But, bouyed by their impressive start to the new campaign, could the newly promoted side be about to spring the unlikeliest of results in west London?
- Premier League Table / Premier League Podcast
In the build-up to Sunday's intriguing clash, Football.co.uk's Joe Strange casts his mind back over five of the biggest shocks in Premier League history.
Bradford City 1-0 Liverpool 14/5/00
For top-flight minnows Bradford to beat Gerard Houllier's Liverpool was something special. But to do it on the final day of the Premier League season and thus avoid relegation made it a result that Bantams fans will never forget. City legend David Wetherall's bullet header in the 12th minute was enough to give Paul Jewell's side all three points and another crack at the big-time. The result also meant that the Reds missed out on Champions League qualification.
Burnley 1-0 Manchester United 19/9/09
After a 2-0 defeat away at Stoke on their Premier League debut, Burnley looked a good bet to be the Premier League whipping-boys of 2009-10. But just four days later they defied their early season critics with a stunning 1-0 win at home to champions Manchester United. Robbie Blake's magnificent volley gave the Clarets the lead, before Brian Jensen saved a Michael Carrick penalty. The Turf Moor club eventually dropped straight back down to the Championship, but not before a few more upsets and memorable days out.
Arsenal 1-2 Hull City 27/9/08
Who would have predicted that Hull, a team promoted via the play-offs just a few months before, would go and take three points away at Arsenal? Well, Phil Brown apparently. After seeing his side come from behind to win 2-1 he said: "Of course coming to the Emirates and taking three points will surprise a lot of people, but it doesn't surprise anyone in our changing-room,". A sublime long-range strike from Brazilian Geovanni and a Daniel Cousin header was enough to give the Tigers the award for the biggest shock of 2008-09.
Southampton 6-3 Manchester United 26/10/96
It's a well known fact that Sir Alex Ferguson hates sloppy defending, so you can only imagine what was said in the dressing room after he watched his side concede six goals to a Southampton side struggling at the wrong end of the table. Despite being a man down after Roy Keane's red card, the Red Devils were just 3-2 down with eight minutes to play. But, in an unforgettable climax, four goals were scored, three of which were by the inspired Saints. It was United's second consecutive defeat at The Dell, following on from the infamous 'grey shirt' debacle six months earlier.
Arsenal 0-3 Middlesbrough 14/1/01
It might have taken own goals from Edu and Sylvinho, but Boro's 3-0 win over Arsene Wenger's title challengers still ranks as one of the biggest upsets ever seen in the Premier League. A second-half strike from Hamilton Ricard completed the scoring, as Thierry Henry and co were powerless to overcome a side in the midst of a relegation dogfight. Former England boss Terry Venables successfully led the north-east side to a 14th place finish.
Source: DSG
