EPL Spotlight: Battle of the Blues

 

EPL MATCH TO WATCH

MAN CITY

Chelsea

Ah, December. It's that time of the year when we start to look back, last minute Christmas shopping and thinking about what to pen down for next year's resolutions.

It is also the month where many have fallen in the quest for a Premier League title.

To kickstart proceedings, Manchester City, who are behind second-place Liverpool only on goal difference, host Antonio Conte's seemingly unstoppable league leaders Chelsea.

For both teams, the equation is simple - win, and top spot is theirs.

While dropping points at this stage isn't completely terminal, either side certainly won't want pass up the chance to deal the other side a title race blow.

TEAM TO WATCH: Chelsea (v Manchester City)

Ever since their 3-0 humbling at the hands of rivals Arsenal, Chelsea have been unstoppable in the EPL.

The Blues have reaped the benefits of Antonio Conte's switch to a back three, as evidenced by their current seven-game winning streak.

While this sequence includes impressive 4-0 and 5-0 wins over Manchester United and Everton respectively, their 2-1 win over Spurs in their last match probably stands out the most.

Despite conceding early on - the first goal they had conceded in the league after six clean sheets - Chelsea showed their fortitude and desire and by coming up from behind and dispatching their London rivals.

Even though a trip to the Etihad Stadium is never an easy one, the Blues from west London are looking good to make it eight in a row with their scintillating football.

MANAGER TO WATCH: Alan Pardew (CRYSTAL PALACE v Southampton, Saturday, 11pm)

The general concensus is that 2016 has been a wretched year. 

Fans of Crystal Palace have also been treated to one phenomenally rubbish year.

The team has accrued only 11 wins all year - just five of which were from the EPL. This has left the Eagles wallowing in a relegation dogfight.

While Alan Pardew kept his job after that bonkers 5-4 loss to Swansea last week, if his side loses this weekend to Southampton, survival looks impossible. It's incredible to think that this is the same man man once touted for England.

PLAYER TO WATCH (AGAIN): Henrikh Mkhitaryan (Everton v MANCHESTER UNITED, Monday, 12am)

I was completely played out by Jose Mourinho last week after he rewarded Henrikh Mkhitaryan's excellent performance in the Europa League rewarded with a place on the bench against West Ham last weekend.

However, I am sticking my neck out for the Armenian again this week when United play Everton.

I mean, seriously, how can I not after his delightful assist for Zlatan Ibrahimovic's opener against West Ham in the League Cup?

Mourinho's got to start him, right? Right?