Premier League: 10 things to keep in mind this weekend | first division

0



1

A Guimarães card trick

Should Bruno Guimarães be booked against Tottenham at St James' Park, the Newcastle and Brazil midfielder faces a dilemma. Given that Guimarães has nine yellow cards, a tenth would trigger an automatic two-game suspension, depriving Eddie Howe of a key player for the upcoming matches at Crystal Palace and at home against Sheffield United. Alternatively, Guimarães could secure a second yellow card, ideally at the end of stoppage time, and be sent off. In such a case, the sanction would simply be a one-match suspension. Considering that Guimarães has managed to avoid a booking in 10 games since mid-January, the best solution would be to extend that streak to 11 games and then relax knowing that the accumulated booking slate will disappear after the 32nd Premier League game. Tottenham's visit to Newcastle. However, if the Brazilian transgresses, he won't be surprised if he follows Anthony Gordon's example. Gordon has received eight yellow cards, despite receiving his ninth and 10th yellow cards in his team's last games. 4-3 home win over West Ham. The second, in full stoppage time, made the yellow card turn red and, despite Gordon's expulsion, the English winger was left with eight warnings. The current rules certainly seem ripe for manipulation. Louise Taylor

Newcastle v Tottenham, Saturday 12:30pm (all times BST)


2

Wood ready to attack Wolves' weaknesses

Wolves are on a disappointing run, having failed to win in their last four games and while injuries have certainly hampered their quest for a European place, individual errors in defense have been their downfall. He defeat against West Ham Last week was marred by the controversial draw disallowed in stoppage time, but it was defensive errors that allowed West Ham to take the lead late in the second half despite Wolves' dominance in the first 45 minutes. Gary O'Neil's side, who have kept just two clean sheets in their last 32 away league games, will be greeted at the City Ground by Chris Wood, who has a history of tormenting them, having scored six goals against them in their career. The striker, who has scored 12 league goals this season, will look to take advantage of any mistake or defensive weakness. Yara El-Shaboury

Nottingham Forest vs Wolves, Saturday at 3pm


3

Haaland's reaction threatens Luton

Rodri spoke of needing a break after tuesday fascinating 3-3 draw with Real Madrid, so the Spaniard is expected to leave his position along with other key players when Manchester City host Luton. Kevin De Bruyne's “vomit” (as revealed by Pep Guardiola) prevented him from starting at the Santiago Bernabéu, so it is expected that, if he recovers, he will be in the starting eleven against Rob Edwards' team. In more bad news for those fighting relegation, Erling Haaland was a non-event in Madrid, so he and Guardiola will intend to use this outing as preparation for Wednesday's second leg. So he expects a home win, probably by a wide margin. Jaime Jackson

city ​​of manchester against Luton, Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Erling Haaland failed to make an impact against Real Madrid earlier in the week. Photography: Bagu Blanco/PRESSINPHOTO/Shutterstock

4

Will Toney and Mbuemo shoot together?

Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo will start together for Brentford for the first time in almost a year when they take on Sheffield United. With Mbeumo's recent return to scoring form against Aston Villa Following his recovery from injury and Toney reportedly back to top condition, Brentford's attack can finally be at full speed for the first time this season. However, Toney's return from suspension has not gone as expected and he is on his longest goal drought in the Premier League, having failed to find the net in seven consecutive starts. Despite accumulating 21 shots and 36 touches in the opponent's box during this period, the elusive target has eluded him. With Mbeumo back and Toney hungry to end their barren run, Brentford will look to end the nine-match winless streak that has left their top-flight status at stake. A win against Sheffield United would mitigate the risk of being dragged into a relegation battle. YEAH

Brentford v. Sheffield UnitedSaturday 15:00


5

European exit could boost Brighton

A week off to prepare for the trip to Turf Moor would not have been on Roberto De Zerbi's wish list given the alternative would have been a place in the Europa League quarter-finals, but evidence from this season suggests Brighton you will feel the benefit. The demands of a first European campaign have taken their toll on De Zerbi's side and their prospects of qualifying next season have diminished following a run of three wins in 12 league games. Burnley, architects of their own downfall at Everton last Saturday, offers a chance for Brighton to make up some ground ahead of a test. As his coveted coach said of him this week: “We're working hard, maybe harder than last season, but we're still not at the same level as last season and we have to accept that.” andy hunter

