Willian could fill suspended Mitro’s void, Everton to push to survive the drop and Liverpool’s recent poor form. This and more in this week’s edition of the Friday 5iver!
The title race is back on. Arsenal spurned a 2 goal lead at Anfield, to draw the fixture and now leave the door open for Manchester City. The Gunners and the Citizens go head to head towards the end of the month and that one may indicate who could lift the coveted title.
At the other end of the spectrum, Leicester look like they’re moving from Champions to the Championship in the space of several years. Their defeat by the hands of Bournemouth last weekend means that the Foxes have now lost their previous 4 home league fixtures. Currently, only Southampton separate Leicester from the bottom of the Premier League table.
Speaking of the Saints, their 11 season stay in the English topflight is under increasing threat, considering their appointments with Newcastle and Arsenal before the month is up. Afterall, it’s no secret that Suuthampton have had more managers than home league wins this season. With that being said, here are five players who could make the headlines come Monday morning!
Adept, skilful Willian finding best level again
Willian could step up during Mitrovic’s suspension. The Brazilian has delivered 5 attacking returns across his 20 league appearances this season. The Cottages have just a point to show for their previous 5 league outings and come into this round of fixtures on the longest losing streak from all top flight clubs.
Back from suspension and with Fulham still in with a chance of claiming 7th, Willian (£5.5m) is an ultra-#FPLdifferential with just 0.3% ownership and an average of 3.8 points per match. Relegation-threatened Leeds and Everton are up next for the Cottagers...#FPLcommunity #FPL pic.twitter.com/gbb6q6HCwR
— FPL Player-Manager (Sam) (@FFplayermanager) April 11, 2023
Hueng Min Son – History maker!
Hueng Min Son has delivered his ability to cut it at this level year in year out. Despite netting just 7 times across his 28 league appearances, the marksman entered the auspicious Premier League 100 club last time out and I expect him to have a strong finish to the season. Tottenham welcome a Bouremouth outfit who have conceded 38 goals on their travels this season – the most from all toplight clubs.
Welcome to the 100 club, Heung-Min Son 👏 pic.twitter.com/Mz9vbxD65B
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 8, 2023
Toffees still on course to avoid drop
Everton are above the relegation zone – only on goal difference. The Toffees are in a fight at the bottom end of the table for consecutive seasons and Demarai Gray just may be their saviour. The dangerman has been leading the line in recent weeks and has made 8 appearances during Sean Dyche’s 10 league fixtures incharge. Everton were defeated 2 nil at home last time out and I expect a strong reaction in front of the Goodison Ultras in this one.
🎙️| Sean Dyche: "We want to build that mentality at home, that fortress created by the fans and the way they go about it. They have been excellent. Home or away, by the way, I couldn’t question them.” pic.twitter.com/tY7nVKMBOF
— Everton Extra (@Everton_Extra) April 13, 2023
Anthony to step-up for the Red Devils
Anthony Martial delivered his 6th attacking return in his 12th topflight appearance for Manchester United this season. The forward has had a relatively underwhelming stint at the club marred by injury setbacks and an ever-changing coaching staff. Under Ten Haag, the striker just may prove to be the difference as the Red Devils push for that lucrative top four spot.
Love how Ten Hag is managing Martial with more care.
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) April 9, 2023
• Recovered but left out against Betis, Southampton, Fulham
• 29 mins v Newcastle
• 20 mins v Brentford
• 31 mins v Everton
Ten Hag: "You have to be very careful with his injury history."
Pray he stays fit this time. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/cmwVZT3wuh
Will Liverpool make the UCL?
Liverpool have won just 1 of their previous 5 league outings – that 7-nil thrashing of Manchester United. Despite that, the Merseyside outfit has been churning out lacklustre performances, which has coincided with Darwin Nunez’s poor run. The hitman netted a brace in their demolition of United but blanked in his subsequent fixtures. I back him to get on the scoresheet during this round of action, against Leeds. Indeed, their opponents this weekend are the only team to inflict a home league defeat to Liverpool this season and I am sure Klopp will repay the favour.
Jurgen Klopp admits he needs to turn around Liverpool's form to keep his job https://t.co/Cpo1O92dd7
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) April 5, 2023