1
Will Metropolis make possession rely?
A transparent distinction in kinds might be seen in a recreation that might have main ramifications for the Champions League qualification hopes of each Nottingham Forest and Manchester Metropolis. No group within the Premier League has averaged much less possession than Forest’s 40.1% this season and no group has extra of the ball on common than Manchester Metropolis (60.4%). So the actual fact a 59-point chasm between the groups from final season has been fully eroded – Nuno Espírito Santo’s males are literally a degree higher off than the champions after 27 video games – suggests possession shouldn’t be the footballing important it as soon as was. Metropolis have been routine winners at residence to Forest in December however beating Nuno’s facet on the Metropolis Floor is a far sterner problem. Arsenal and Liverpool are among the many sides who’ve failed to take action in current months. Dominic Sales space
2
Brighton’s right-back conundrum
Tariq Lamptey’s suspension after his crimson card in opposition to Newcastle within the FA Cup means Fabian Hürzeler should determine whether or not to exchange him at right-back with both Joël Veltman or Jack Hinshelwood after they face Fulham on Saturday. The Dutchman confirmed this week that Brighton have triggered a one-year extension in his contract however may discover himself on the bench in opposition to Marco Silva’s facet if Hürzeler opts to maneuver Hinshelwood from his most well-liked place of central midfield. The 19-year-old has impressed in each roles this season however offers Brighton a extra attacking possibility at right-back. Veltman has been linked with a transfer again to Ajax in his homeland and mentioned he’s leaving his choices open. “I’ve been right here for 5 years and nonetheless adore it however you by no means know in soccer,” he mentioned. Ed Aarons
3
Nketiah primed for go to of Ipswich
“By no means moaning, by no means complaining though he most likely deserves minutes,” mentioned Marc Guéhi when requested about Eddie Nketiah after Crystal Palace’s victory over Millwall within the FA Cup final week. The previous Arsenal striker got here off the bench to exchange Jean-Philippe Mateta and was named participant of the match after his header sealed Palace’s win, following up his first Premier League objective for the membership in opposition to Aston Villa. With Mateta probably going through a spell out, Nketiah needs to be stuffed with confidence if he will get a chance to begin a league recreation for under the seventh time this season as Palace intention for a 3rd straight victory at Selhurst Park. EA
4
Endo and Elliott have earned a begin
Arne Slot couldn’t have wished for a extra palatable fixture at this juncture than a house match in opposition to Southampton earlier than an enormous week that includes the Champions League last-16 second leg in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain and the Carabao Cup remaining. What needs to be a routine win in opposition to a group averaging a woeful 0.33 factors per match this season is a perfect alternative to relaxation limbs. Slot’s substitutes in Paris – Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Darwin Núñez and Curtis Jones – all had a optimistic influence. The gamers they changed – Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz – struggled in opposition to the tempo and motion of the French champions. Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai specifically must recharge. This may very well be the second for Slot to reward Endo and Elliott with their first league begins of the marketing campaign. Andy Hunter
5
Brentford and Villa evenly matched
That this fixture is tenth v eleventh is an indictment of the rising energy of the Premier League’s center class. Villa, after their 3-1 midweek win in Bruges, are set truthful for the Champions League quarter-finals. Brentford, notably at residence, are feared by each group within the division. Final time Villa visited within the league, Christmas 2023, Ollie Watkins’s late header in opposition to his former facet did the injury in a recreation of two crimson playing cards. Each groups are more likely to be a lot modified. In Brentford’s case, accidents not wrack Thomas Frank’s choice and, for Villa, Watkins not carries such a heavy burden, with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio added to the combo. Morgan Rogers has additionally grow to be a key Villa attacker. Each Brentford and Villa excel on the counter and in set items and that’s the place the sport is more likely to be gained. John Brewin
6
Cunha’s ban may chunk Wolves
