Premier League: 10 things to watch out for in this weekend’s football

Matt Ritchie, Adam WhartonDavid Moyes.Compiled: Getty, Rex Features” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jnRWN.KQTuV.xX9j4fUH7A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/theguardian_763/726c5dcbe30a8b6fda 992ed37e433148″ data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jnRWN.KQTuV.xX9j4fUH7A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU3Ng–/https://media.zenfs.com/en/theguardian_763/726c5dcbe30a8b6fda 992ed37e433148 “/>

Fulham will not be pushers

If Arsenal miss out on the title, one of the games they will look back on will be the 2-1 defeat to Fulham on New Year’s Eve, the last time they were beaten away from home in the competition. However, Fulham have the chance to please Arsenal this weekend. Marco Silva’s team will host Manchester City during the lunch kick-off on Saturday and should not be written off. Fulham are clumsy, creative and combative at home. Reason enough for Arsenal to be optimistic. Until Erling Haaland completes a first-half hat-trick, that is. Jacob Steinberg

Bournemouth have options in goal

Brentford moved quickly to sign Mark Fleks as a replacement for Arsenal-bound David Raya and the Bees’ next opponents, Bournemouth, will look at their goalkeeping options this summer. Andoni Iraola dropped the club’s 34-year-old captain Neto last month in favor of Mark Travers, who spent the start of the season on loan at Stoke and has kept his place ever since. But look out for 17-year-old Callan McKenna, signed from Queen’s Park this year, a deal that had shades of the signing of an 18-year-old Aaron Ramsdale from Sheffield United in 2017. McKenna, who was also chased by Manchester United after just nine appearances in the first team, was won by Bournemouth after talks with goalkeeping coach Neil Moss and Simon Francis, who will replace the outgoing Richard Hughes as technical director this summer. Ben Visser

Who will join and who will leave Everton?

Everton have not staged a proper ’round of appreciation’ after their last home game since 2019, due to Covid restrictions and Premier League survival hanging in the balance in two consecutive seasons. Barring any unexpected drama, such as Farhad Moshiri taking the field and announcing 777 Partners as the club’s new owners, Sean Dyche and his players will get the send-off they deserve following the visit of Sheffield United. It remains to be seen how many players will finally say goodbye. Everton have six players without contract this summer, plus two loanees (Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma) who are reaching the end of their contracts. Dyche has confirmed that any contract extensions would have to be signed by Everton’s interim board and owner – Idrissa Gueye is certainly the priority – and that the club is exploring a further year’s contract for the club’s captain, Séamus Coleman. “His thirst is to keep playing,” Dyche said of Everton’s long-serving leader. Good. Andy Hunter

The story continues

Ritchie rides off into the sunset

Matt Ritchie recently obtained a HGV driver’s license, allowing the Newcastle winger to drive trucks professionally. It led to many jokes about a potential new career behind the wheel of the team bus, but Eddie Howe responded that even the club’s Saudi Arabian owners ‘couldn’t afford’ him. In reality, Ritchie, who turns 35 in September, wanted to be able to drive super-sized horse trailers for his equestrian-mad family from New Forest as he looks to a life outside of football. After eight years on Tyneside, a right winger who can also operate on the left and in both full-back positions will leave St James’ Park this summer and the visit of Brighton could see him make one final appearance from the bench. Since Rafa Benítez bought him from Bournemouth for £12 million in 2016, Ritchie has made 213 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 25 goals and proving to be a catalyst for the team’s promotion in 2017 and subsequent survival in the Premier League. In many of his games under Benitez, the former Scotland international has shone at left back and although his appearances have declined, Ritchie has remained a highly valued member of the dressing room leadership group. He deserves a proper farewell from the Newcastle fans. Louise Taylor

The Spurs must take action to end the losing streak

Few managers enjoy relegating an opponent, but Ange Postecoglou needs a win after four consecutive defeats. Burnley have been on the brink of collapse for some time now and the prospect of traveling to north London will not feel inviting, even if the home side’s form has been disappointing of late. Recent losses have confirmed for the Australian that a busy summer lies ahead, requiring an overhaul of a Tottenham squad that is failing to qualify for the Champions League. There are three chances left for those who want to be part of the Postecoglou Revolution to show that their attitude and performance are worthy of a place in the squad. The likes of Oliver Skipp, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Richarlison all see the risk of leaving, but there is still a chance for redemption. Time to dust themselves off after recent setbacks and perform against a team staring down the barrel. Will win

Moyes should leave the handbrake off

David Moyes has nothing to lose. This is his last home game as West Ham manager, so he could give a few youngsters a chance against Luton. The pressure is off. Moyes does not need to put Angelo Ogbonna above Kaelan Casey in central defence. Then look at who he brought on for Lucas Paquetá when West Ham lost 4-0 to Chelsea last weekend. It was baffling that Aaron Cresswell, the 34-year-old left-back, was selected instead of George Earthy, the 19-year-old midfielder, to replace Paquetá. Maybe it was self-preservation; an attempt to stop the bleeding. West Ham conceded another goal. JS

Should Wharton move to the euro?

Crystal Palace’s visit to Wolves may not seem like the most mouth-watering match, but it will certainly intrigue Gareth Southgate, who also scored Palace’s comprehensive 4-0 win over Manchester United. Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has boosted the recruitment of several English youngsters from the Championship, with Adam Wharton, bought for £18million in January, the latest to deserve praise. Signed from Blackburn, the 20-year-old midfielder has adapted seamlessly to his surroundings since leaving one relegation battle for another. Palace have emerged from the drop zone, with the likes of Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Dean Henderson all on Southgate’s radar. Marc Guéhi, who made a welcome return from knee surgery in the defeat to United, is perhaps the most likely to feature in Southgate’s 26-man squad but Wharton is pushing for a late case. B.F

Bos looks for safety on the field

Finally, Nottingham Forest know the task required to survive after their appeal against a four-point deduction was rejected. The club hoped they would receive a point reduction, but the independent appeals committee disagreed and upheld the original decision. The good news for Forest is that their destiny is in their own hands: they are three points ahead of Luton with two games remaining. However, Chelsea are in good form for their trip to the City Ground, having lost once in their last 12 Premier League matches. They will be greeted by a hostile crowd with a lot of grudges against the football authorities, and a well-disciplined team looking to secure victory that would almost certainly lead to survival (Forest have a much higher goal difference than Luton). Twelve months ago, Forest faced a similarly crucial match against title chasers Arsenal and secured the 1-0 victory they needed for salvation. That experience will stand them in good stead against another London team. WU

United must win, even if it helps City

If Erik ten Hag’s failed Manchester United beat Arsenal – a big if – they will do Manchester City a huge favor in their neighbors’ bid to secure a record fourth successive title. No United player or fan will want continued City success, but Ten Hag’s side must, for the manager’s pride and job prospects, end the season with four wins from four (including the FA Cup final). Arsenal will arrive at Old Trafford as a finely tuned machine capable of beating their hosts, just as Crystal Palace did to United last time out, with their stylish pass-and-move play. Jamie Jackson

Liverpool XI will want to impress Slot

So this really is it. Liverpool supporters have enjoyed countless away days under Jurgen Klopp – they will always cherish the Champions League win in Madrid, the Super Cup win in Istanbul and the FA Cup triumph at Wembley – but the final trip of his reign will take place on Monday to Villa Park. . Klopp will be determined to finish in style after returning to victory against Tottenham. Liverpool have secured a place in the Champions League and with Klopp’s expected successor Arne Slot admitting he watched as much of that 4-2 win as possible before turning his attention to Feyenoord’s match against PEC Zwolle, every Liverpool player to appear in court. B.F