Home of football statistics and historyThe 2023/24 Premier League season is hurtling towards the business end and issues at both ends of the division are yet to be decided.
With that in mind, read on we look at some key talking points and statistics ahead of what will be another action-packed weekend in the English top-flight.
Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur
The lunchtime clash between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur has the potential to be a cracker with neither side noted for their defensive prowess.
They have conceded a combined total of 97 league goals this season – a statistic which suggests the attackers could have a field day at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are unbeaten in their last five home matches, while Spurs have won just two of their last nine on the road. A home win and both teams to score maybe?
Brentford vs Sheffield United
Three wins in 31 games tells its own story for Sheffield United and their return to the Championship after a season in the top flight looks a formality.
However, they are unbeaten in the last six meetings with Brentford, which should give them a boost ahead of what is undoubtedly a must-win game for them.
Brentford are currently just four points above the drop zone and winless in their last nine matches. If the Blades can’t take something from this match, they deserve to go down.
Manchester City vs Luton Town
Manchester City could briefly climb to the top of the Premier League weekend, with title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool not playing until Sunday.
They are currently on a 16-game unbeaten run in the top-flight (W12, D4) and it is difficult to imagine them slipping up against Luton Town.
Man City have not lost any of their last 40 games across all competitions – just two short of a club record set between December 1919 and November 1921.
Nottingham Forest vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Clean sheets have proved hard to come by for Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent weeks, with both sides looking shaky at the back.
Forest’s recent points deduction has dropped them into the heat of the relegation battle and they can ill-afford any defensive slip-ups this weekend.
Wolves have gone off the boil in recent weeks, but still have an outside chance of qualifying for Europe if they can rediscover their form on the run-in.
Burnley vs Brighton & Hove Albion
When it comes to identifying games to avoid this weekend, Burnley vs Brighton & Hove Albion will likely be at the top of the list for most fans.
The Clarets have been woeful since winning promotion from the Championship and no-one outside of their fanbase would shed a tear if they went back down.
They have won just four league games this season – a dismal statistic given they spent around £100 million on new players last summer.
Bournemouth vs Manchester United
The common narrative surrounding Manchester United is they have been underwhelming in the Premier League for most of this season.
However, it is worth noting that the club has handed 3,637 minutes to teenagers in the league this term – way more than any other team in the top six.
If manager Erik ten Hag can guide the Red Devils into one of the European qualification spots, he would deserve praise rather than vilification.
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Having been humiliated at home by Atalanta in the Europa League in midweek, Liverpool will be desperate to keep their title bid on track on Sunday.
They are long odds-on to pick up three points against Crystal Palace, despite failing to keep a sheet at home during the calendar year.
Palace have gone ahead in six of their last seven matches. If they edge in front this weekend, Liverpool fans may start getting twitchy.
West Ham United vs Fulham
The all-London clash between West Ham United and Fulham could be fiery, with both teams boasting midfielders who enjoy a physical battle.
Edson Alvarez and Joao Palhinha have picked up 22 yellow cards between them in the league this season and it would be no surprise to see the pair add to their tally this weekend.
There will be plenty of tricky players on show at the London Stadium – a factor which could have the referee digging into his pocket on several occasions.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
Arsenal have been in fine form since the turn of the year, winning 10 and drawing one of their 11 league matches to move to the top of the Premier League standings.
They will be gunning for revenge this weekend having been beaten by Aston Villa in the reverse fixture in a game where their top players failed to perform.
Mikel Arteta’s side will expect to pick up three points on Sunday, but cannot afford to underestimate this much improved Villa team.
Chelsea vs Everton
Chelsea’s last seven results in all competitions read like ice hockey scores – 3-2, 2-2, 3-2, 4-2, 2-2, 4-3 and 2-2. That run includes draws against Burnley and Sheffield United.
Despite this, they will view Monday’s home encounter with Everton as an ideal opportunity to boost their hopes of European qualification.
The Toffees have not won a league game at Stamford Bridge since November 1994, when striker Paul Rideout netted the only goal of the game.
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