The Premier League leaders aren’t in action this weekend due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup final and Liverpool are assured top spot following their mid-week win over Luton Town, but there’s still plenty at stake across Matchday 26. Here’s a look at some of the key fixtures.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
A new era for the Eagles
Crystal Palace host Burnley this weekend in what will be a first home match for new manager Oliver Glasner. The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss had a watching brief on Monday night for the 1-1 draw with Everton. This will be his first match in charge of the Eagles after he succeeded Roy Hodgson.
He has a bit of a job to do. Palace are without a clean sheet in six matches and are currently just five points above the drop zone. Defeat here could see them dragged into a relegation battle. The Eagles also have a fairly poor record at home and are averaging just one point per game at Selhurst Park this term. Only three teams have won fewer points in front of home fans and it will be no surprise to hear that they make up the bottom three.
Burnley’s away form is just as problematic. Vincent Kompany’s side have picked up eight points from the 12 matches they have played on the road this season. They are currently joint-bottom alongside Sheffield United on 13 points from 25 games. The Clarets are without a win in 2024 and are averaging just one goal per game.
They may have impressed in losses against Liverpool and Manchester City recently but Burnley need points on the board and quickly. If they can spoil Glasner’s welcome party, it’d be a good start.
A tricky situation for the Toffees
Everton make the trip to Brighton on Saturday having escaped the relegation zone. That aforementioned point against Crystal Palace on Monday evening was enough to leapfrog Luton Town into 17th position on goal difference.
A win at the Amex would give them a three-point cushion, albeit having played a game more than their rivals. Even so, it would put pressure on the Hatters in what is now a pivotal part of the season. However, Sean Dyche’s side are without an away goal in four matches and they aren’t necessarily going to fancy their chances against Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
Brighton are unbeaten in 11 home matches and are averaging over two goals per game in front of home fans in the Premier League. The Seagulls have been blowing hot and cold over recent weeks. They lost 4-0 to Luton but followed that up with a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace. They then suffered a last-minute defeat to Spurs before thrashing Sheffield United 5-0 last weekend.
Everton will no doubt be hoping this inconsistent form continues.
How will the champions respond?
Manchester City had been gearing up for another one of their wild winning runs in the Premier League. And then Chelsea rocked up to the Etihad last weekend and left with a surprise point. The champions are still in the title race but they’re now relying on others if they are to reclaim top spot. Pep Guardiola’s men are four points adrift of Liverpool with a game in hand.
They travel to Bournemouth in a game that has previously been a banker for those in blue. City are unbeaten against the Cherries in 14 matches and have scored 14 goals across the last three match-ups between the two teams. The 2022/23 treble winners are averaging 2.3 goals per 90 this term and Erling Haaland is back amongst the goals after an injury lay-off. They’ll be confident of getting back to winning ways.
Especially when you consider that Bournemouth are without a win in the Premier League in 2024. They have drawn three of their previous four games in the English top-flight and momentum has slowed right down after a positive period just before the New Year.
Revenge for Arsenal?
One of the most controversial games of the 2023/24 campaign was played at St James’ Park earlier in the season when Newcastle hosted Arsenal. The winning goal had three separate VAR checks before being given, much to the dismay of Mikel Arteta. The Gunners will be looking to get one over on the Magpies at the Emirates on Saturday night.
They will also be looking to get back on track following their shock mid-week loss to Porto in the Champions League.
Only Liverpool (35 points) and Manchester City (31) have won more points at home than Arsenal (29) while Newcastle have a terrible away record, though they are unbeaten in four away from St James’ Park. It all points to a win for the Gunners, doesn’t it?
Arteta’s side have also been awarded the most penalties (eight) and kept the most clean sheets (10) in the Premier League. As far as metrics go, that is a decent combo to have. By comparison, Newcastle are without a clean sheet in four matches and have conceded nine goals in those games.
A sting in the tail for the Hammers?
The pressure is building on David Moyes as the manager of West Ham United. The Hammers are without a goal in their last three matches and without a clean sheet in seven. They could finish the weekend in 11th position.
Brentford have beaten West Ham in the last two clashes between the sides and despite having only taken three points from their previous five Premier League games, they’ll probably fancy their chances on Monday evening. Why? Well, looking at the form table, the Hammers are the worst team in the league with two points from five and a -11 goal difference.
The difference-maker on the night could well be Ivan Toney. The Brentford forward has four in six since his return.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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