Premier League weekend preview – three games to watch

After mixed fortunes in Europe during midweek, the Premier League’s top teams return to domestic action this weekend with a number of crunch fixtures at both ends of the table.

Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United all feature in this weekend’s game, with all three desperate to record a much-needed three points.

Here are the top three Premier League games to watch this weekend.

Bournemouth vs Manchester United

Manchester United suffered the indignity of being eliminated from the Champions League on Tuesday night, with a defeat against Wolfsburg condemning Louis van Gaal’s men to the Europa League.

The Red Devils continue to struggle as an attacking force, but stern defence domestically has the side in the Premier League title hunt.

A trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth is a game United will expect to win, but Eddie Howe’s men have shown real fighting qualities in recent weeks.

The newly promoted Cherries fought back from a deficit to get a last-gasp draw against Everton at home and beat champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

As such, this game could well be a close encounter, with both teams in need of points.

Tottenham vs Newcastle

Tottenham have the ability to stretch their current Premier League unbeaten run to a club-record 15 games on Sunday when they host relegation candidates Newcastle at White Hart Lane.

The North London club have targeted improved performances and positive results in the games directly after Europa League participation and as such nothing but three points here will do.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have shown a resolve and collective team spirit this season that suggests a top-four finish is a realistic target, but must win games like these to prove they can make the step up.

Newcastle have had a tough campaign so far under Steve McClaren but received a morale-boosting victory over Liverpool last time out that will have rallied the troops and the club’s passionate supporters.

However, the Tyneside outfit will need to be defensively solid in London if they are to stand a chance of moving out of the relegation zone.

Leicester vs Chelsea

Surprise table-toppers Leicester City will look to maintain first place when they host reigning champions Chelsea in an intriguing Monday night clash.

Claudio Ranieri’s men have been buoyed by the goals of Jamie Vardy this term, but a holistic approach and positive mentality has seen them become shock frontrunners.

Chelsea ensured a spot in the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday night with a win over Porto and will look to get back to winning ways domestically after their unseen defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.

This will be a real test for both sides, with the result giving a realistic indication of where the respective teams are likely to finish up this season.