Matchweek 23 Previews
Arsenal v. Sheffield UnitedArsenal remained unbeaten for the third consecutive match in all competitions last weekend at Crystal Palace, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was shown a red card in the draw. Now, the Gunners will be without their captain and main source of offense against Sheffield United, who have conceded the 2nd-fewest goals in the Premier League this season. The Blades only have one win in their last four league matches, but they still sit in 6th place and could move into 5th with a win at the Emirates this weekend.
Brighton v. Aston VillaBrighton sit just three points above the relegation zone after last weekend’s loss at Everton, as Graham Potter’s men have one win in their last eight matches in all competitions. The Seagulls will host Aston Villa on Saturday, a team that enters the weekend in the relegation zone, one point from safety. The Villans have 6 losses in their last 8 Premier League matches, but they haven’t lost to Brighton in the top-flight in more than 39 years.
Newcastle v. ChelseaNewcastle managed a draw last weekend against Wolves, but the Magpies aren’t in a great place right now. They have 1 win in their last 6 league matches and are dealing with more than a handful of injuries, a situation that has frustrated Head Coach Steve Bruce, who says he has never seen anything like it in his 40 years in the game. Meanwhile, Chelsea continued their up-and-down season with a win last Saturday against Burnley. Still, Frank Lampard’s men haven’t won consecutive PL matches in nearly 3 months and have just 1 win in their last 6 away meetings at Newcastle.
Burnley v. Leicester CityBurnley are in a serious rut right now, getting outscored 8-1 in their current 4-match losing streak in the Premier League. The Clarets have scored 1 or fewer goals in each of their last 9 PL matches and are without forward Ashley Barnes, who recently underwent hernia surgery. As for Leicester City, they’ve also seen a recent dip in form with 3 losses in their last 5 Premier League matches. Still, the Foxes have the joint-2nd most away points in the Premier League this season and will be looking to win three straight league meetings against Burnley for the first time in 114 years.
Liverpool v. Manchester UnitedJurgen Klopp and Liverpool continue to make history. They’re unbeaten in their last 38 Premier League matches and haven’t lost at home in nearly 3 years. After last weekend’s win at Tottenham, they’re also off to the best start through 21 matches in the history of Europe’s “big 5” leagues. The Reds host their archrivals in Manchester United this weekend, the only team that has taken points off Liverpool this season. The Red Devils only have 1 loss in their last 11 Premier League meetings against Liverpool, but they might be without their leading goalscorer this season in Marcus Rashford, who is a doubt with a back injury.