Burnley against Brighton, Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Roberto De Zerbi's team is going through a difficult time and no European distraction could help them cope. Photography: Dave Shopland/Shutterstock

6

Cherries and United focus on off-field renovations

Manchester United arrive at Bournemouth surrounded by more noise about their off-field plans than about their on-field difficulties. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's reshuffle at the top continues and this week will be director of football John Murtough's last in charge after 11 years at the club. The trio of Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox are ready to shape the future of the club, although none are currently in position. Berrada and Ashworth are on gardening leave from Manchester City and Newcastle respectively, while United remain in negotiations with Southampton over Wilcox's compensation. Bournemouth are also taking action: their billionaire owner, Bill Foley, came from Las Vegas this week to visit their new training base, which they will move to in the autumn, and enjoy the game. “It's going to be one of the best facilities in the league,” he said. “It's going to be amazing.” ben fisherman

Bournemouth v. manchester unitedSaturday 5:30 p.m.


7

Jota, Liverpool's most welcome return?

Welcome to the selection dilemmas for Jürgen Klopp: now there is something. The Liverpool manager admits his team would not be in a position to challenge for the title without Caoimhín Kelleher and Conor Bradley taking advantage of his opportunities in the absence of the injured Alisson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, with the goalkeeper and right-back available for their first league appearances since early February, the nature of a relentless title race means their two impressive replacements may have to step aside against Crystal Palace. Accommodating the recovered Diogo Jota could be the most pressing concern for Klopp, certainly in light of the waste he cost Liverpool two valuable points at Manchester United last Sunday. Jota, a more clinical striker than Darwin Núñez or Luis Díaz, had scored five goals in six games before injuring his knee at Brentford. His return could be decisive. oh

Liverpool vs. crystal PalaceSunday 2:00 p.m.


8

Tosin must take a step forward against defective Fulham

Two leaky teams face off at the London Stadium. West Ham have kept a clean sheet in the league in 2024 and could be tired after their trip to Bayer Leverkusen. But Fulham They have conceded seven goals in their previous three games and their season is in danger of failing. Marco Silva has to make his team more difficult to defeat in away games. He needs Tosin Adarabioyo to show why several teams are interested in signing him this summer. Tosin's contract expires at the end of the season and West Ham are monitoring the centre-back. You have a chance to take a good look at it this weekend. Jacob Steinberg

West Ham-Fulham, Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Marco Silva needs Tosin Adarabioyo to get Fulham's defense back on track. Photography: MI News/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

9

Emirates test for Emery's balancing act

“No way.” Unai Emery was unequivocal in his response when asked if Aston Villa had an eye on Arsenal despite having to first face Lille on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final. “We are talking about the Europa Conference League match. We are not thinking about the (Premier League) game we are going to play. No way. It's not good for us, neither for me nor for everyone. I want to focus solely on (Lille).” Villa have won just one of their last five in the league and while their recent form has been disappointing, this is to be expected given it is their first season under Emery in which they have combined European and domestic commitments. Maintaining the consistency they showed earlier in the season amid a demanding schedule was always going to be a difficult task and Villa now face a balancing act. . His consolation? Sunday's opponents Arsenal are on a similar learning curve. YEAH

Arsenal vs. Aston VillaSunday 4:30 p.m.


10

Dyche is set to paralyze Chelsea once again

Sean Dyche has a history of frustrating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho, Maurizio Sarri and Thomas Tuchel were left complaining about negative tactics, difficult challenges and touchline disputes after home draws against Dyche's Burnley. Football is rarely easy on the eye and Todd Boehly was less than impressed after watching Graham Potter's team fail against Ginger Mourinho last season. A 2-2 draw with Everton It all but sealed Potter's fate and Chelsea will have to be careful when hosting Dyche's struggling side. Everton, bruised and indignant after the latest loss of points, will not lack commitment. Chelsea, who drew 2-2 with Sheffield United and Burnley in the last fortnight, will have to be less careless if they are to avoid further dropped points against another relegation fighter. js

Chelsea against Everton, Monday at 8:00 p.m.



Source link

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.