Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring Bournemouth’s bid to upset another giant and Arsenal’s festering feud with Manchester City.

Bournemouth out to complete top-four set

Liverpool might not have pictured a trip to Bournemouth as an acid test of their championship credentials, but it might turn out that way. The Cherries have been one of the surprise packages of the campaign and a side brimming with young talent is bidding to upset the elite. Andoni Iraola’s side are 11 unbeaten in the Premier League and just a point outside the Champions League places, having emphatically beaten Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks.

The league leaders pose a tougher test but Bournemouth will head into this clash with no fear. Iraola’s side have already taken the scalps of Arsenal, Forest and Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium and are aiming to add Liverpool’s name to the collection.

Can Leicester drag Everton back into the dogfight?

Leicester caused an upset last weekend to win at Spurs, a timely win for Ruud van Nistelrooy whose side snapped a seven-game losing run. The three points saw Leicester climb out of the bottom three and has increased confidence at a crucial period of the season.

Next up is a trip to Everton, who have eased their own relegation fears with consecutive wins for the first time this season. The return of David Moyes has galvanised the Toffees, who beat Brighton last weekend in an efficient if unconvincing performance. With a five-point gap between the teams placed 16th and 17th in the table, this could be a vital result in the context of the campaign. A win for Everton will move the Merseysiders clear of trouble, though defeat could drag them back into the dogfight.

Newcastle face defining run

Newcastle have won 10 of their last 11 games in all competitions to place themselves in contention for a season to remember. Outside the Champions League places on goal difference, this weekend’s clash against Fulham at St James’ Park kickstarts a run that could shape their season.

For all of their recent wins, a humbling home defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month was a reminder of their inconsistency. There is little room for such fluctuation in performance in the coming weeks.

Fulham’s visit to the North East precedes Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Arsenal, in which Eddie Howe’s side boasts a 2-0 aggregate advantage. After travelling to League One leaders Birmingham in the FA Cup next weekend, it’s top-four rivals Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool in successive league games. It’s crunch time for the Magpies.

Agbadou improves Wolves – but Pereira needs more

Vitor Pereira has outlined his demand for reinforcements at Wolves but the deadline is fast approaching with Emmanuel Agbadou the only recruit for the new head coach.

The centre-back has made an immediate impression and won 18/21 defensive duels contested in the defeat to Arsenal last weekend. His physicality has helped a Wolves side with the second-worst defensive record in the division. It’s been 92 years since Wolves conceded more goals per game in a league season.

Talks to sign Kevin Danso look set to fail as Juventus sniff around the Lens centre-back and the upcoming days are crunch time for the club’s recruitment team. With Everton pulling away, it looks like three from four in the relegation battle. Wolves will want to be the odd one out.

Ange has issues – but he’s been let down this month

Ange Postecoglou could not have been clearer in his request for reinforcements this month. An injury crisis has derailed Tottenham’s season and while the Australian certainly isn’t blameless for their plight, he’s had his hands tied with team selection.

The club’s current injury list includes Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner and Wilson Odobert. Furthermore, Richarlison was forced off with a groin problem in the defeat to Leicester, while Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Pape Sarr have only recently returned to training.

Despite his decimated options, 21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky is the only new arrival with just four days of the window remaining. Talks are ongoing for Mathys Tel and others could arrive before the deadline, but is it too little too late?

Tottenham face a tough trip to Brentford this weekend, before a semi-final showdown with Liverpool in the League Cup, an FA Cup tie at Aston Villa, and Premier League clashes with Manchester United, Ipswich and Manchester City before February concludes. Any new arrivals will need to hit the ground running to make an impact in a crunch period.

Mainoo finds a new home

Earlier this month, it was suggested Kobbie Mainoo could be on the way out at Manchester United. After a starring performance in the Europa League on Thursday, it looks like he’s found a new home in Ruben Amorim’s team.

Amorim’s system relies on two central number 10s to create chances and Mainoo’s audition in an advanced role was passed with flying colours. An assist, goal, and plenty of moments to ensure an impressive eye test, could this be the start of a reinvention for the teenager?

“Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position, with more freedom, more near the box,” Amorim told MUTV.

“He’s so technical, he can change the game there. So, I think it’s a good position for him, we will see. But I’m happy to see Kobbie enjoy the game more. Sometimes, he’s worrying about the recovery [runs], trying to defend and I know that he’s trying. Today, I felt Kobbie was enjoying the game more and I am happy for that.”

Arsenal, Manchester City, and a feud that continues to fester

Arsenal meet Manchester City this weekend in the latest instalment of a very modern rivalry. There’s been plenty of bad blood between the sides, not just because of their direct competition at the top of the Premier League.

From opposition to ownerships, key figures crossing divides, and needle on the pitch, it’s become arguably the must-watch game in the division. A pulsating draw between the teams in September saw John Stones snatch a last-gasp equaliser for City, following Leandro Trossard’s controversial red card. In the mix, Erling Haaland and Gabriel continued to get under each other’s skin, while the former famously aimed his ‘stay humble’ dig at Mikel Arteta following the full-time whistle.

Neither are where they want to be this season and that could add more fuel to the fire this weekend.

Potter has point to prove at Chelsea

On Monday night, Graham Potter will make his first return to Chelsea. The 49-year-old endured an ill-fated reign at Stamford Bridge, where he was sacked less than seven months into his tenure. Potter’s stock fell during a tough time at Chelsea and he took an extended absence from the game to weigh up his next move.

The opportunity to take over London rivals West Ham was deemed ‘too good to turn down’ and Potter will next make the short trip back to his former home with the Hammers. Few were overly surprised when Potter was dismissed, but the chaos at Chelsea since has perhaps put an asterisk next to his troubles. Now in rival colours, he’ll be keen to prove a point.

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