English Premier League continues with matchweek 33 amid relentless protests following the European Super League fiasco last week. After the spotlight had briefly shifted from the campaign in the last week, top EPL clubs get back to action with some crunch clashes lined up this week.
While league leaders Manchester City won’t be featuring in Premier League this week, owing to their EFL Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the rest are in for yet another round of season-defining fixtures.
Arsenal vs Everton
The Gunners have been all over the news following their decision to withdraw from the ESL a few days back and it will be a challenge for Mikel Arteta to get his players to firmly focus on the game at hand against Everton.
Both Arsenal and Everton come to this match on the back of a draw. While Arsenal drew against Fulham, Everton held Tottenham 2-2 in a hard-fought match. However, Carlo Ancelotti's main concern will be his team's poor form in the league as they haven't won a single match in their last five encounters.
To make things worse, Arsenal enjoy a superior record against Everton as well.
Arsenal vs Everton Head-to-Head |
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Arsenal | Metrics | Everton |
57 | Matches | 57 |
34 | Wins | 9 |
14 | Draws | 14 |
Liverpool vs Newcastle
After defending champions Liverpool succumbed to their eighth draw of the season in their last game, against Leeds United, Jurgen Klopp has a tricky opponent in Newcastle United travelling to Anfield.
Both Liverpool and Newcastle have lost just once in their last five league matches and with a UEFA Champions League spot at stake, the Reds will be under more pressure to perform in the last few matchweeks.
The match against Newcastle, however, should not be a huge task given Liverpool's brilliant record against the Magpies.
Liverpool vs Newcastle Head-to-Head | ||
Liverpool | Metrics | Newcastle United |
51 | Matches | 51 |
29 | Wins | 11 |
11 | Draws | 11 |
West Ham United vs Chelsea
Chelsea's domestic campaign has been vastly different from their European one. While the Blues have reached the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, where they await Real Madrid, Thomas Tuchel's men have struggled to hold their fourth position in the PL points table.
Interestingly, both Chelsea and West Ham United (fifth in table) have 55 points and a win will see the Hammers topple the London giants for a UCL spot. Though the stakes are high, Chelsea will take comfort from the fact that they had beaten West Ham 3-0 in the first fixture and also have a good lead in the head-to-head.
West Ham United vs Chelsea Head-to-Head | ||
West Ham United | Metrics | Chelsea |
49 | Matches | 49 |
14 | Wins | 26 |
9 | Draws | 9 |
Leeds vs Manchester United
Not the most important clash in terms of league standings, but Manchester United's encounters with Leeds United do bring fond memories. And given Marcelo Bielsa's intense style of play, the match is bound to be end-to-end stuff.
Second-placed United have a seven-point lead over third-placed Leicester City and can more than afford a fumble against Leeds United. However, this clash will be about bragging right that is currently with the Red Devils after a 6-2 win over the Whites in the first fixture.
Apart from that, United have also been the dominant side in their face-offs with Leeds United.
Leeds United vs Manchester United Head-to-Head | ||
Leeds United | Metrics | Manchester United |
25 | Matches | 25 |
4 | Wins | 14 |
7 | Draws | 7 |
Featured Image: AFP/ Nick Potts