Premier League Matchday 37: Manchester United Aiming to Derail Arsenal’s Title Bid
The 2023/24 Premier League season is now firmly at the business end and there are still a handful of issues to be decided at both ends of the table.
With that in mind, read on as we look at some key statistics and talking points ahead of the penultimate round of matches this weekend.
Fulham vs Manchester City
The clash between Fulham and Manchester City screams ‘banker away win’, particularly when you consider the recent head-to-head between the two clubs.
Fulham last defeated Man City in April 2009. Since then, City have recorded 18 victories and three draws in 21 meetings in all competitions.
Erling Braut Haaland has scored a penalty in each of the last three league games against Fulham and would set a new Premier League record if he nets another spot-kick at Craven Cottage.
Everton vs Sheffield United
It is impossible to imagine anything other than a home win in the Everton vs Sheffield United fixture at Goodison Park this weekend.
Sean Dyche’s side have secured survival despite their points deductions, while the Blades are on course to set an unwanted record.
They equalled Swindon Town’s tall of 100 goals conceded in a season (1933/94) last weekend and will set a new mark if they concede at Everton.
West Ham United vs Luton Town
The West Ham United vs Luton Town fixture has never previously been staged at the London Stadium, but will potentially have massive implications for the latter.
Luton head into the game 18th in the table, three points behind Nottingham Forest with two games remaining. Forest also have a vastly superior goal difference.
The Hatters last beat West Ham away in the League Cup in February 1989 – anything less than a win on Saturday will end their brief stay in the Premier League.
Bournemouth vs Brentford
Recent history suggests that Bournemouth and Brentford fans should not be expecting a flurry of goals at the Vitality Stadium this weekend.
The last four meetings in Bournemouth between these two sides have generated just three goals and another tight encounter could be on the cards here.
Bournemouth could still end the season inside the top 10 – a remarkable achievement given they failed to win any of their first nine matches this term.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Crystal Palace
The mid-table fixture between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace at Molineux could be well worth keeping an eye on.
Palace stars Adam Wharton and Michael Olise were superb against Manchester United last Monday to further their claims for an England call-up this summer.
Wharton in particular is pushing hard for inclusion, but do not be surprised if manager Gareth Southgate overlooks him in favour of ‘safer’ options.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
One of this season’s great mysteries is how Burnley manager Vincent Kompany has stayed in his role during a thoroughly dismal campaign for the club.
The sight of Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley on the fixture list is unlikely to enamour Kompany and will likely spell the end of his team’s stay in the Premier League.
Burnley spent around £100 million on new players last summer and have little to show for it. Tottenham will hopefully send them packing this weekend.
Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Newcastle United and Brighton is another match which has a one-sided look to it when considering their respective home and away form.
The Magpies are undefeated in their last seven home matches and have scored two or more goals in eight of their past 10 home games
By contrast, Brighton have failed to win any of their last five away matches – form which suggests they are set for a difficult time on Saturday.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Chelsea have clawed their way into contention for Europa League qualification in recent weeks, despite failing to win any of their last five away games.
However, based on their respective league positions, Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea is game which should result in them ending that run.
Having said that, Forest are unbeaten in their last three outings against the Blues and desperately need to take something from the game to boost their survival hopes.
Manchester United vs Arsenal
There was a time not too long ago when Manchester United vs Arsenal was a fixture which had a crucial bearing on their respective hopes of winning the title.
With Man United now a shadow of their former selves, only the Gunners will head into the fixture at Old Trafford with hope of clinching the prestigious prize.
The Red Devils were woeful at Palace on Monday, but are sure to be fired up this weekend. Scuppering Arsenal’s title hopes would be a great way to bounce back.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Aston Villa vs Liverpool on Monday evening has the potential to be another sticky encounter for Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp, with the home side pushing hard to claim a top four finish.
For all the chatter about Klopp being a great manager he will leave English football with just one Premier League and one Champions League title on his CV.
However you flower it up, the German has simply not done enough to be talked about in the same breath as Liverpool managerial legends such as Bob Paisley or Bill Shankly.
The post Premier League Matchday 37: Manchester United Aiming to Derail Arsenal’s Title Bid appeared first on 11v11.