THE Friday game saw already-safe Everton take on fighting-for-survival Luton, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The result leaves Luton mired in the bottom three with just three games left in the season. It is looking increasingly likely that the Hatters will join Sheffield United in the Championship next season.
FocusM looks at the talking points from the weekend’s fixtures.
Arsenal v Bournemouth (Sat, 7.30pm)
With no midweek distractions, Mikael Arteta will not grumble about an early kick-off as it gives Arsenal the chance to put pressure on Manchester City. A home win will put the Gunners four points clear of the reigning champions who will have two games in hand prior to their late kick-off against Wolves.
Having seemingly purged the painful defeat to Bayern Munich in Europe, the Gunners look focused and are playing football worthy of champions. Though they know their fate is out of their hands, all they can do is apply pressure to Pep Guardiola’s men.
Brentford v Fulham (Sat, 10pm)
A London derby to spice up the occasion for two sides comfortably ensconced in mid-table. Of the two teams, Marco Silva will be the happier of the managers as he managed to steer Fulham clear of any relegation worries. The Cottagers looked like putting a late charge on a European berth while Brentford only steered clear of danger in recent weeks.
Thomas Frank will be looking for a strong finish to the campaign and a Derby win will perhaps set the tone for more ambitious transfers for the Bees. Chances that this will end all square are high.
Burnley v Newcastle (Sat, 10pm)
Both teams need the three points albeit for very different reasons. The home side has an outside chance of retaining their top flight status. It’s an ultra slim chance but it exists—win all their games and Burnley could possibly overtake Luton or Nottingham Forest in the quest for survival. Newcastle are looking to strengthen their bid for European football next season.
Though the chance of returning to the Champions League has evaporated, the Magpies will want to at least secure Europa League qualification. Alexander Isak’s hot streak has also put him in sight of the Golden Boot and the Newcastle striker could well be the natural heir to Alan Shearer.
Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest (Sat, 10pm)
Sheffield United are the first confirmed side to go down. Will this mean a meek surrender or will the shackles come off for Chris Wilder’s side? The players may want to put on a show for the home supporters after such a traumatic season and with nothing left to lose, it could be a surprise. That is something the visitors can’t afford.
Nottingham Forest need all three points in what is turning out to be a battle royale between them, Luton and Burnley to escape relegation. Forest looks best placed to survive, but that changes dramatically if they lose at Bramall Lane and the other two secure points.
Manchester City v Wolverhampton Wanderers (Sat, 12.30am)
The visitors are one of the few teams to have taken points off the reigning champions with a 2-1 win at the Molineux in September. However, as has been the case in recent seasons, Manchester City always seems to peak at the business end of the season. Pep Guardiola’s men also, like the Gunners, seem to have exorcised their Champions League disappointment with fine performances on the domestic front.
Though the “double treble” is gone, City still have a Wembley date against Manchester United in the FA Cup. Plus, they can also become the first English side ever to win four consecutive top-flight titles.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa (Sun, 10pm)
Brighton’s promising season is fizzling out with speculation over manager Roberto De Zerbi’s long-term future, which does not help matters. He clearly wants to go a level higher hence his open questioning of the board’s desire to be more ambitious in the transfer market. This is after their painful exit to Roma in the Europa League which signalled that this side has reached its ceiling.
Losing either one of Moises Caicedo or Alexis Mac Allister would damage any team, but to lose both and not adequately reinforce the ranks has had a telling effect. Coupled with a massive injury list, the Seagulls have fallen way below their best this season.
Chelsea v West Ham United (Sat, 10pm)
A London derby with the scramble for the final European berth heating up. David Moyes looks set to depart West Ham at the end of the season but he will want to leave his mark with another top-seven finish. The Scotsman’s success in the Conference League was the Hammer’s first trophy in 40 years ensuring his legacy with the club despite the grumblings of dour, pragmatic football.
The West Ham board faces a tricky situation by trying to land a visible upgrade on a manager who has consistently helped the side punch above their weight. The fiasco over talks with Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorin and the failure to land Julen Lopetegui underline that replacing Moyes will be no easy task.
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspurs (Mon, 12.30am)
Spurs suffered two very damaging defeats in back-to-back London derbies. A painful 3-2 reverse at home to bitter North London rivals Arsenal was hard to swallow given the title chasers had a 3-0 lead at one point. Worse was to follow as Spurs then lost 2-0 to Chelsea in midweek, who are managed by their former coach Mauricio Pochettino.
While fifth would be a respectable finish for Ange Posteglou’s debut season, Spurs early-season form raised expectations considerably. Spurs, though will be confident of a win at Anfield given how the rails have come off Liverpool’s title challenge recently.
Crystal Palace v Manchester United (Tues, 3am)
With one eye on the FA Cup final, some Manchester United players may be wary of picking up an injury. But they can’t take their foot off the pedal as they bid to secure qualification to the Europa League with Newcastle and West Ham in close quarters. Crystal Palace have been in good form and will want to end their season on a high.
Key players like Michael Olise and Eberiche Eze will fancy their chances against a midfield that is prone to leaving gaps for opponents to exploit. They will also be keenly aware that big clubs are eyeing their services with the Red Devils rumoured to be interested. – May 4, 2024
