The Premier League is quickly heading towards the finishing line, and each matchday sees the picture become clearer. Liverpool still lead the way, but they’ve slipped up recently, the race for Europe is still on, and the battle for survival looks like it’s pretty much at an end. There are opportunities for a number of teams this weekend to take three points and move closer to where they want to be or to win and cement their position further. Our Premier League preview tells you what to expect from Matchday 32 and what the implications will be. It could be another telling matchday for a handful of sides, at least.
Saturday, April 12
Manchester City vs Crystal Palace
Manchester City are a team that still look out of sorts, and recent form and performances reflect this school of thought. Manchester City vs Crystal Palace will, therefore, be a tricky fixture for them, as The Eagles have won four from five and have put themselves in contention for European qualification. City, meanwhile, are clinging on to the race for the top five and Champions League football. They’re sixth and a point off fifth. Palace can beat anyone on their day, and as they’ve got something to chase, they will be dangerous.
Brighton vs Leicester City
Brighton have lost their last two games, which hasn’t been ideal, especially as their target is European football. So, they were probably pleased to see Brighton vs Leicester City on the fixture list because the Foxes just keep losing. Newcastle soundly beat them on Monday night, and it’s a case of when relegation is confirmed for them and not if. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side are also seemingly incapable of scoring goals too, so expect Brighton to take the game to them. If Brighton ever needed a fixture to play to get back on track, it’s this one.
Nottingham Forest vs Everton
What a season it’s been for Nottingham Forest. They’ve occupied a top-three place for weeks, and even though they lost to Aston Villa last time out, they’re still in a strong position for now. However, Nottingham Forest vs Everton could come down to a battle between Nuno and David Moyes, two very capable top-flight managers. Forest could do with winning to keep their Champions League dreams alive, while Everton are safe and playing with freedom but are draw specialists of late. Nuno’s team will be aware of what’s at stake.
Southampton vs Aston Villa
Southampton vs Aston Villa sees The Saints take to the pitch as the team relegated from the Premier League the quickest in the division’s history, and maybe that means they’ll be playing with less pressure than before. They’ve also terminated manager Ivan Juric’s contract. Villa, on the other hand, are bang in form and making a late move for Champions League qualification. Unai Emery’s side will be looking to pile on the misery at Saint Mary’s. Simon Rusk will hope he can make Southampton competitive at least from here on in.
Arsenal vs Brentford
In usual circumstances, Arsenal dropping points against Everton would have meant the title race is over for another year for the Gunners. However, Liverpool lost to Fulham at Craven Cottage, and while the gap between 2nd and 1st is still eleven points, it makes Arsenal vs Brentford a huge game. It’s a midtable campaign for the visitors, which isn’t bad after a season of challenges, and they remain a threat. Arsenal must win or then the title race will really be over. If Arsenal don’t take maximum points and Liverpool drop points, it will be another missed opportunity.
Sunday, April 13
Chelsea vs Ipswich Town
The win Ipswich had over Bournemouth gave them hope that pulling off the great escape was possible. However, after leading against Wolves, they were defeated, and it looks like their stay in the Premier League will be over shortly. Chelsea vs Ipswich Town could be a fixture that pushes the Tractor Boys further towards a return to the Championship and, in turn, keep Chelsea on course for qualifying for the Champions League via a top-five finish this season. The Blues aren’t in top form, but they will see this as a winnable fixture.
Liverpool vs West Ham United
Liverpool may have an eleven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but Liverpool vs West Ham United could be seen as a must-win game for Arne Slot’s side. Liverpool lost to Fulham last time out and have now lost three from four in all competitions. A win at Anfield will settle the nerves. West Ham continue to limp towards the finish line. Their season is over but they’ll be out to make life difficult for Liverpool all the same. The Reds have to get the job done because dropping more points will be a problem if Arsenal win.
Wolves vs Spurs
Wolves may be 17th and only a place above the relegation zone, but they’re twelve points clear and have won their last three games. They’ll be looking forward to Wolves vs Spurs at Molineaux, even though their visitors on Sunday did win last time out. Spurs were 3-1 victors over now-relegated Southampton, but their Premier League season has been disappointing from start to finish, with Ange Postecoglu’s position under threat. Wolves will be aiming to heap on the pressure further by winning their fourth game in a row.
Newcastle United vs Manchester United
Sunday’s Premier League action is wrapped at St. James’ Park, with Newcastle United vs Manchester United the late afternoon kick-off. Newcastle defeated Manchester United on their way to their historic Carabao Cup triumph and may feel they’ve got their opponent’s number ahead of this one. The Magpies also need to win to hold onto their top five place, whereas United are now just playing for pride, with their domestic season finished. Ruben Amorim may also be focused on their upcoming involvement in the Europa League.
Monday, April 14
Bournemouth vs Fulham
The final Premier League game of Matchday 32 is Bournemouth vs Fulham, with the fixture taking place on Monday evening at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth’s recent form has been really detrimental to their chances of qualifying for Europe, but they’re still in the mix, and a win against Fulham will be huge. The Cottagers, however, defeated champions in waiting Liverpool last time out and will be full of confidence in this one. The winner here not only strengthens their chances of European football they damage those of the loser.
When Matchday 32 finishes, the picture at the top of the table could either be clearer or even more difficult to work out. Liverpool win, and they stay on course to be Premier League champions for the second time in their history. If they drop points and Arsenal win, who knows what could happen?
The Champions League and other European places remain up for grabs, but this is a race that will undoubtedly be decided on the final day of the season. Meanwhile, Southampton are already down. Leicester City and Ipswich Town will join them. It’s a case of when and not if.
