Desh Parthab highlights some things to keep an eye out for in the Premier League this weekend, including Brentford's outstanding recent form, Spurs' top-four charge and more!
There were some blockbuster fixtures in the past calendar week. The previous round of Premier League action culminated in table-toppers Manchester City going head to head with second-place Liverpool which ended with both teams sharing the spoils in a four-goal nailbiter.
Both clubs were in Champions League action during the week, progressing to the semi-finals, with England’s two big dogs progressing. The clubs have another chance to go at each other this weekend in the semi-finals of the FA cup.
There are other Premier League clubs involved in cup ties which means there is a limited number of league fixtures in this round. With that being said, here are a few superstars to keep an eye out on!
Bees – and Toney – buzzing
Brentford have scored 12 goals across their previous four league outings. Ivan Toney personally contributed half of those goals from his team-high 17 shots. Furthermore, he provided two assists which means he was directly involved in eight of their previous 12 goals scored. Despite this, Toney could have added to his tally as seen by his two big chances missed. He also created two big chances, emphasising his overall threat going forward.
Ivan Toney vs West Ham(H) 21/22 pic.twitter.com/Mto8JuWOYD
— Izak (@OdeSZN) April 11, 2022
Pogba to feature more prominently?
Manchester United have scored just five goals across their previous five league outings. Paul Pogba started four of those outings and his one assist is his only attacking return – despite only two outfield players playing more league minutes than he did during this period. He has attempted five shots of which two were on target and created four chances – only bettered by four teammates respectively. Pogba was the only United player to receive two yellow cards during this period from his team-high, nine fouls committed.
Look what Man United are doing to Pogba. Bro really tried to punch the ball pic.twitter.com/916a2npY3w
— BRUNO KEEP IT SIMPLE (@jamminjocksonn) April 9, 2022
Dyche out. Burnley down?
Burnley have attempted 134 shots on the road – only Norwich (127) have registered fewer from all top-flight clubs. Similarly, only Norwich (32) have registered fewer shots on target on the road than the Clarets (39). Burnley have registered just a single league win on the road, from 15 attempts. They have taken just nine points on their travels this season – only Everton (six) have registered fewer. This has stymied their bid for survival, however, Dyche – who has subsequently been relieved of his duties – has already made history this season. In their 3-2 victory against Everton, Burnley scored first, fell behind, and then came back to win a Premier League match for the first time in their history! Indeed, that was their only victory across their previous seven league outings (D1 L5).
BREAKING: Sean Dyche has been sacked as Burnley manager after 10 years with the club ❌ pic.twitter.com/FOQXGzxkU0
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 15, 2022
Son and Spurs heading for top-four finish?
Tottenham have scored 12 goals across their previous three league outings and only Son (G6 A1) has found the back of the net on more than one occasion from all teammates during this period. The winger has been in scintillating form this season and his 23 (G17 A6) league goal involvements is a team-leading total. Since the first Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in April 2019, Son Heung-min has been directly involved in 44 PL goals for Spurs, there (27 goals, 17 assists). Only Mo Salah at Anfield (48 – 36 goals, 12 assists) has had a hand in more goals at a single venue in the PL during this time.
Gooooood morning.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 10, 2022
🍿 Highlights: Aston Villa 0-4 Spurs pic.twitter.com/OBu0As4pCO
Magnificent Maddison
James Maddison has seen his name etched into the Leicester City history books after he became just their fourth player to register 20+ league goals and 20+ league assists for the Foxes (after Muzzy Izzet, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy). Across his previous eight home league appearances, the midfielder has bagged four goals and registered four assists. Leceister have lost five of their previous seven away league fixtures and Maddison would have to tap into that home form to change this spell. He was instrumental in their midweek Europa League triumph over PSV, so he comes into this weekend in red-hot touch.
Two late goals from James Maddison and Ricardo Pereira complete the comeback and sends Leicester City through to their first-ever European semifinal 🔵🦊
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 14, 2022
FT | 1-2 #UECL pic.twitter.com/86iF3jBnCN
