Premier League: Three fixtures to look forward to in match day 34
There are close to half-a-dozen games left for each side in the Premier League, as we wait to see who wins the league, who takes the coveted European spots, or whose fate will be sealed at the hands of relegation.
With plenty of thrillers in store, match day 34 promises exhaustive battles from the top of the table to the basement.
While Manchester City laid down a perfect example of why they’ve been the best side by a substantial margin over the last five years with a 4-1 thumping of Arsenal, Nottingham Forest upstaged in-form Brighton and Hove Albion, causing ripples at the bottom of the table.
With plenty still to play for in the league, we hand pick three matches over the weekend that you simply cannot miss.
#1 Arsenal v Chelsea
Although they’re on two striking ends of the spectrum, both Arsenal and Chelsea head into Tuesday’s late-night kick-off having been rocked on the back foot in recent weeks.
The Gunners, who now have an 8.4% chance (according to Opta) of winning the league on the heels of three draws followed by their latest defeat on Wednesday night, will face-off against a side en route to their worst season since the turn of the century.
The hosts are clear favourites against Chelsea, who have endured a horrendous April that includes everything you’ll see from a side battling for their Premier League status.
Arsenal versus Chelsea is more than just flavour, rivalry or history. This time, it’s a test for the home team to stay in the running in the two-horse title race.
#2 Bournemouth v Leeds United
Bournemouth against Leeds serves up a six-pointer between 14th and 16th position.
The Cherries are seven points from safety after having secured three wins in their last five matches, which equates to almost a third of their total wins.
A 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur shocked the fraternity in that run, as Bournemouth displayed nerves of steel and pulled off a heist in North London courtesy of a 95th minute strike from Dango Ouattara.
Not to mention, a timely second-half strike from Marcus Tavernier ensured Bournemouth bagged all three points against bottom-dwellers Southampton on the 27th.
Leeds on the other hand, are currently reeling, with just one win in their last five. Javi Gracia’s appointment has brought distress, as the club has shipped a whopping 14 goals in the space of four matches.
A point against Leicester City adds to the tally, but they’ll view it as an opportunity lost in front of a buoyant Elland Road faithful. What will aid their lack of confidence is that they’ve won six of the last seven meetings between the two.
#3 Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Just when Spurs looked to be righting the ship once again during their tense affair with Manchester United, two goals in the second half threw the European race wide open once again.
With a couple of London derbies left and the team yearning for consistency under Ryan Mason, Tottenham have their task cut out. However, a trip to Anfield can be considered their most challenging test come the end of the season.
Liverpool last lost to Spurs at home in 2011, and they enter this game hot on the heels chasing a Champions League spot.
Key players in Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have returned to full fitness, while Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are back amongst the assists. The latter, in fact, has relished in a new role wherein he’s seen as an added fulcrum in midfield.
Liverpool and Tottenham don’t often disappoint. There are overloaded levels of tension, high-octane football and as always, a great deal of subplots at play.
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Little Savage. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.