For the first time since December, it is a level playing field in the Premier League. Liverpool and Everton played out their game in hand on Wednesday evening meaning all teams now have 14 games remaining.
By Sam McGuire
We know Liverpool have a seven point lead at the summit following the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park while the Toffees are now 10 clear of the drop zone following an upturn in form under David Moyes. So, now we know the state of play, we can look forward to the action this weekend and how it could impact things.
The Seagulls look to complete the double
Brighton stunned Chelsea in the FA Cup last weekend, coming from a goal down to knock Enzo Maresca’s side out. The two sides face off in the Premier League on Friday. The Seagulls, once again, have home advantage.
Fabian Hürzeler’s men have been consistently inconsistent this term, so it’ll be interesting to see which side turns up this evening.
The Seagulls have drawn with both Arsenal and Aston Villa and also beat Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, they lost to Everton at home and then suffered a humbling 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest before their 2-1 win against Chelsea last time out.
They blow hot and cold. That is why they’re mid-table. However, a win would move them to within six points of their opponents.
The Blues are another team struggling for consistency right now. Maresca’s men haven’t had the best start to 2025. In fact, this poor form bleeds into December too. Across their last 10 in all competitions, they have just three wins. And one of these arrived against Morecambe in the FA Cup.
They’re currently clinging onto the final Champions League place but competition is so fierce that they could end this weekend as low as seventh.
It is a corker of a game to kick off this weekend.
Arsenal’s injury woes worsen
Kai Havertz has been added to Arsenal’s ever-growing injury list. The versatile German attacker is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn hamstring. The Gunners are already without Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta’s options are limited. But they’re still in the title race. The gap between themselves and Liverpool stands at seven points and the two teams face off in May. If Arsenal can remain within touching distance of the Reds, there’s a chance that game at Anfield could be key in where the title ends up.
To stay within touching distance, the Gunners need to be winning the bankers. The clash with Leicester City on Saturday afternoon should be viewed as a banker.
The Foxes are in dire form. Following their 3-2 win over Southampton in mid-October, Leicester have won just three of their 19 matches across all competitions.
Their last Premier League outing was a dismal 4-0 defeat to Everton. A result that saw them slip into the drop zone.
They’re two points off 17th-placed Wolves and 10 behind 16th-placed West Ham. A loss here could leave them with an uphill struggle to avoid relegation. They’re at home against Arsenal but it still should be an easy three points for Arteta and his injured squad.
The battle for a top four finish
Manchester City and Newcastle United are level on points.
A win for either side could well see them leapfrog Chelsea into a Champions League place depending on how the Blues do against Brighton on Friday. It is very much a must-not-lose for either side at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
And both sides have been losing recently.
Newcastle knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup but have lost two of their last three in the Premier League. They fell to defeat against Fulham and were stuffed by Bournemouth at St James’ Park, losing 4-1 against the Cherries.
City, meanwhile, lost 5-1 against Arsenal in their last Premier League outing and gave up two leads against Real Madrid in the Champions League in an eventual 3-2 defeat.
Both teams need a performance on Saturday. Both need a win. Not only to strengthen their chances of a top four finish but also to weaken a rival. This should not be a 3pm kick-off. This should be getting top billing this weekend as it has the potential to be a season-ender for one of these teams.
Can Ange Postecoglou save his job?
Tottenham host Manchester United on Sunday in a game many would’ve looked at the start of the season as one that could have an impact on the Champions League places. Now, though, both teams are struggling in the bottom half of the table. Just two points separate them and a win wouldn’t lift either side into the top half.
That is how terrible things are for both teams at the minute.
Manchester United have already sacked their manager this term, replacing Erik ten Hag with Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician didn’t exactly turn things around at Old Trafford but his job isn’t under threat.
Ange Postecoglou, however, should be worried. The Aussie coach has been backed in the transfer market and though injuries have had an impact on their season, his job is under threat. Spurs crashed out of the Carabao Cup despite taking a 1-0 advantage to Anfield and then they followed that up with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup.
If they can’t muster a response here, in front of their home fans against an out of sorts United, his time as Tottenham boss may be coming to an abrupt end. He’s looking to save his job. Can he do it?
(Cover image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game from the Premier League on FotMob – with in-depth stat coverage including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.