Matheus Cunha’s lack of composure within the FA Cup at Bournemouth final week threw open the relegation battle. And not using a participant of a expertise far past what the underside three can boast, Wolves could discover themselves circling the drain once more, notably if Cunha’s ban is prolonged. Vítor Pereira had restored order to Wolves, together with his 3-4-3 formation pulling off an enormous league win at Bournemouth a fortnight in the past; Ruben Amorim may take notice. Had David Moyes not returned to Everton, this might need been a relegation six-pointer. As a substitute, the main focus is on how Pereira replaces Cunha. Gonçalo Guedes, Rodrigo Gomes, Hwang Hee-chan and Carlos Forbs are choices, although Tommy Doyle may properly be pushed additional ahead to help Jørgen Strand Larsen as a lone striker. Following Everton’s go to, Southampton, West Ham and Ipswich are more likely to be the matches Cunha misses. Pereira will hope the five-point hole to the chasing pack is preserved. JB
7
Leicester ponder one other change
Is Enzo Maresca about to pressure Leicester into one other managerial change? It’s 4 months because the man who left the King Energy Stadium for Chelsea final summer season sealed his substitute’s destiny. Leicester fired Steve Cooper after dropping at residence to Maresca’s Chelsea. Ruud van Nistelrooy, Cooper’s successor, has made little influence since his appointment. Leicester have been wretched when they misplaced 2-0 at West Ham final week and Van Nistelrooy is on skinny ice earlier than visiting Chelsea on Sunday. The Dutchman can’t say he has not had had time to arrange for this recreation. Chelsea, in contrast, have a fast turnaround after visiting FC Copenhagen within the Europa Convention League. Can Leicester make the most of any weariness in Maresca’s ranks? That was the case when, in one other journey to London, they fought again from a objective right down to beat Tottenham, who lacked power after Europa League exertions three days earlier. The one downside, in fact, is that Leicester have since misplaced 5 on the bounce. Jacob Steinberg
8
Cherries could keep away from Solanke reunion
When Dominic Solanke signed a five-year deal at Spurs in the summertime after finishing a £55m switch from Bournemouth he wouldn’t have foreseen his new membership languishing in thirteenth whereas his outdated facet pressed for a European place. The striker’s current absence resulting from a knee harm has contributed to Tottenham’s struggles, however the Cherries deserve nice credit score for adapting after his exit. Bournemouth signed Evanilson utilizing the Solanke money though it’s been Justin Kluivert, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo who’ve impressed, netting 26 objectives between them to date this season. Solanke appeared set for a reunion together with his former employers this weekend, however was injured once more within the defeat to AZ on Thursday and could also be denied the chance to show a degree in opposition to Andoni Iraola’s facet. DB
9
United have misplaced their concern issue
The bleakest season but in Manchester United’s Premier League years and a gathering with the membership who have been the important thing rivals throughout their peak. To say Mancunian expectations are low could be to place it mildly. If United had hoped Arsenal is perhaps distracted by their Champions League project in opposition to PSV, a 7-1 first leg win means Mikel Arteta can refocus on no matter crumbs of hope might be discovered within the title race. It was Arsenal, in December, who handed Ruben Amorim his first defeat as United supervisor, bludgeoning to a win through two set-piece objectives. Have United improved since? Defeats below Amorim have grow to be commonplace, anticipated even, and his group have grow to be little higher at defending set items. Calvin Bassey scored for Fulham final week within the FA Cup after United fully did not learn a rehearsed transfer. For Arsenal, United as soon as held a concern issue however, like nearly anybody in 2025, a go to to Previous Trafford holds few fears. JB
10
Newcastle uncovered at essential stage
Newcastle are in peril of being caught out by their lack of depth. They’ve appeared leggy in current outings and have harm issues earlier than visiting West Ham on Monday. Lewis Corridor’s season-ending foot harm leaves a gap at left-back, Sven Botman may very well be set for a prolonged absence after studying that he wants knee surgical procedure, Alexander Isak has been combating a groin problem and Anthony Gordon is serving a three-match ban after his brainless crimson card within the FA Cup defeat by Brighton. The issues are mounting for Eddie Howe and he wants his squad gamers to step up in opposition to West Ham. Nevertheless there are considerations over the standard beneath Newcastle’s beginning XI, which may value them each in subsequent weekend’s Carabao Cup remaining and with their push for Champions League qualification. JS
Supply hyperlink