26. pL round: Klopp v ten Hague, the perfect match for Chelsea to bounce back

The Premier League season turns to the final third this weekend. While leaders Arsenal will challenge Bournemouth at home, main chasers Manchester City have a much tougher schedule. What to watch in the 26th round?

Liverpool vs. Manchester United

In recent years Liverpool have been overwhelming favourites, this year it will be fifty-fifty and that’s only because of the Anfield factor. Liverpool are ten points behind their long-time rivals from sixth place and are worse off in terms of form too.

Liverpool beat Wolves 2-0 in the week but it was no domination, having lost twice before. Even with Virgil van Dijk, the defence is far from good, and Mohamed Salah is not as dominant in the offence as he is used to in England.

On the other hand, the Red Devils showed on Wednesday that they are on a roll. After their Carabao Cup triumph, they also turned around the FA Cup semi-final with West Ham and have not lost a single game through all four competitions since the World Cup in Qatar.

Manchester City vs. Newcastle

Newcastle no longer have the drive they had going into January, the assault on the Top 4 is finally giving birth to a fight for the top seven, yet the Magpies players have shown they can turn a favourite around. After all, they have drawn at Arsenal and at home to the Citizens this season.

Moreover, Manchester City is not consistent. They beat Arsenal two weeks ago, only to throw away the top spot the following weekend with a draw at Nottingham. Erling Haaland isn’t so hot either, at least by his standards.

Newcastle can close down their opponents, with 15 goals conceded they are the best defending team in England, they have kept zero against Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this season. Martin Dúbravka will play in place of the suspended Nick Popa, a unique opportunity for the Slovakian.

Chelsea vs. Leeds

If anything is logically impossible, it’s for Chelsea to finally win at the weekend. Out of their last 16 games, the Blues have only captured two full wins, even though no one has strengthened the squad for more money since the summer.

Leeds bites especially at home, but is playing for bare survival. Plus, with the pressure on Chelsea players, everyone is confident in the Blues now. How long it takes Chelsea to score their first goal and how the game sits with dribbler Wilfried Gnont will decide the game.

Source: Premier League