The weekend brings a mix of Premier League and FA Cup action, with plenty of subplots to follow. Here are 10 things to look out for.
1. Forest Aim to Stifle Black Cats’ Personality
Nottingham Forest, under Vitor Pereira, are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games and travel to Sunderland knowing a win would move them closer to safety. Sunderland, coached by Regis Le Bris, excel on the counterattack but may face a deep-lying Forest defense. Key players include Nordi Mukiele at right-back and midfielders Noah Sadiki and Enzo Le Fee, who are being watched by top clubs. Can Forest subdue Sunderland’s refreshing style?
2. Fulham Still Waiting to Get Better of Emery
Unai Emery has faced Fulham nine times as a manager, winning eight and drawing one, with a 22-6 aggregate. His Aston Villa side dropped points to Fulham only once since his appointment in October 2022. Marco Silva’s Fulham have only avoided defeat against Emery once in eight attempts. This weekend’s clash at Craven Cottage promises to be tough for the hosts.
3. Hammers Playing at Everton’s Level
West Ham and Everton have similar records since mid-January: 12 games each, five wins, 14 goals conceded. West Ham have a fully fit squad, with Callum Wilson scoring eight goals in 11 games against Everton – his best record against any club except West Ham. This match between 10th and 17th is expected to be tightly contested.
4. Fragile Spurs Must Take Chance at Wolves
Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham are still seeking their first win under his tenure, after Brighton denied them in stoppage time. Spurs face a Wolves side that has conceded 12 goals in their last four matches. De Zerbi has called for a mentality change, and a win could provide a psychological boost for the relegation-threatened team.
5. Reds Will Keep a Close Watch on Wharton
Liverpool’s Champions League hopes are alive, and strengthening central midfield is a summer priority. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, a 22-year-old midfielder, is on their radar. Wharton may return from injury for the match at Anfield. Liverpool have a healthy cushion over Brighton but need to secure a top-five finish to attract players like Wharton.
6. Saints Look to End Half-Century Wait
Southampton face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final, aiming for their second major trophy in 140 years. The Saints are unbeaten in 20 games and chasing automatic promotion. Pep Guardiola will remind his team of the challenge, but City should still reach a fourth consecutive final despite potential squad rotation.
7. Eze Could Help Arsenal Sustain Title Hopes
Eberechi Eze impressed in a rare start for Arsenal against Manchester City. With Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli out of form, Eze may start again against Newcastle. Some fans want him in midfield with Martin Odegaard, but his roaming role off the left could be more effective. Arsenal need to regain top spot in the table.
8. McFarlane Takes Charge Once Again
Calum McFarlane returns as interim manager of Chelsea, having previously taken charge in January. After Liam Rosenior’s short stint unraveled, McFarlane faces a challenge to motivate a squad with five sporting directors. Chelsea face Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final, and a trip to Wembley could revive their season.
9. Longstaff’s Leveller Gives Leeds Belief
Sean Longstaff’s stoppage-time equalizer against Bournemouth gave Leeds a massive morale boost. Daniel Farke praised his team’s mentality. Leeds go into the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea with a seven-game unbeaten run. Controversy surrounded the goal, but the team’s belief is high.
10. Carrick Still Under Probation Period
Michael Carrick’s interim tenure at Manchester United requires a Champions League berth to strengthen his case for the permanent job. Two wins from five games should secure it. Brentford are unbeaten in six league games, with five draws, but United should claim victory at Old Trafford under the Monday night lights.
