CHASING ARSE
Manchester City have Gunners on their radar as UCL battle heats up
DIFFICULT TO STOP: Kevin De Bruyne is always a handful DIFFICULT TO STOP: Kevin De Bruyne is always a handful
Image: EPA
MANCHESTER City head to St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday for a Premier League clash against already-relegated Southampton, with a win offering Pep Guardiola’s span the chance to draw level with second-placed Arsenal.
Sitting third on the standings, City trail Arsenal by three points, although the Gunners have a better goal difference.
With just three fixtures remaining in the campaign, the match presents a key opportunity for City to put pressure on Arsenal, who travel to champions Liverpool on Sunday, and finish the season as runners-up after a swak campaign.
The visitors could welcome back Erling Haaland from injury while Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are expected to lead the creative charge in midfield.
EYEING SECOND: Pep Guardiola EYEING SECOND: Pep Guardiola
Image: AFP
A win for City would bring them level on 67 points with Arsenal.
The weekend’s drama doesn’t stop there. On Sunday, fourth-placed Newcastle United welcome fifth-placed Chelsea to St James’ Park in a key battle for Champions League qualification. The teams are level on 63 points and only separated by goal difference, meaning the result could have major implications for who secures a top-five finish and potential qualification for next season’s Champions League.
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes has called on the home fans to ramp up the noise when they host Chelsea on Sunday.
Guimaraes posted on Instagram: “We keep pushing toward our goal.
“Your support will be vital on Sunday – let’s create an unforgettable atmosphere.”
Chelsea baas Enzo Maresca has complained about scheduling, with his team having played Swedish side Djurgarden in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final yesterday before travelling to Newcastle for Sunday’s 1pm kickoff.
Elsewhere, fellow Champions League chasers Aston Villa travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, Nottingham Forest face Leicester, while Manchester United welcome West Ham and Tottenham host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
WEEKEND’S PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES:
Saturday: Fulham v Everton, Ipswich v Brentford, Southampton v Man City, Wolves v Brighton (all 4pm), Bournemouth v Villa (6.30pm)
Sunday: Newcastle v Chelsea (1pm), Man United v West Ham, Forest v Leicester, Spurs v Palace (all 3.15pm), Liverpool v Arsenal (5.30pm)