The final week of the Premier League fixtures takes the centre stage as the battle for the top four spots tightens up. With Leicester losing 3-0 to Tottenham on Sunday, it's time for the likes of Manchester United, Wolves and Spurs to make the most of what's left in store.
The drama is set to reach its conclusion this week, and here are two games that need your special attention.
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Liverpool taking on Chelsea in the Premier League has always been unfolded as closely-fought affairs, to say the least. The Reds have indeed won two of their last five games against the Blues, with Chelsea registering a solitary victory, but their recent form, which saw them losing to Arsenal last week, coupled with an injury to Jordan Henderson, remains a cause of concern.
For Chelsea, history suggests that they have struggled in front of the goal against Liverpool, having scored just four goals in their last five meetings. In fact, the last time Chelsea scored two against Liverpool in the Premier League, they had both Diego Costa and Gary Cahill in the line-up and Jose Mourinho was in charge (2014).
The Blues, like the newly crowned champions, have been utterly inconsistent since the restart, but the fact remains that they have scored at least two goals on five occasions during that period. At the same time, they have also conceded two or more on three occasions.
Watch out for:
Mohamed Salah: No one from Liverpool's deadly attacking trio has enjoyed a consistent run of form against Chelsea in the league. The last time these two sides crossed swords in the league, the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino were on target as the Reds clinched a marginal 2-1 win over Chelsea.
And so, all the eyes will be on a certain Mohamed Salah, who has, in fact, scored two in his last five league games against Chelsea, including a whirlwind of a strike from distance.
Leicester City vs Manchester United
A lot depends on what Chelsea manage to churn out from their away game against Liverpool. Given Liverpool's current run of form, Chelsea are somewhat tipped to earn something positive from it. But if things go wayward, the likes of Leicester City and Manchester United will be ready to pounce on the opportunity.
Manchester United, who are set to play West Ham United at home on Wednesday, are level on points with the Foxes, only a place behind on goal difference. The two teams have enjoyed a stellar battle between each other, with United winning four of their last five games; three of those victories came through a single goal margin.
As far as their current form goes, Manchester United were on a 19-game unbeaten run before Chelsea spoiled the party in their FA Cup semi-final, but they have indeed scored goals for fun. Apart from their 2-2 draw against Southampton, and the recent 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, United have looked extremely comfortable in all areas of the field. In fact, they have scored 21 goals in their last eight games in all competitions, while conceding just six (before the FA Cup semi-final). Leicester, on the other hand, have dropped points since the restart, and struggled to get keep up in the creativity department.
Watch out for:
Marcus Rashford: The England international looked out of touch as the league resumed, but he has duly picked up the pace, scoring three goals and an assist in his last four Premier League games. As far as Leicester are concerned, he has bagged three goals against them in his last five league outings, which includes two winners; both contributing toward a 1-0 victory.
Rashford, who has had a healthy competition with his fellow striker Anthony Martial, will be key to United's pursuit against Leicester.
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Feature image courtesy: AFP / Oli Scarff
