2019/20 Premier League
Round 26, part I
8-9 February 2020
The meeting of
Manchester City and West Ham United on Sunday evening will headline the weekend’s
Premier League action, which sees only four matches played as part of the ‘winter break’ for England’s top flight.
City come into the clash on the back of a dispiriting 2-0 loss away to Tottenham Hotspur which has left them a massive 22 points adrift of leaders Liverpool and now tussling with Leicester City just to finish in second – a massive disappointment after winning the previous two titles.
"We played well, but we lost the game. (Spurs) arrived in (the box) twice and scored two goals. I don't have too many things to say about our performance," said manager Pep Guardiola. "We have to accept it and work on that. We need to analyse that. Football is to create chances and concede few. We played to win the game. I didn't see a lack of desire to win or that we're far away."
The Citizens will back themselves to overcome a West Ham side which has not won any of their last six outings across all competitions and gave away a two-goal lead – twice – in a 3-3 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.
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The mini round opens on Saturday afternoon with Everton looking to build on the momentum of their 3-2 win away to Watford when they welcome Crystal Palace to Goodison Park. The Toffees have been inconsistent under manager Carlo Ancelotti, but will back themselves to beat an Eagles team which has struggled for form in recent weeks.
Saturday’s evening game is a relegation six-pointer between Brighton and Watford, with both teams desperate to claim three vital points in their battle against the drop, while Sunday opens with an afternoon clash between Sheffield United and Bournemouth.
The Blades have become one of the Premier League’s best teams and could even make a late run for the Champions League places if the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur above them continue to under-perform, while the Cherries have won their last two league game on the spin to boost their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Premier League fixtures, 8-9 February 2020
Saturday 8 February
14:30:
Everton v Crystal Palace
19:30: Brighton & Hove Albion v Watford
Sunday 9 February
16:00: Sheffield United v Bournemouth
18:30:
Manchester City v West Ham United
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