Premier League Matchday 35: Arsenal face tough Tottenham test
Football fans are in for a treat this weekend, with the latest round of Premier League fixtures scheduled to feature some blockbuster encounters.
With that in mind, read on as we look at some key statistics and talking points ahead of what could be a pivotal few days in the 2023/24 season.
West Ham United vs Liverpool
Liverpool’s miserable 2-0 defeat at Everton in midweek sparked misery on the red half of Merseyside and unbridled joy across the rest of the Premier League.
However, a quick look at the recent head-to-head between West Ham United and Liverpool suggests redemption may be on the cards at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have won just one of their last 16 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions. This should be an away win, but is life ever that simple?
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Luton Town
With Everton now looking safe from relegation, Luton Town are one of three clubs battling to avoid the drop alongside Burnley and Nottingham Forest.
Just three points separates those sides with four games remaining, which cranks up the pressure on each of them heading into the weekend.
Luton have the easiest game on paper but have not won at Molineux since November 1994. On that basis, picking up a point would be a positive result.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Despite having little to play for during the rest of the season, Fulham and Crystal Palace will be eager to gain the upper hand at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The Eagles have been in fine form over the past couple of weeks, recording victories over Liverpool, West Ham United and Newcastle United.
Midfielder Adam Wharton has been excellent during that run. Maybe England manager Gareth Southgate should take a look before the 2024 European Championships?
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United
If ever a game screamed ‘banker home win’, it is unquestionably the clash between Newcastle United and Sheffield United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Newcastle have a point to prove after losing at Palace in midweek, while the Blades have been absolutely dreadful throughout the season.
If they ship nine or more goals in their last four matches, the Yorkshire outfit would beat Swindon Town’s unwanted record of 100 Premier League goals conceded.
Manchester United vs Burnley
Manchester United vs Burnley also looks a good bet to be a home win, particularly when considering the head-to-head between the two clubs.
The Red Devils have lost just twice against Burnley during the Premier League era and should have little difficulty seeing off their challenge at Old Trafford.
Vincent Kompany’s side have shown some signs of life in recent weeks after a dismal season, but still look doomed to make an immediate return to the Championship.
Everton vs Brentford
Only devout Liverpool fans would have denied themselves a smile after Everton produced a power-packed performance to defeat their rivals in midweek.
Everton vs Brentford is another fixture they will be eyeing with glee having defeated the London side in each of their last two meetings.
The Toffees have scored the first goal in their last four league matches against Brentford. Goodison Park will be rocking if they extend that run this weekend.
Aston Villa vs Chelsea
The contrast in fortunes between Aston Villa and Chelsea this season has been remarkable. Villa are on the up, while Chelsea have been hugely underwhelming.
Manager Unai Emery has done a superb job at Villa Park, guiding his team into contention for Champions League qualification at the end of the season.
By contrast, Blues’ counterpart Mauricio Pochettino has been unable to get a tune out of his expensively assembled job and his future is up in the air.
Bournemouth vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion still have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe, which adds some spice to their meeting this weekend.
The Cherries have opened the scoring in their last three Premier League home games – a statistic which suggests the visitors will need to be on their toes at the Vitality Stadium.
A Bournemouth victory could potentially move them up to eighth place – not a bad effort for a team many people predicted would struggle this term.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal
Thee highlight of the weekend is the clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – a fixture that could have huge ramifications for both clubs.
Spurs are still firmly in the running for a top four finish, while the Gunners remain in contention to win the league title with four games remaining.
The home side would love nothing more than to derail their local rivals’ bid to claim top spot – there could be fireworks in London on Sunday afternoon.
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Nottingham Forest and Manchester City desperately need to pick up three points at the City Ground, but for very different reasons.
Forest head into the game just one point above the relegation zone and may well be in the bottom three when the latest round of matches are concluded.
By contrast, Man City are bidding to overhaul Arsenal at the top of the table and will expect to leave the Midlands with another victory under their belts.
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