While every Premier League game carries importance, some fixtures have deeper historical significance. Whether it's past battles for titles, fierce local rivalries, or dramatic encounters, here's how history adds extra spice to Saturday's matches.
1. Leicester vs. Arsenal - Memories of the Title Race
Arsenal and Leicester's most famous encounter came in the 2015-16 season, when Leicester shocked the world by winning the Premier League. Arsenal was the only team to beat them home and away that season, but still fell short of the title.
The Gunners have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning five of the last six meetings.
Leicester's last victory over Arsenal came in 2020, when Jamie Vardy struck late at the Emirates.
Arsenal fans still remember Danny Welbeck's last-minute winner in 2016 that kept their title hopes alive, only for Leicester to have the last laugh.
Historical Verdict: Arsenal has the edge, but Leicester has caused surprises before.
2. Aston Villa vs. Ipswich - A Rare Top-Flight Meeting
According to BBC Sport, this fixture is a throwback to the 1980s when Ipswich were a top club under Bobby Robson.
Ipswich won the 1978 FA Cup and finished second in the league in 1981, competing with Villa at the top.
However, since Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League in 2002, they have rarely met in competitive fixtures.
Villa has won six of the last seven meetings, with Ipswich's last win coming in 2012 in the Championship.
Historical Verdict: Villa has dominated recent clashes, and Ipswich's decline makes an upset unlikely.
3. Man City vs. Newcastle - A One-Sided Rivalry
Historically, Newcastle was the bigger club, winning four league titles before City won their first.
However, in modern times, City has dominated. Newcastle has not beaten City in the league at the Etihad since 2000.
Newcastle's fans still remember 1995-96, when they lost the title after leading by 12 points, famously collapsing after Kevin Keegan's "I would love it" rant. City has since taken their place among England's elite.
Their most famous recent battle was the 2023 FA Cup final, where City won 2-1.
Historical Verdict: Newcastle has struggled in this fixture for decades, and City remains dominant.
4. West Ham vs. Brentford - A Growing London Rivalry
These two clubs don't have a long-standing rivalry, but Brentford's rise to the Premier League has added tension.
Brentford has actually had the upper hand recently, winning their last four league meetings against the Hammers.
The two clubs have been competing for mid-table dominance, and Brentford's aggressive style has troubled West Ham in recent years.
Historically, West Ham was the bigger club, but Brentford fans now see them as a team they can compete with.
Historical Verdict: Brentford has been the dominant force recently, despite West Ham's bigger club status.
5. Crystal Palace vs. Everton - A Fixture of Frustration for Palace
Everton has been a nightmare opponent for Crystal Palace. The Eagles have won just one of their last 20 Premier League meetings.
Their biggest heartbreak came in the 2021-22 season, when Palace led 2-0 at Goodison Park, only for Everton to come back and win 3-2, securing Premier League survival in dramatic fashion.
Palace's only recent win against Everton came in the 2022 FA Cup quarter-finals, when they ran out 4-0 winners.
Everton has historically had the upper hand, but Palace will hope to rewrite the script this time.
Historical Verdict: Everton has dominated this matchup, but Palace is eager to turn the tide.
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