Antonio Conte’s Chelsea received everything they wished for on Saturday after several of the Premier League’s big boys all dropped points in crushing fashion.
Now, the Blues have the opportunity to extend their gap at the top of England on Sunday while two other matches are slated on the day.
[ MORE: All of PST’s PL coverage ]
Southampton vs. Leicester City — 7 a.m. ET, on NBCSN and NBCSports.com
The Saints will have to make do without one of its most important defensive figures following the sale of Jose Fonte, however, Claude Puel’s men won’t have to deal with several of Leicester’s attacking threats as the African Cup of Nations rolls on. Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Daniel Amartey will each be absent for the Foxes as they play for their respective sides at the tournament.
Southampton has taken points against Leicester in four straight PL fixtures (1 W, 3 D), however both sides have been vastly inconsistent in form throughout the campaign. Leicester striker Jamie Vardy and his side continue to struggle, with the Englishman having posted just five goals this season after netting 24 in league play a season ago.
[ MORE: Saturday’s PL roundup — Man City, Spurs finish level ]
Arsenal vs. Burnley — 9:15 a.m. ET, on NBCSN and NBCSports.com
The Gunners are unbeaten in five straight matches against Burnley, and Sunday presents the chance for Arsene Wenger’s side to win its fifth consecutive fixture against the Clarets. Wenger’s men currently sit eight points behind league leaders Chelsea, and after the rest of the the PL’s title contenders slipped up on Saturday the Gunners will be looking to avoid any stumble at the Emirates Stadium.
Olivier Giroud is expected to be back for Arsenal, while Hector Bellerin, Kieran Gibbs and Francis Coquelin are also healthy once more. Meanwhile, the Clarets are said to be expecting Dean Marney, Ashley Barnes and Johann Berg Gudmundsson back in the squad after missing the team’s FA Cup victory during the midweek.
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Chelsea vs. Hull City — 11:30 a.m. ET, on NBCSN and NBCSports.com
The Blues will be expected to take advantage of this match but all eyes will be on Antonio Conte’s team sheet, particularly with close attention on Diego Costa. The Spaniard was said to have missed the team’s last PL match due to a back injury, although reports have also suggested interest from China. Chelsea has yet to lose to Hull in nine PL fixtures, having won seven encounters and drawn the other two matches.
Meanwhile, Hull could have some of its reinforcements available on Sunday, including Olympiakos defender Omar Elabdellaoui. The Tigers will have a massive task at hand against the Blues, who have won 14 of their last 15 league matches. Marco Silva’s side currently sits in the relegation zone, however, a victory could propel the team above both Crystal Palace and Swansea City.