On Sunday we have two more massive Premier League games coming your way.
First we take a trip to South Wales as Swansea host Tottenham Hotspur with Michael Laudrup’s side on a desperate run of form as they’re searching for their first PL win in eight games. While Spurs boss Tim Sherwood looks to keep his unbeaten league record going, and will be hoping another win can keep his side within touching distance of the top four.
WATCH LIVE ONLINE VIA NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA
Then we head on over to London, as Chelsea host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge with both teams on very different paths at the moment. United are struggling just to make the top four, as right now Champions League qualification would be like winning the PL title for David Moyes. While Jose Mourinho insists Chelsea’s main aim is to finish in the top four… but we all know the ‘Special One’ harbors ambitions of bringing the PL crown to West London to mark his homecoming in style.
A monster clash awaits as these two global heavyweights lock horns to round off Sunday’s games.
So (because it would be rude not to) let’s take a closer look at both games taking place live on NBCSN and online via NBC Sports Live Extra on Sunday.
Swansea City vs. Tottenham Hotspur, live on NBCSN 8:30am ET
- Swansea are without a win in seven PL games
- Tottenham have won their last four away PL games
- Spurs are unbeaten against the Swans in six league games (W5, D1)
There’s been no real worry about Swansea City getting sucked into a relegation battle this season, as the Swans attractive style of soccer has won them many fans across the soccer world. However after a dreadful spell in the league — Swansea haven’t won any of their last seven games and they’re hovering just three points above the drop zone — means a few worried looks will adorn the faces of home fans at the Liberty Stadium. Meanwhile Tottenham are on the up after Andre Villas-Boas left and Tim Sherwood has taken charge with four PL wins from five to begin his reign as Spurs boss. With Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebayor striking up a great partnership up top, Tottenham are an extremely dangerous proposition away from home and as will be aiming to keep up with the top four by putting in a clinical and ruthless display in South Wales.
Andros Townsend could return for Tottenham, as the England international scored for Spurs’ U-21 side during the week, while Swansea could welcome back Micherl Vorm, Roland Lamah, Dwight Tiendalli, Nathan Dyer and Pablo Hernandez from injury in a welcome boost for Laudrup.
Chelsea vs. Manchester United, live on NBCSN 11am ET
- Jose Mourinho will get his 100th PL victory with a win over United
- United are unbeaten in their last seven PL games (W5, D2)
- The Red Devils have only won two of 10 games vs. top-half teams this season (W2, D3, L5)
Chelsea vs. Manchester United. Jose Mourinho vs. David Moyes. London vs. Manchester. Whichever way you play this game up, it’s a massive one for so many reasons. With managerial changes at both clubs over the summer, it’s safe to say Chelsea are faring a lot better with their new manager in charge, Mourinho has begun to see a real improvement from his squad as they’ve ominously clicked into place and will sit just two points off top spot with a win. While David Moyes and United haven’t been quite so fortunate as the Red Devils are currently in seventh spot and 14 points off top spot. United have not fared well against the top teams this season, but strangely they have won five of their last six and they are unbeaten away from Old Trafford in seven. Maybe playing away from that pressure-cooker atmosphere gives them hope? Then again Mourinho has never lost in 70 PL home games in charge of Chelsea, with his first-ever PL home victory coming back in August 2004 against, you guessed it, Manchester United. Surely his remarkable record won’t be broken by the same team it started off against all those years ago?
All roads lead to a home win, but if history has taught us one thing, it’s that we should never underestimate Manchester United. Mourinho has said that this week but the fact that Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie are both out through injury will boost Chelsea, as the Blues aim to pile more misery on Moyes.
