After the grueling 4th round FA cup test, the Premier League teams are back in the spotlight this midweek in the 24th round of the fixtures this season. From Leicester’s 3 point defense to Villa’s relegation battle at the Upton Park, there are a lot of interesting battles all over the country.
Here are 10 things to look forward to in this round of the fixtures:
1. Can Remi Garde stop the Hammers?
Slaven Bilic will be ecstatic with the current position of his team in the league table and will feel that a European place is within reach this season. However Villa, struggling for some points may prove tougher than they think. Upton Park will be up and ready cheering their team against the Villains.
2. Can Klopp do the double over Ranieri?
Up next for Liverpool is a trip to the King Power stadium with the Foxes leading the points table with a 3 point difference. The Reds got the better of the home side in the reverse fixture earlier this season and will want to repeat their performance. However, the home side will start as slight favorites on the night.
3. Can City gain ground?
Pellegrini’s last season at the Etihad can still end in glory as City are still alive in all four competitions. A trip to the Stadium of light should not be a huge task and all three points can see them move to the top of the table if all other results help them. It will be a huge burden for the Citizens to sack a manager that has just given a trophy or two.
4. A crunch tie for the title favorites:
Arsenal are definitely title favorites even in this unpredictable season. They welcome the Saints who have found some good form off late and are on the high of a victory at Old Trafford. Arsenal with the return of Sanchez will be up and ready for this sensational encounter at the Emirates.
5. Going gets tougher for the Canaries:
After 2 defeats in the last two games, Norwich city will be desperate for a result but they will welcome an inform Tottenham side that has been one of the most consistent sides this season. It will not be easy for Alex Neil as Pochettino will be eyeing a top 3 finish.
6. Can Place move back into the top half?
Bournemouth have shown some promise at the start of the season which is now slowly fading away. Though Palace have had a tough time in the recent games, they will hope to take all three points from the home tie against the Cherries and get back into the top half of the table.
7. Will Old Trafford be buzzing?
The last defeat against the Saints saw the Old Trafford faithful give up on the Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. He will have a tough time against a good Stoke City side and will have to change some things quickly to gain back the trust of the fans. If United fail to take all three points, top 4 finish may just be getting away.
8. Can the Swans move away from the drop zone?
Swansea City who looked close to the relegation zone few weeks ago have now moved 4 points clear and will need to get some consistent results to stay clear of the relegation battle. A trip to the Hawthorns may not be easy but they have shows some promise and will have to find a way to get a result.
9. Can Quiqe Flores halt Hiddink?
Guus Hiddink is still unbeaten as the Chelsea manager after he replaced Jose Mourinho in December. Watford have played some good football and will not be easy to beat at the Vicarage Road. The Hornets will need some results if they are to entertain any chances of European football.
10. Martinez needs some results:
For all the sizzling football the Toffees have been playing this season, they are still in the 12th place and will have to find some good results soon to move into the top half of the table. That said, Newcastle have their own relegation problems and will have to be at their best to get anything from this game at the Goodison Park.