Desh Parthab looks ahead to what is expected to be another thrilling Premier League weekend in the latest Friday 5iver!
After winning the Premier League manager of the month for December, January and March, Mikel Arteta has let the title get away from him in a disastrous April. The Gunners have been resounding this season and entered the month with a +40 goal difference, 28 league fixtures in, highlighting their prolific attack and resolute defence.
Fast forward a few weeks and they enter this round of fixtures having conceded 12 league goals this month – only Tottenham (13) and Leeds (19) have let in more in April, ahead of this round of fixtures. A clean sheet should be on the horizon for Aaron Ramsdale as he is expected to line up against a Chelsea outfit who have netted just once across their previous 7 fixtures, across all competitions.
There is a 6 pointer at the tail end of the table as Leicester host Everton with both clubs finding themselves in the relegation zone. Southampton, who are currently at the foot of the table, travel to St James’ Park where Newcastle have recorded just a single league defeat this entire season. With that being said, here are a few players to keep an eye out for as we approach the last month of Premier League football.
Solly to keep Marching on
With their previous 4 league fixtures all played away from home, Brighton are at the Falmer Stadium for their next 3 topflight appointments. Solly March is my pick of the lot to pay short term dividends. The wideman leads his teammates for direct goal involvements (13) and I expect that to increase as early as this weekend against Wolves.
De Bruyne to maintain scary form
Kevin De Bruyne will look to continue his prolific form in front of goal this weekend against Fulham. Across his previous 3 appearances, across all competitions, he has delivered 2 goals and 3 assist.
The defending Premier League champions currently occupy second spot, however, have 2 games in hand over current table toppers Arsenal. I expect City to win all their remaining topflight fixtures, as Guardiola etches himself in the history books.
An emphatic opener! 👏@KevinDeBruyne puts us ahead at the Etihad 🌟 pic.twitter.com/JoNCfFXIJt
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 26, 2023
Solanke looking good for The Cherries
Dominic Solanke could fire Bournemouth to safety when they square off with Leeds at the Vitality. The Cherries are in a strong run of form, winning 3 of their previous 4 league outings and are moving further and further away from the drop. The dangerman has been in the thick of things – during that period, he has delivered 3 assists and a goal.
Salah to fire against Spurs
Mohammad Salah could compound Spurs’ woes this weekend. The talisman has been busy adding to his goal tally, netting 5 times across Liverpool’s 6 league fixtures this month. The Merseyside outfit play 4 of their final 6 league meetings at Anfield and are currently 7 points off the top four places (although fourth placed Manchester United do have a game in hand).
.@MoSalah's 183rd goal for the Reds 😍 pic.twitter.com/aDAPdkC2xv
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 22, 2023
Vardy to stand tall
Jamie Vardy could be having a party on Monday evening. The Leicester hitman came off the bench during their midweek bout against Leeds to net the equaliser in the 80th minute, earning a vital point in their bid to avoid the drop. Despite that being just his second goal of the Premier League season, I’m certain he will be called upon by Dean Smith in the forthcoming weeks.
The 🐐 draws us level in #LEELEI 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1XGLF09iDv
— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 26, 2023
