Eberechi Eze Could Help Arsenal Sustain Title Hopes
Eberechi Eze impressed when he made a rare start on the left of Arsenal’s attack against Manchester City last weekend, even if it was surprising to see the England forward taken off in the 74th minute as Mikel Arteta’s side chased an equaliser.
That was the longest he and Martin Ødegaard have been on the pitch at the same time for a Premier League game.
With Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli out of form, Eze could be handed another opportunity in that position against Newcastle on Saturday (25 April) as Arsenal try to regain top spot.
Arteta has mainly used him as a No 10 and there have been calls from some Arsenal fans for him to drop Martín Zubimendi, move Declan Rice to a deeper role and play Eze and Ødegaard in the same midfield.
But having thrived at Crystal Palace because he had licence to roam off the left flank and find pockets of space, the 27-year-old could be more effective in the advanced role.
*Arsenal v Newcastle, Premier League, Saturday.
FA Cup Semi Final: Southampton Seek Man City Scalp To End 50-Year Wait
The winning machine that is Manchester City take on a Southampton side aiming to end a 50-year wait for the second major trophy of their 140-year history.
Tonda Eckert’s team are also vying for automatic promotion from the Championship and are unbeaten in 20 games, so the streetwise Pep Guardiola will make clear to his league leaders the challenge that awaits when the sides walk out at Wembley.
Six years ago, Saints handed City a 1-0 defeat in the Premier League: a repeat on Saturday for the 2026 iteration would be a famous win and a certifiable Cup upset.
Yet while Guardiola may rest some of his A-listers, City should still reach a remarkable fourth consecutive final.
*Manchester City v Southampton, FA Cup semi-final, Saturday.
Liverpool Will Watch Wharton Closely
Back-to-back league wins plus Chelsea’s decision to appoint Liam Rosenior – a counter-argument to Arne Slot’s insistence that Liverpool have had no luck this season –, have placed Champions League qualification in the hands of the Premier League champions.
A top-five finish “could impact our plans for the summer at this club”, said Slot before the dramatic Merseyside derby victory at Everton.
With strengthening central midfield expected to be part of those plans, there will be more eyes than usual on Adam Wharton at Anfield should the 22-year-old return from a minor adductor problem for Crystal Palace.
Wharton will be in demand this summer after another impressive campaign for a Palace team that have won all three encounters with Liverpool (though each one with Marc Guéhi in their defence).
Slot’s side have a tricky run-in but a healthy cushion over sixth-placed Brighton. Taking another step towards the Champions League would be significant in the pursuit of Wharton should he favour a return to his native north-west.
*Liverpool v Crystal Palace, Premier League, Saturday.
Fragile Spurs Must Take Chance At Wolves
Roberto De Zerbi stressed he would not allow his players to feel sorry for themselves after Brighton denied them an elusive first win this calendar year.
The Italian acknowledged there is a fragility to his squad after Georginio Rutter equalised in stoppage time and this week Spurs advertised for a psychologist to join their staff on Hotspur Way. How quickly can they start?
De Zerbi called on his players to “change the mentality” as they face up to the reality of their fight against relegation, but also backed them to the point he suggested they are capable of winning all five remaining matches.
The first is a trip to relegated Wolves, a team that have conceded 12 goals in their past four matches, and if Tottenham can chalk up a first win under De Zerbi, maybe Spurs will establish a psychological edge over their rivals.
*Wolves v Tottenham, