Arsenal can reclaim top spot in the Premier League this weekend while Tottenham Hotspur face a desperate scrap for survival at the bottom of the table.
Mikel Arteta’s side go into the round level with Manchester City on 70 points after 33 matches, with both teams boasting a goal difference of +37. City lead only on goals scored and are on FA Cup duty against Southampton, giving Arsenal the chance to move back above them when they host Newcastle on Saturday evening.
The Gunners saw a nine point advantage evaporate and lost 2–1 to City at the Etihad last weekend, but they are viewed as having the easier run in on paper. If they beat or even draw with Newcastle, they will return to the summit, and they also play before City again next week, meaning they could be six points clear before Pep Guardiola’s men face Everton on 4 May.
Down at the other end, Tottenham are in crisis as they battle to avoid dropping out of the top flight for the first time in nearly 50 years. Roberto De Zerbi’s team, winless in the league since December, sit 18th and two points from safety ahead of a crucial trip to already relegated Wolves on Saturday.
Spurs conceded a late equaliser in last weekend’s draw with Brighton and have struggled badly for form and confidence. In a sign of the psychological strain, the club has even advertised for a lead psychologist to help improve the players’ mentality.
West Ham, who occupy 17th place, host Everton, while Nottingham Forest — three points above the Hammers — travel to Sunderland on Friday. Leeds United, on 40 points, are considered virtually safe.
The race for Champions League places is more settled, with Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool on course to join City and Arsenal in next season’s competition. In form Brighton, who hammered Chelsea 3–0 in midweek, remain five points behind fifth placed Liverpool having played a game more but are still clinging to slim hopes.
There is also a possibility that sixth place could be enough for Champions League qualification if Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth, giving extra incentive to clubs from Brighton in sixth down to Fulham in 12th.
Key fixtures this weekend include Sunderland vs Nottingham Forest on Friday, and on Saturday Fulham vs Aston Villa, Liverpool vs Crystal Palace, West Ham vs Everton, Wolves vs Tottenham, and Arsenal vs Newcastle. Manchester United host Brentford on Monday night.
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