By Chris Sampson
- Leaders Arsenal host struggling Bournemouth
- In-form Man Unt travel to Anfield
- Brentford and Fulham in battle for London pride and Euro places
UK -The Premier League action continues with the title race, the fight for European places and the scrap for survival hotting up.
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Arsenal v Bournemouth Saturday March 4, 15:00
Arsenal welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates, looking for a fourth successive Premier League win. Their midweek success against Everton took Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear at the top. Bournemouth travel up to London in 19th place in the table, a point adrift of safety.
Many had predicted that the momentum of the title race had shifted following the Gunners’ defeat at home to Manchester City last month. Arsenal side had also exited the FA Cup to City and had lost away at struggling Everton. However, they have bounced back emphatically. A 4-2 win away at Aston Villa, sealed by two stoppage time goals, a 1-0 away win at Leicester and a thumping 4-0 win over Everton means they go into Saturday’s match in buoyant mood.
Bournemouth lost 4-1 at home to Manchester City in their last match. The Cherries battled well, but the gulf in class was there for all to see.
Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny both remain on the sidelines with their long-term injuries. Eddie Nketiah is a slight doubt after a knock. Jorginho was substituted due to illness against the Toffees so the Italian is also a doubt.
Ilya Zabarnyi and David Brooks miss out for Bournemouth. Matias Vina, Junior Stanislas, Marcus Tavernier, Lloyd Kelly and Lewis Cook are all doubtful.
Liverpool v Manchester United Sunday March 5, 16:30
Liverpool host Manchester United in a crucial game for both sides.
The Reds have finally started to show signs of climbing the table after three wins in their last four Premier League matches. They will hope to continue that momentum against their great rivals. A 5-2 home defeat to Real Madrid means further Champions League progress is most unlikely. Therefore, it is crucial for Jurgen Klopp’s side to secure European football for next season. Preferably in the Champions League.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have hopes of a quadruple. Having already secured the EFL Cup, the Red Devils marched into the last 8 of the FA Cup in midweek and are due to meet Real Betis in the Europa League. At this stage a title win still looks unlikely, but they are playing with enough consistency for it to be possible.
Fulham v Brentford Monday March 6, 20:00
Brentford host Fulham in a London derby which takes on greater significance. Both sides are very much in the mix for a European place, which, especially in the case of Fulham, is above the expectations of many.
Brentford have been rocked by news of a possible suspension for Ivan Toney for alleged breaches of FA betting rules. However, it is likely to be next month before any decision is made, leaving him free to lead the line on Monday.
Fulham’s excellent season continued with a midweek victory over Leeds United in the FA cup. Though the Cottagers were held at home by struggling Wolves in their last Premier League outing.
Premier League matchweek 26 takes place between Saturday March 4 and Monday March 6.
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