And just like that, Matchday 23 is upon us. This is more of a traditional round of fixtures with games being played across Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Sadly, there’s no Friday night football. This round could be quite pivotal in the grand scheme of things though. So, with that in mind, here’s a look at the standout fixtures.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
Sticky situation for the Toffees
Everton kick things off on Saturday afternoon as they play host to Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche’s men are now in the relegation zone following their 0-0 draw with Fulham in mid-week combined with Luton’s shock win over Brighton.
This is a must-win game for the hosts. Everton are a point behind the Hatters having played a game more. Defeat here would give Rob Edwards’ side two games in hand and a chance to extend that lead to seven points.
By comparison, Spurs have been on a decent run lately and are now up to fourth in the table after defeating Brentford 3-2. A win here would move them to level on points with Manchester City and Arsenal. They would also move to within five points of leaders Liverpool.
The Blades need to sharpen up
Sheffield United just can’t catch a break.
The Blades are winless in six, losing on four occasions, and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. In three of those six games though, they have held a lead but haven’t been able to convert the advantage into maximum points.
They host Aston Villa this weekend who themselves will be looking to get their campaign back on track after a difficult January.
Unai Emery’s men lost their 17-match unbeaten run at Villa Park on Wednesday with Newcastle United claiming a 3-1 win. Villa have just one win in their last five Premier League outings and this has seen them drop into fifth on goal difference. A win here would get them back on track but it might not be anywhere near as straightforward as this fixture may have looked a month ago.
Manchester United on the march
Manchester United claimed a remarkable 4-3 win over Wolves on Thursday evening with the winner being scored in the 97th minute. It means they’re just a point behind sixth-placed West Ham United, a team they host on Sunday.
When the two teams met just days before Christmas, the Hammers ran out 2-0 victors courtesy of a six-minute blitz. However, a run of three draws in the Premier League have stifled David Moyes’ men and a loss here will see their hosts leapfrog them in the table.
United are still the lowest scorers in the top 10 but there have been signs over recent weeks that the Red Devils are finally starting to click in the final third. A win here will see them move up to sixth and all of a sudden, things wouldn’t be looking quite as bad for Erik Ten Hag and his side.
Top of the table clash
Arsenal welcome Liverpool to the Emirates on Sunday looking to cut the gap at the top down to two points. The Gunners have performed well against the Reds in the two clashes so far this season.
They have dominated the first half in both ties but they weren’t able to truly capitalise and this kept the door ajar for Jürgen Klopp’s side. The league leaders finished the game at Anfield in control and won the FA Cup tie at the Emirates late on. Mikel Arteta will no doubt be looking to right a few wrongs when the two face off again.
The hosts have won back to back games in the Premier League with their attackers finding their feet.
Liverpool are in good form though as well and have scored four goals in each of their last three Premier League outings. This game has the potential to be one of the best of the season. It doesn’t make or break their title hopes but a win here for either side lands an invaluable blow on the other.
Manchester City are mounting their challenge
Manchester City have been relentless and remorseless over recent weeks, even without the goalscoring sensation known as Erling Haaland. The return of Kevin De Bruyne has given the champions an extra boost and they are just racking up the wins. Depending on what happens at the Emirates, Pep Guardiola’s men may have the chance to move within two points of top spot with a game in hand if they beat Brentford on Monday night.
The Bees suffered a 3-2 loss to Spurs in midweek despite taking an early lead. Thomas Frank’s side are struggling to keep clean sheets and this could get messy if they aren’t careful against a rampant Man City team.
Ivan Toney is making up for lost time with two goals in two appearances, and he’s caused City problems in the past. Maybe he’s one to keep an eye on in this clash.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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