Four fixtures you won’t want to miss this weekend

Among the fixtures you simply can’t miss this weekend is the hotly anticipated, first-ever top flight Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City.

Arsenal v Liverpool (KO: Saturday, 17:30 UK time)

It’s first versus third here. Brendan Rodgers recently played down Liverpool’s title hopes, but a victory at the Emirates would provide a flicker of hope. They’ve actually caught Arsenal at a good time, as they’ve lost two of their last three games, both of them at home. What’s more, they’re undefeated in 16 of their last 17 matches in the league.

A blossoming Luis Suarez-Daniel Sturridge partnership would threaten to make it 17 undefeated. But Arsenal, despite their recent blips, are flying in the league and have a good record versus Liverpool. They’ve won seven of their last eight league games, and are undefeated in 15 of their last 16 home matches versus the Reds in all competitions. This will be an interesting match, one that would be pleasing on the eye, given the technical philosophies of both clubs.

Milan v Fiorentina (KO: Saturday, 19:45 UK time)

This is a match between sixth and tenth. Milan are still struggling for form, failing to win either of their last two games and just two of their last six.

Fiorentina, surprisingly, given their wonderful passing football, have created very little this season, ranking 17th in the creativity department. Vincenzo Montella is no doubt harbouring ambitions about managing in the Champions League next season. If his side is to get there, they’ll need to improve in this area. Away to Milan would be a great time to start, given their defence is far from sturdy, as they’ve conceded 17 goals already this season.

Everton v Tottenham (KO: Sunday, 13:30 UK time)

Just one point and two places separate these two teams who have started the season very promisingly. The Toffees will be very confident heading into this game, as they’ve won not only nine of their last 10 home league matches, but their last three matches against Spurs in all competitions.

But Andre Villas-Boas’ squad has been drastically improved over the summer, and he will no doubt fancy his chances in this fixture this time around as a result. Spurs are the league’s best creators, setting up 119 chances. They’ve also had the second-most amount of shots. As far as their defence goes, they’ve conceded just five goals. Only Southampton have conceded less (3). So, Everton will certainly have their hands full at Goodison Park in this exciting encounter.

Cardiff City v Swansea City (KO: Sunday, 16:00 UK time)

This will be a drama-filled, entertaining encounter. Neither of team is in the best of form, but that doesn’t mean anything here; it’s all about bragging rights. Swansea appear to have the upper hand as they boast experience in the top-flight, and they’ll take heart from the fact that they don’t have that bad an away record, winning half of their games away from the Liberty Stadium so far this season. Cardiff, meanwhile, have won just one out of four home games and are languishing just two places above the relegation zone. It’s not exactly Barcelona versus Real Madrid, but it’s the English Premier League’s first ever Wales derby; it’ll be worth watching.