It didn’t take long for the Football Association to step in and fine Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho for alleging a “campaign” was being mounted against his team by both officials and the media.
It isn’t the first time the defiant manager has been fined for comments and the timing couldn’t be better with the Blues set to battle the team closest to them for top spot in the Premier League standings in Manchester City. Of course, Mourinho may pay a pretty penny for his gamesmanship but don’t be surprised if him and his Blues get some better calls this weekend.
There is no doubt about what the most highly anticipated game for this week will be as the top two teams square off but it’s also impossible to ignore a couple of key showdowns for both Manchester United and Arsenal.
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Manchester United vs. Leicester – Saturday, 10:00 AM ET
EPL Odds: Manchester United -300, Leicester +400, Draw +800
United bounced back from a disappointing 1-0 loss to Southampton with a 2-0 win over QPR last week but it’s impossible to ignore the fragile state of Louis van Gaal’s side. Consistency has eluded this team all season and, with just one win in their previous four games, there is little room for error. They have dropped to fourth and are in danger to following to fifth – or lower – as Arsenal is only a point back while Tottenham trails by three points.
United should be able to string together a second consecutive win this week when they host a Leicester side that is buried at the bottom of the table. The home fans at Old Trafford have dealt with plenty of disappointment this season but this should be an excellent opportunity to get going and make a statement ahead of the battle of the top two teams that will follow when this game ends. Pick: Manchester United
Chelsea vs. Manchester City – Saturday, 12:30 PM ET
EPL Odds: Chelsea -117, Manchester City +275, Draw +300
City followed up a disappointing draw versus Everton with a crushing 2-0 loss to Arsenal, which dropped them five points back of Chelsea for top spot in the Premier League table. It’s definitely not the way that manager Manuel Pellegrini envisioned limping in to this showdown – especially considering that Chelsea has been in fine form with a combined 7-0 margin in consecutive wins in its last two games.
Stamford Bridge will be rocking for this game. And though we have seen plenty of magic from City over the years, it seems like this is the perfect storm for the Blues to take advantage and all but seal off the Premier League title. Anything can happen in a game of this magnitude but everything we have seen over the past couple of week’s points towards a win for the home side. A draw would be nice for Man City but it seems unlikely given the momentum. Pick: Chelsea
Arsenal vs. Aston Villa – Sunday, 8:30 AM ET
EPL Odds: Arsenal -400, Aston Villa +450, +1200
Sunday’s action will also feature a Southampton side that could potentially move within two points of City for second place with a win and a Citizens loss, but we are looking forward to seeing what Arsenal has in store for an encore after last week’s win. The Gunners are coming off consecutive wins in which they outscored their opponents by a combined 5-0 score and they have now won four of their last five games. This will be a game of teams headed in opposite directions as Paul Lambert’s side has gone without a goal in five straight games with just two points to show for that stretch. Arsenal is a fun club to watch when firing on all cylinders, and that’s why they’re laying (-400) in this spot. They should be able to secure an important three points this weekend with this cupcake matchup. Pick: Arsenal
