3 things to watch this Premier League weekend

Can Arsenal overcome United?

The game of the week-end sees Manchester United visit the Emirates in the Saturday evening kick-off. The game comes with only one point separating the sides in the table as they both struggle to find consistent form in the league.

Wenger’s side will be expecting to win this game if they are to have any aspirations of challenging for the title that Chelsea seem to have a firm grasp on at this moment in time. Van Gaal and United will similarly see this as a game which they need to gain something but will more than likely see it as a game they cant lose rather than one they must win.

United’s injury problems at the back continue with Rojo, Jones and Evans all ruled out, Shaw and Rafael are both doubtful. A serious knee injury for Daley Blind on International duty could not have come at a worse time for Van Gaal’s side.

Arsenal will be expected to take the game to United and Sanchez and Welbeck will thrive on playing against what is likely to be a second string United back four. In what promises to be an exciting game, one would expect Arsenal to come out on top but based on their recent form Wenger’s side may crumble and open the door for Di Maria and Rooney to dictate the game and possibly sneak all three points.

Will Liverpool’s descent continue?

After receiving the blow that Daniel Sturridge, the man they hoped could turn things around, will be out until the New Year it will be interesting to see how Liverpool respond when they visit Selhurst Park, the game that ultimately ended their challenge last year in an epic 3-3 draw.

After losing two games in a row Rodgers will see this as the perfect game to turn things around but Neil Warnock and his Crystal Palace side will have other ideas and will see a Liverpool side struggling to find form  the perfect opportunity to kick start their season.

Balotelli, if fit, will more than likely lead the line and with Sturridge missing for the foreseeable future he is going to have to start performing. Another loss for Liverpool could be on the cards and it could put Rodgers under serious pressure and fans may begin to turn on the man who almost brought Liverpool their first Premier League title.

Can Southampton keep it going?

Every week-end the same question is asked: Can Southampton keep this extraordinary run of form going? and thus far they have answered that question with a yes week after week. On Monday they travel to Villa Park to face maybe the most unpredictable side in the Premier League, Aston Villa.

Should Southampton conquer this next challenge they will have to be considered a serious threat togain a top 4 place but challenging for the title is surely too much to ask of the over-achieving side. Tadic and Pelle will be hoping to continue their individual form while Long will be looking to build on his two goals last time out.

Ronald Koeman has to this date taken the Premier League in his stride and if they continue to play as they have the sky is the limit for this Saints side.