'Derby day' on the horizon in Premier League

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Sunday is 'derby day' in the Premier League with three local derbies played in a single afternoon which could have a huge impact on this season's title race and relegation battle.

The day kicks off with the southwest London derby as Chelsea entertain Fulham. Although Chelsea would normally be runaway favorites to beat the side currently bottom of the table, they go into the game severely chastened after a 3-1 defeat to Spurs last weekend. Meanwhile Fulham have been boosted by the arrival of Claudio Ranieri and last weekend's fightback to beat Southampton 3-2.

Fulham's former Chelsea forward, Andre Schurrle is optimistic his side can take something from Stamford Bridge and has said he "might celebrate" if he scores on his former ground. The drama then switches from south-west to north London as Arsenal entertain Tottenham in perhaps the bitterest of all London derbies.

Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks believes the game comes at the "perfect time" for Tottenham, who moved up to third in the table following last weekend's win at home to Chelsea and who also beat Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night to maintain their hopes of reaching the last 16.

It's also a good time for Arsenal however as Unai Emery's team are unbeaten since August 18 when they were slightly unlucky to lose 3-2 away to Chelsea. The game will see a duel of two of the league's top strikers with Harry Kane leading the line for Spurs, while Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one goal ahead of Kane with eight goals in the Premier League so far this campaign.

A win for Arsenal would take them above their neighbors on goal difference, but if Spurs can conquer the Emirates Stadium, they would just about end Arsenal's title challenge, especially if league leaders, Manchester City continue their imperious form at home to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Sunday's final derby is perhaps the biggest of them all as Everton cross Stanley Park to play Liverpool at Anfield. Liverpool are unbeaten in the league this season and Everton have not won a league game at Anfield since 1999.

That being said, after a tiring game in Paris on Wednesday and with Jordan Henderson suspended for Liverpool, Everton may just have a chance of controlling midfield and using that as a springboard for what would be a historic win.

Saturday's games have their share of drama as well as Crystal Palace and Burnley are both desperate for points from their meeting at Selhurst Park, while Huddersfield look to build on last weekend's win away to Wolves when they entertain Brighton and Hove Albion.

Newcastle United have taken three wins from four games to lift themselves away from the relegation zone and Rafael Benitez will be optimistic of taking another three points when West Ham visit St James' Park.

Leicester City are at home to Watford in what looks to be a well-balanced game, while former Manchester United hero Mark Hughes faces another huge test when Southampton host his former club.

Manchester United have hardly set the world on fire recently as shown by their 0-0 draw at home to Crystal Palace and a narrow and fortunate 1-0 Champions League win at home to Young Boys on Tuesday. However, they will be optimistic of beating a rival that has managed just one league win all season. 

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