#5 Stoke – Bournemouth: Potters on the up
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Mark Hughes welcomed back Bojan from injury last time around and the form of Joe Allen has meant that the Potters are not too far from a Europa League place. Hughes has spent a considerable amount of money on the squad and has enriched the attacking side of the squad.
They will look to kick on when they take on Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side. Bojan’s presence and a fit Shaqiri can mesmerise opposing sides and Hughes will be hoping the duo are on song this weekend.
However, the Cherries are not a side which rolls over easily and Eddie Howe’s side can be expected to take the fight to Stoke City.
Match Prediction: Stoke 2 – 2 Bournemouth
#6 Sunderland – Hull City: Relegation worries at the Stadium of Light
“Things can only get better from here”, quipped some of the home fans after the dismal home defeat against Arsenal in October at the Stadium of Light. But much needed wins for both teams before the international break ensured that this “relegation six-pointer” now has an added edge.
Moyes’s team have finally won a league game and Hull curtailed their run of six straight league defeats; the encounter at Stadium of Light promises to be a feisty affair.
Most importantly, it will be an intriguing affair as both teams are aware that a win will enhance their chances of survival. However, a defeat for the Black Cats will leave them further adrift of the safer reaches of the Premier League table.
Defoe was more effective in the presence of Victor Anichebe last time around and given the importance of the fixture, it will be interesting to see what team Moyes puts out.
Irrespective of the defeats and the club’s internal problems, Mike Phelan, the Hull City manager continues to be fiercely optimistic and he recently stated, “Although we’ve had some soul-destroying defeats, there remains an inner belief.” A
nd why not? A statistical review of the past 5 games between both teams reveals a splendid record for the Tigers, who have won 4 of them bar one. Given their recent track record, Hull will be quietly optimistic when they walk into a hostile atmosphere on Saturday Afternoon.
Match Prediction: Sunderland 1 – 1 Hull City
