Desh Parthab has a look at five players who could prove decisive in this weekend's Premier League fixtures including Bruno Guimaraes, Ivan Toney and more!
Manchester United’s top four hopes took a massive hit following a shameful 4-0 loss against arch-rivals Liverpool. The Red Devils have conceded nine league goals against Liverpool this season – the most they’ve shipped against a single team in the competition’s records.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was palpable, however, he is expected to make his return this weekend against an Arsenal side who just put four past London rivals Chelsea.
Prior to that one, the Gunners had lost all 5 top-flight fixtures this season against the current top 3, so it appears there could be a change in their fortunes. With that being said, here are a few players who are worth keeping your eye out in this weekend’s Premier League action!
Bruno doing bits
Newcastle are undefeated at home in the league since the turn of the year – they drew their first home league match of 2022 but went on to win their previous five league fixtures at St. James’s Park. Indeed, only Liverpool are on a longer home league winning streak than the Magpies since the turn of the year. Bruno Guimaraes has made three consecutive league appearances for the first time since putting pen to paper. During that time, he attempted a total of 6 shots with 5 of them being on target. The midfielder (G2 A1) was involved in three of Newcastle’s four goals in that time but could have added to his tally as seen by his one big chance missed. Furthermore, he did create four chances which was only bettered by Joelinton’s 6 from all teammates during this period. Guimaraes made 12 tackles and was fouled 10 times which are both team-leading totals for this period.
🗣 BBRRUUNNOO!
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 17, 2022
Newcastle’s big-money signing Bruno Guimaraes applies the finishing touch to a solid performance with a goal for his brace 🔥#PL | #NEWLEI pic.twitter.com/qBfxDdVXnf
Son to get Spurs back on track
It has been goals galore for Tottenham Hotspur (14) across their previous 5 league outings. A startling stat when you consider how poor they were against Brighton last week. The Seagulls comprehensively outplayed the North Londoners – who for all of their attacking talent – couldn’t muster a shot on target in the 1-0 defeat. Heung-min Son has personally contributed six of those from his team-high 7 shots on target (at least three more than his next closest teammate) during this period. Furthermore, he did provide an assist which means he was directly involved in half of their goals during this period. He could have added to his tally as he hit the woodwork once and missed 2 big chances. He also created two big chances emphasising his overall threat going forward.
Son Heung-min 🎯🎯🎯
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 9, 2022
His hat-trick helps Spurs to a crucial 4-0 victory over Villa and opens up a 3️⃣-point gap over fifth-placed Arsenal #AVLTOT pic.twitter.com/SObMpMqmuP
Timo’s time to shine?
Chelsea’s Timo Werner has been in fine form for the Blues. Across his previous four appearances for the London outfit (across all competitions), the forward has returned four goals and two assists. Tuchel’s men have really struggled at home of late as evidenced by their three defeats across their previous four appearances at Stamford Bridge. Furthermore, they have shipped four goals in back to back home league fixtures and come up against a Hammers attack which has been firing all season long.
Turbo Timo! Skill and composure 💯
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 12, 2022
Chelsea have their third goal. Real Madrid must score to stay alive in the #UCL
📺 Stream the #UCL live: https://t.co/0BMWdeEYT3 pic.twitter.com/ZMzT8KTTjR
Toney takes aim at Tottenham
Brentford’s excellent form has all but guaranteed their Premier League status for another season.The Bees have won 4 of their previous 5 league outings and this coincides with Christian Eriksen’s return to the Premier League. Eriken has started 4 of their previous 5 league outings where he’s returned a goal and 2 assists. During that time, only Brian Mbeumbo (7) registered more shots on target than Eriksen (5) has. Furthermore, only Ivan Toney (11) created more chances that Eriksen’s 9 from all Brentord players during this period so it appears that he’s picked up right where he left off
Ivan Toney of Brentford has registered 10 goals involvement in his last 9 Premiere League games after failing to register none in his 6 prior games before the Manchester United game.
— Faysel Kedir 🇪🇹🇵🇸 #GazaUnderAttack #Gaza (@IAmFaysel) April 17, 2022
8 ⚽ 2 🅰️
Vital pic.twitter.com/WCccz7txJE
Brighton’s home form a worry?
Brighton haven’t scored a goal across their previous five league outings at home. On their travels, Graham Potter masterminded impressive league wins over Arsenal and Tottenham but succumbed to log leaders Manchester City. The Seagulls will be looking to emulate this form at home and come up against a Southampton side who have already gained 7 points from losing positions on the road this season.
Biss at his best. 🔥 @Yves_Bissouma 👏 pic.twitter.com/qw09N4m5VY
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 17, 2022
