Home of football statistics and historyPremier League fans are in for a treat this weekend, with Matchday 28 featuring several crucial games which will impact both ends of the table.
Ahead of the latest round of top-flight games in England, we look at some of the key statistics and talking point to watch out for this weekend.
Manchester United vs Everton
Manchester United fans have not had much to cheer about this season, with the team failing miserably to mount a serious top four challenge.
Bruno Fernandes has regularly been singled out for criticism, despite topping the ‘key passes’ standings during the current campaign (77).
The Portuguese star will be crucial to United’s hopes of securing European qualification and he is a player Everton cannot afford to ignore this weekend.
Crystal Palace vs Luton Town
Referee Sunny Singh Gill will make Premier League history when he takes charge of the Crystal Palace vs Luton Town game at Selhurst Park this weekend.
The 39-year-old will become the first British South Asian to referee a match in the competition, creating more memorable moments for his football-mad family.
His father and brother have both officiated in English football, serving as role models for other mixed-race officials to follow in their footsteps.
Bournemouth vs Sheffield United
Sheffield United were demolished 6-0 at home by Arsenal on Monday – a result which hammered home how ill-equipped they are for life in the Premier League.
While the trip to Bournemouth this weekend is easier on paper, the Blades’ dismal record of failing to win 20 of their last 22 Premier League games does not bode well for their chances.
They have also conceded in 36 of their last 37 away matches in the Premier League. On that basis, Bournemouth are a banker bet to add to their woes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Fulham
Wolverhampton Wanderers head into their home game against Fulham in tenth position, just six points behind sixth-placed Man United.
Manager Gary O’Neil will undoubtedly be encouraging his players to make a fast start against the visitors, who have struggled on the road this season.
They have failed to record an away victory after conceding the opening goal – a record which is hindering their hopes of finishing in the top 10.
Arsenal vs Brentford
Arsenal were ruthless against Sheffield United earlier this week, with their attacking players having a field day against the home side’s woeful defence.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli terrorised the Blades’ backline before they were substituted and will be eager to continue in the same vein against Brentford.
Saka (192) and Martinelli (170) are first and third for the most touches in the attacking penalty area this season – when they are on form, they can be unstoppable.
Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur
The standout statistic to keep an eye on from the Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur game this weekend is the points difference between the two sides.
Villa have a five-point lead over Spurs heading into the match, but have a played a game more than their main rivals for a top four finish.
A Villa victory would give them an eight-point cushion and in pole position to qualify for the Champions League. In simple terms, Spurs cannot afford to lose.
West Ham United vs Burnley
After easily winning promotion from the Championship last season, Burnley were tipped to keep their heads above water in the Premier League this term.
They splashed the cash on new players last summer, but the huge investment has failed to deliver the desired results and relegation looks to be a mere formality.
Intriguingly, Burnley have scored in nine of their 13 Premier League away games this season. However, they have shipped 26 goals in those matches, which is why they are doomed.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Nottingham Forest
Burnley and Sheffield United are destined to make an immediate return to the Championship, but who will join them is less clear-cut.
Luton are currently third from bottom, four points behind Nottingham Forest with a game in hand. Forest visit Luton later this month.
The Midlands side have lost eight of their 11 away league games this season and are yet to win on the road in 2024. A trip to Brighton this weekend is unlikely to help matters.
Liverpool vs Manchester City
While Eling Braut Haaland’s goalscoring exploits for Manchester City naturally generate plenty of headlines, he is not their most important player.
That lofty accolade goes to Rodri, who heads into Sunday’s blockbuster game at Liverpool with a 59-game unbeaten streak under his belt.
The Reds have won 11 and drawn two at home in the league this season – if Rodri’s record is going to go, they are probably the team most likely to end it.
Chelsea vs Newcastle United
After netting just 38 goals in 38 matches last season, Chelsea were desperate to solve their goalscoring woes by signing a new striker.
They settled on Senegal international Nicolas Jackson, who penned an eight-year deal with the club following his move from Villarreal.
Jackson has scored just eight goals in 23 league appearances and missed 15 big chances – Newcastle’s dodgy defence are unlikely to fear facing him this weekend.
0 Comments