By Robert Wheeler
- Manchester City take on Liverpool
- 1st place Arsenal play Leeds United
- Newcastle faces Manchester United
UK – After an international break that saw England win both their Euro 2024 Qualifiers, the Premier League returns this weekend with fixtures including Manchester City against Liverpool.
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Manchester City vs Liverpool, Saturday April 1, kick-off 12:30
League action is back with a bang, the two sides who have competed against each other for the title over the last four years face off in the lunchtime kick-off. Manchester City is looking to keep up with the current leaders’ Arsenal who is now eight points clear of Pep Guardiola‘s side.
For this game, City may be without Erling Haaland who is a doubt due to a groin injury. Phil Foden has been ruled out after the player had his appendix out last week. City have won their last six games in all competitions with Haaland scoring eight goals in his last two games, the forward will be a huge miss if he is still injured.
Liverpool may have lost their last league game to Bournemouth but they are still in the hunt for a Champions League place this season. Jurgen Klopp‘s side is just seven points off Tottenham Hotspur who are fourth.
The Reds have endured a difficult campaign but a good result against City would put them in good stead with tough fixtures against Chelsea and Arsenal coming up.
Score prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Liverpool
Arsenal vs Leeds United, Saturday April 1, kick-off 15:00
Arsenal is in a very good position to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004. Mikel Arteta‘s side has won their last six games and if they keep this up then the title is theirs. The International break saw Bukayo Saka again star for England, where he scored a great goal from outside the box against Ukraine.
Their opposition, Leeds United are only two points above the relegation zone. Their last two games have been positive; a draw with Brighton was followed by a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the break may have come at a bad time for Javi Gracia‘s side as it might have upset their rhythm.
The Yorkshire side will also be without Tyler Adams who has been one of their best midfielders this season. Injury prevented the USA midfielder from playing for his country in their Nations League fixtures.
Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Leeds United.
Newcastle vs Manchester United, Sunday April 2, kick-off 16:30
Newcastle will be looking to avenge their EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester United this Sunday as they take on the Red Devils at St James’ Park. Both sides have had mixed form since they met at Wembley and this fixture could be crucial in the race for a Champions League spot.
Eric ten Hag‘s side is currently 3rd but the Magpies are only three points behind them in 5th. Newcastle has won their last two games but the Red Devils have not won in the league since the two sides met at Wembley. They suffered a catastrophic 7-0 loss to Liverpool and only drew with Southampton. However, they have won FA Cup ties with West Ham United and Fulham and knocked Real Betis out of the Champions League.
Marcus Rashford may have missed the England games due to injury but was seen in New York last week so is expected to be in action this weekend. The in-form forward has scored 10 league goals since the World Cup and will be relishing the return of club football.
The defeat in the EFL Cup final would have weighed heavily on Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe. The only silverware he has won as a coach was the Championship when he was with Bournemouth. Howe would have analysed the match and will make sure that his side does not make the same mistakes again.
Anthony Gordon is back available for Newcastle following an ankle injury. He has started just one game for the club since they signed him from Everton for £45 million in January. His return is timely with Miguel Almiron out because of a thigh injury.
Score prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle United
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