By Dylan Bettencourt
PICK OF THE SPORTS: It is another fascinating weekend of English Premier League action, with Chelsea facing Liverpool and Arsenal taking on Manchester United.
A clash between Chelsea and Liverpool has always had ramifications for the title race, but this time round both sides languish in the middle of the table.
Liverpool fought for the title until the very last game last season, but this time they face Chelsea while in ninth spot in the standings.
Chelsea are no better off, finding themselves in tenth spot after a difficult season for the London side.
While a win for either side puts them closer to the expected Uefa Champions League places, a loss for either side will only rub salt into their open wounds.
Nevertheless, fans can expect a mouthwatering clash, with each side craving victory over a fellow struggler.
The clash of the underachievers is set to kick off at 2.30pm on Saturday to get the Premier League action started. The fixture can be watched live on DStv channel 203.
Moving onto Sunday, if you had told Arsenal and Manchester United fans that their clash would have title-challenging consequences, they would have laughed it off.
However, it has become a reality for both sets of fans, with Arsenal topping the standings by some margin and United sitting pretty in the third spot.
The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, meaning they could move eight points clear by the end of the weekend.
However, for United, they will be looking to spoil the party in North London and close the gap to Arsenal while overtaking neighbours Manchester City in second spot.
Both teams are overachieving this season, given their results the last couple of years, but now they are confronted with a hugely important fixture.
Arsenal will host United on Sunday at 6.30 pm, with the action live on DStv channel 203.
- The battle of the over- and underachievers carries over in South Africa as Mamelodi Sundowns face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday night.
It is difficult to say that Sundowns are overachieving, given their dominance in the league, but sitting 19 points above Chiefs gives an indication.
Chiefs find themselves in fourth spot in the league standings and will remain there even if they manage to defeat Sundowns.
The last time these sides met, the Pretoria-based outfit ran out 4-0 winners over the AmaKhosi, and it will be looking to replicate that feat.
The action will kick off at the FNB Stadium at 8pm on Saturday night, live on DStv channel 202.
- If you have a problem sleeping, here’s a remedy. The HSBC Sevens in Hamilton, New Zealand will be your constant companion through the night. The Blitzboks have a lot to prove this weekend, but then, these days they always do. Their performance under coach Sandile Ngcobo has been positive but variable.
This weekend one hopes for a consistent performance. Their pool matches against Canada, Spain and Argentina (between 10 pm Friday and 5 am Saturday) will give us a good indication.
The action will be live on DStv channel 211.
- In the Heineken Champions Cup, the Sharks are the underdogs as they make the trip up north into the European winter.
The Sharks are up against it, facing Harlequins at Twickenham, and yes, it will be very, very cold at 3 pm on Saturday. It will, however, probably not rain and the wind will not be a factor. The Stormers are very unlikely to drop the ball when they host Clermont in Cape Town at 7.30 pm on Saturday.
All the action can be watched live on DStv channel 201.
Pictured above: Arsenal taking on Manchester United
Image source: Arsenal
