By Sam McGuire
We all know Liverpool have a seven level lead on the summit following the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park whereas the Toffees are actually 10 away from the drop zone following an upturn in kind underneath David Moyes. So, now we all know the state of play, we will stay up for the motion this weekend and the way it may influence issues.
The Seagulls look to finish the double
Brighton surprised Chelsea within the FA Cup final weekend, coming from a objective right down to knock Enzo Maresca’s aspect out. The 2 sides face off within the Premier League on Friday. The Seagulls, as soon as once more, have house benefit.
Fabian Hürzeler’s males have been persistently inconsistent this time period, so it’ll be fascinating to see which aspect turns up this night.
The Seagulls have drawn with each Arsenal and Aston Villa and likewise beat Manchester United at Previous Trafford. Nonetheless, they misplaced to Everton at house after which suffered a humbling 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier than their 2-1 win in opposition to Chelsea final outing.
They blow cold and warm. That’s the reason they’re mid-table. Nonetheless, a win would transfer them to inside six factors of their opponents.
The Blues are one other workforce struggling for consistency proper now. Maresca’s males haven’t had one of the best begin to 2025. In reality, this poor kind bleeds into December too. Throughout their final 10 in all competitions, they’ve simply three wins. And one among these arrived in opposition to Morecambe within the FA Cup.
They’re at the moment clinging onto the ultimate Champions League place however competitors is so fierce that they may finish this weekend as little as seventh.
It’s a corker of a recreation to kick off this weekend.
Arsenal’s harm woes worsen
Kai Havertz has been added to Arsenal’s ever-growing harm record. The versatile German attacker is predicted to overlook the remainder of the season with a torn hamstring. The Gunners are already with out Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Arteta’s choices are restricted. However they’re nonetheless within the title race. The hole between themselves and Liverpool stands at seven factors and the 2 groups face off in Could. If Arsenal can stay inside touching distance of the Reds, there’s an opportunity that recreation at Anfield may very well be key in the place the title finally ends up.
To remain inside touching distance, the Gunners have to be profitable the bankers. The conflict with Leicester Metropolis on Saturday afternoon needs to be seen as a banker.
The Foxes are in dire kind. Following their 3-2 win over Southampton in mid-October, Leicester have received simply three of their 19 matches throughout all competitions.
Their final Premier League outing was a dismal 4-0 defeat to Everton. A end result that noticed them slip into the drop zone.
They’re two factors off Seventeenth-placed Wolves and 10 behind Sixteenth-placed West Ham. A loss right here may go away them with an uphill wrestle to keep away from relegation. They’re at house in opposition to Arsenal however it nonetheless needs to be a simple three factors for Arteta and his injured squad.
The battle for a high 4 end
Manchester Metropolis and Newcastle United are degree on factors.
A win for both aspect may nicely see them leapfrog Chelsea right into a Champions League place relying on how the Blues do in opposition to Brighton on Friday. It is rather a lot a must-not-lose for both aspect on the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
And either side have been shedding not too long ago.
Newcastle knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup however have misplaced two of their final three within the Premier League. They fell to defeat in opposition to Fulham and had been stuffed by Bournemouth at St James’ Park, shedding 4-1 in opposition to the Cherries.
Metropolis, in the meantime, misplaced 5-1 in opposition to Arsenal of their final Premier League outing and gave up two leads in opposition to Actual Madrid within the Champions League in an eventual 3-2 defeat.
Each groups want a efficiency on Saturday. Each want a win. Not solely to strengthen their probabilities of a high 4 end but in addition to weaken a rival. This shouldn’t be a 3pm kick-off. This needs to be getting high billing this weekend because it has the potential to be a season-ender for one among these groups.
Can Ange Postecoglou save his job?
Tottenham host Manchester United on Sunday in a recreation many would’ve regarded initially of the season as one that would have an effect on the Champions League locations. Now, although, each groups are struggling within the backside half of the desk. Simply two factors separate them and a win wouldn’t raise both aspect into the highest half.
That’s how horrible issues are for each groups on the minute.
Manchester United have already sacked their supervisor this time period, changing Erik ten Hag with Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician didn’t precisely flip issues round at Previous Trafford however his job isn’t underneath menace.
Ange Postecoglou, nonetheless, needs to be fearful. The Aussie coach has been backed within the switch market and although accidents have had an influence on their season, his job is underneath menace. Spurs crashed out of the Carabao Cup regardless of taking a 1-0 benefit to Anfield after which they adopted that up with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa within the FA Cup.
If they will’t muster a response right here, in entrance of their house followers in opposition to an out of types United, his time as Tottenham boss could also be coming to an abrupt finish. He’s trying to save his job. Can he do it?
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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