Playing matches relentlessly is one of the biggest challenges that every Premier League club faces and this aspect also makes it one of the toughest leagues in the world.
Hence, Manchester City’s extraordinary winning streak and Chelsea’s gritty top four survival – all remain at stake in the second phase of matchweek 26.
Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
With a massive 12-point lead at the top of the table, Manchester City couldn't have asked for more at this prime juncture of the season. However, one loss now could cause a massive upheaval in their form and consequently, their European ambitions. And the Wolves side have every potential to cause such disruption.
Both Wolves and Manchester City have remained unbeaten in their last five matches. While City have won all five of their matches, Wolves have won thrice and drawn twice.
But the Cityzens will take confidence from their past records against Wolves. Not only do City lead 4-1 in their last five encounters at the Etihad, but they enjoy a good head-to-head lead as well.
| Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Head-toHead | ||
| Manchester City | Metrics | Wolverhampton Wanderers |
| 13 | Matches | 13 |
| 7 | Wins | 4 |
| 2 | Draws | 2 |
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
Though the Red Devils remain the clear favourites going into this game, Crystal Palace have historically pulled off some of the major upsets against Manchester United.
United have a superior record over Crystal Palace in almost all aspects going into this fixture, not only in terms of head-to-head record but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have also remained unbeaten in the last five games whereas the Eagles have lost twice.
| Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Head-to-Head in EPL | ||
| Crystal Palace | Metrics | Manchester United |
| 23 | Matches | 23 |
| 13 | Goals | 44 |
| 8 | Goal Scoring Matches | 20 |
| 3 | Clean Sheets | 15 |
United have won in four of their last five visits to Selhurst Park, have scored more goals (25) than Palace (14) and also conceded less than the Eagles. But Palace will take encouragement from their recent record against United where they have won twice in the last three encounters.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
The biggest fixture of this matchweek is definitely Liverpool taking on Chelsea. With just one point separating the two, hosts Liverpool will look to leapfrog the Blues with a home win on Friday.
However, Jurgen Klopp won't be too optimistic given Liverpool's recent form in the Premier League, where the Reds have lost four of their last five matches, as compared to Chelsea's unbeaten stint under new coach Thomas Tuchel.
Liverpool vs Chelsea head-to-head have also been close with the two sides facing each other 57 times and Liverpool leading Chelsea 23-20. Chelsea's strong performances at Anfield also make this fixture quite unpredictable.
| Last 5 matches at Anfield | ||
| Liverpool | Matches | Chelsea |
| 2 | Wins | 0 |
| 3 | Draws | 3 |
Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Paul Ellis
