By Robert Wheeler
- Leaders Arsenal play Liverpool
- Lampard returns to Chelsea
- Leicester faces Bournemouth
UK – After Graham Potter’s sacking last week, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard returns to the club to steady the ship as they take on Wolves this weekend.
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Liverpool vs Arsenal, Sunday April 9, kick-off 16:30
Arsenal could make it eight consecutive victories if they defeat Liverpool this weekend. Mikel Arteta‘s side defeated Leeds United convincingly last time out whilst the Merseyside club was uninspiring in a draw with Chelsea.
Bukayo Saka scored twice against Leeds which has taken his tally in the Premier League for the season up to 12. Goals are coming from everywhere for the Gunners with defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka finding the back of the net five times in the league. Their main striker Gabriel Jesus has missed a large portion of the season due to injury and Arteta’s team’s ability to share the goalscoring responsibilities is what has kept them at the top of the division.
As for Liverpool, they have not won since they remarkably beat Manchester United 7-0. For the majority of this season, Jurgen Klopp‘s side has struggled, they stepped up for the Northwest Derby but have since returned to their poor form. They languish in eighth place with Champions League hopes becoming evermore distant.
It was not a good sign that captain Jordan Henderson and Alisson Becker clashed a Stamford Bridge this week. The incident showed the frustration that the Reds have right now. It is a bad time for them to be facing the league leaders.
Score prediction: Liverpool 0-3 Arsenal
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea, Saturday April 8, kick-off 15:00
Not many would have expected Chelsea to turn to their former player and manager to take charge of the club until the end of the season. However, football comes up with some incredible storylines. Frank Lampard‘s appointment might be seen as desperate by some but the Blues legend will be able to lift the downtrodden players and fans.
Lampard does have a big task ahead of him. Chelsea is currently 11th in the league. He could still help them to finish in a Europa League / Conference position but qualifying for the Champions League is out of reach. The club’s only hope of being in European football’s premier competition is by winning it but they are up against Real Madrid in the next round.
Despite all of their new signings, many still remain from Lampard’s first stint in charge at Stamford Bridge. He got the best out of Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic who were both left on the bench against Liverpool. It will be a fresh start for many players who had endured a difficult time under Graham Potter.
Wolves are only three places below the Blues in the league but they have one just once in their last five games. Julen Lopetegui‘s side is not out of the woods yet when it comes to avoiding relegation. They are only one point above Bournemouth who are in the bottom three. Against a Chelsea side in disarray, they have a good opportunity of taking some much need points.
Score prediction: Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
Leicester City vs Bournemouth, Saturday April 8, kick-off 15:00
Leicester City is currently without a manager following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal last week. The Foxes have not won in their last seven league games and are now 19th in the division. This fixture against Bournemouth who is also in the bottom three is very much a six-pointer.
It has been a very poor season for Leicester but there have been some positives. James Maddison has scored nine goals and made six assists in the league which has got him back in the England squad. The team will be looking at Maddison to be their new talisman and drag them out of the relegation zone.
Bournemouth’s form has been mixed of late, they have beaten Liverpool and Fulham but lost to Brighton and Aston Villa in their last four games. Gary O’Neil‘s side is only in the bottom three on goal difference, so beating the teams around them will be imperative.
The Cherries’ away form this season has been bad as they have just two wins away from the Vitality Stadium. However, Leicester’s home form has also been poor, they have just three wins at the King Power Stadium. This game will not be the best when it comes to quality but will be one of the tensest fixtures this season.
Score prediction: Leicester 1-0 Bournemouth
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