford, while United will be hoping to narrow the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Players to Watch

For Arsenal, Robin van Persie is always the man to watch.

RVP has scored a Premier League leading 18 goals in 2011-12, with his scintillating form essentially bringing Arsenal back from the dead.

If Van Persie is on top form, the Gunners can beat any team in the Premier League, even Manchester United.

For the Red Devils, keep an eye on Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia, who has been on a purple patch for United.

“Antonio has been playing brilliantly,” Wayne Rooney told the Daily Mail.

“He is back to his best and when he is like that he is so difficult to defend against.

“It is great for the forwards because he is so good at delivering the ball into the box quickly.”

X-Factor

Wayne Rooney has had a roller-coaster 2011-12 campaign.

The England striker started the season on cracking form, but then suffered a huge dip in form.

Can he regain his early season form tomorrow at the Emirates?

If he can, I fancy United to leave the Emirates with three points.

Prediction

Arsenal 2 – Manchester United 3