Eight speaking factors forward of the Premier League weekend, that includes top-four shootouts and potential switch targets.Overachievers meet in surprising top-four shootout
Few would have instructed in pre-season that Nottingham Forest’s journey to Bournemouth in January would have ramifications on the Champions League locations, however right here we’re.
Forest moved stage on factors with second-placed Arsenal final weekend after a 3-2 win over Southampton, whereas Bournemouth despatched a press release by thrashing in-form Newcastle at St James’ Park. This weekend’s conflict on the south coast is among the many most fascinating of the weekend, because the division’s overachievers go head-to-head.
Tough Timber or Cherries? 🌲🍒
Bournemouth host Nottingham Forest this Saturday in a battle of the 2 shock groups of the season 👀
Bournemouth are simply three factors exterior the highest 4 and unbeaten in 10 Premier League video games, whereas Forest have received seven of their final eight. This weekend’s victors will acquire actual perception that European nights are across the nook.
Mitoma again to his greatest at Brighton
Kaoru Mitoma’s sensible debut marketing campaign at Brighton noticed Europe’s high golf equipment sit up and take discover, however an injury-hit second season noticed switch discuss scale back. The winger has appeared again to his greatest in current weeks, nonetheless, and with the January window broad open might discover himself again among the many rumours.
Mitoma has scored in back-to-back video games for Brighton and was electrical within the 3-1 win at Manchester United. With tempo, shut management, and a need to get into goalscoring positions, he was an actual risk alongside Yankuba Minteh. Mitoma’s objective made him the highest-scoring Japanese participant in Premier League historical past (15) and the fourth-highest-scoring Asian participant within the division. With a number of high sides searching for spark of their ahead line, a giant bid earlier than the deadline wouldn’t shock.
One other probability for Nunez?
Darwin Nunez’s late double rescued Liverpool at Brentford final weekend. His stoppage-time strikes earned a priceless 2-0 win and a possibility from the beginning in midweek. Although his motion was good in opposition to Lille, he failed to seek out the online and missed the one presentable probability that got here his method.
Arne Slot shall be eager to maintain up the ahead’s confidence and the go to of Ipswich to Anfield ought to provide one other probability. The Tractor Boys shipped six objectives in defeat to Manchester Metropolis final weekend and Nunez shall be eyeing up alternatives. It’s been a troublesome marketing campaign for the Uruguayan, although Liverpool want him to seek out kind throughout the run-in, with Diogo Jota’s damage report a priority.
An Arsenal audition for Cunha?
Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on switch discuss relating to Matheus Cunha and Arsenal, however the Brazilian is one to look at forward of the deadline. Wolves are reluctant to promote, however a excessive provide might tempt them to money on this month.
Cunha has scored 10 objectives and supplied 4 assists this season, a superb return for a struggling facet. Arsenal will come face-to-face with the 25-year-old this weekend, in a possible audition for the ahead. His ball-carrying, objective risk and creativity would enhance an Arsenal facet that appears in want of a raise. Nonetheless, the £60m price ticket may show problematic.
Marmoush transfer ought to excite Residents
One other facet trying to find contemporary impetus this month was Manchester Metropolis, who received their man this week with the £59m arrival of Omar Marmoush. The failure to switch Julian Alvarez in the summertime has been addressed with Marmoush arriving amid a spectacular begin to the season.
I’m right here & I’m prepared 🩵
It’s an absolute dream come true to hitch such an iconic crew.
Marmoush has 20 objectives and 14 assists in 26 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and may assist ease the reliance on Erling Haaland. After a reasonably forgettable interval by their lofty requirements, the Blues tackle Chelsea this weekend excited by the Egyptian’s arrival.
Will Chelsea copy the PSG blueprint?
Manchester Metropolis’s current renaissance got here to an finish in midweek, because the Residents blew a two-goal result in lose at Paris Saint-Germain. It was a end result the French champions deserved, with PSG’s vibrant frontline exposing the guests on the Parc des Princes.
Chelsea journey to the Etihad this weekend and definitely have the instruments to upset Metropolis, regardless of current struggles of their very own. Moises Caicedo and Kieran Dewsbury-Corridor have the legs to depart a labouring midfield of their wake, whereas Cole Palmer will hope to use the gaps which have too typically appeared this season. Solely Liverpool (51) have extra quick breaks than Chelsea (39) this season.
Potter shall be envious of Villa choices
Graham Potter has inherited a struggling facet missing firepower at West Ham. Accidents to Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio have left the Hammers gentle up entrance, with a determined scramble to signal a striker earlier than the deadline.
This weekend West Ham face an Aston Villa crew who shouldn’t have such points. Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran have tussled for the centre-forward position all season, scoring 22 objectives between them in all competitions.
Duran – a participant West Ham have been ready to interrupt their switch report for this month – is prone to begin from the bench this weekend. Potter might solely think about such luxurious proper now.
Robinson to catch Amorim eye?
Ruben Amorim will need a response from his Manchester United squad this weekend, following his contentious feedback within the aftermath of defeat to Brighton. Amorim has inherited a squad unsuited to his calls for and missing confidence, although no additions are but to reach.
Left-back has been made a precedence and United might do worse than have a look at the opposition this weekend. Antonee Robinson has been a revelation for Fulham, main Europe’s high 5 leagues for crosses into the penalty space and interceptions.
A superb defender one-against-one and formidable athlete, his refinement within the remaining third has elevated the 27-year-old among the many greatest full-backs within the league. He has 9 assists this season, the third-highest whole of any participant in Europe’s high divisions.
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