The Premier League continues this weekend with Matchday 33, and Sportsnet will have live coverage of five games.
Saturday, April 7
• Stoke City vs. Tottenham, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West and Pacific)
• Watford vs. Burnley, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet World)
• West Bromwich Albion vs. Swansea City, 9:30 a.m. ET (Sportsnet World Plus)
• Manchester City vs. Manchester United, noon ET (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West and Pacific, and Sportsnet World)
Sunday, April 8
• Chelsea vs. West Ham United, 11:00 a.m. ET (Sportsnet East, Ontario, West and Pacific)
Here’s what you need to know ahead of this weekend.
THE BIG GAME
Manchester City vs. Manchester United: It’s always a big occasion when these two city rivals go head-to-head, but Saturday’s contest at the Etihad Stadium has extra meaning. City can officially clinch the Premier League crown win a win over United with six games to spare, which would be the earliest the title has ever been won.
City beat United at Old Trafford on Dec. 10, and would love to do the double over Jose Mourinho’s side en route to clinching the title. The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last two league games at the Etihad Stadium, recording a clean sheet both times.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Romelu Lukaku, Manchester United: The Belgian has scored in each of his last three appearances for Manchester United in all competitions, his best run of form since scoring in six consecutive matches in September. Last week, he scored his 100th Premier League goal to become the fifth-youngest player (at 24 years and 322 days) to reach the century mark.
SALAH A DOUBT FOR EVERTON MATCH?
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah might miss Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park due to a groin problem. The Egyptian picked up the injury in the Reds’ 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, and had to be subbed out early in the second half. Liverpool travels to Man City for the return match next week, so the Reds could rest him this weekend. “Still 24 hours to go until we start, let’s see what happens. You cannot push a player through a game, not even our supporters would want that. If he’s a doubt, he will not be involved” manager Jurgen Klopp said on Friday. Salah leads the Premier League scoring race with 29 goals this season.
PARDEW OUT AT WEST BROM
West Bromwich Albion parted ways with manager Alan Pardew earlier this week. West Brom said it “agreed to mutually part company today following discussions between both parties.” The Baggies lost 2-1 at home to Burnley last week and sit in last place, 10 points from safety with six Premier League games left this season. Pardew left the club following a run of eight consecutive league defeats. First-team coach Darren Moore has been appointed interim manager, with West Brom hosting Swansea City on Saturday.
LIVERPOOL’S MATIP DONE FOR THE SEASON
Liverpool defender Joel Matip will miss the rest of the season due to a thigh issue. He suffered the injury in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last week, and is expected to go undergo surgery. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp will likely play Dejan Lovren next to Virgil van Dijk in central defence for the remainder of the season.
KANE SET TO START FOR SPURS
Harry Kane has fully recovered from an ankle injury and could return to the starting line-up on Saturday when Tottenham visits Stoke City. Kane came on as a late substitute in Spurs’ win over Chelsea last weekend, and showed no ill signs of the injury he picked up on March 11. “He is okay after playing nearly 20 minutes against Chelsea. This week was good, he is working hard,” manager Mauricio Pochettino told reporters on Friday. Kane is Tottenham’s top scorer this season with 24 league goals.
INTERESTING STAT
THE BIG QUESTION
Every week, Sportsnet’s soccer panel will debate The Big Question. Have your say by voting in the poll below:
HE SAID IT
“I know what it would mean. It would be like Barcelona winning the title at [Real] Madrid or Real winning at Barca. It would be special. — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
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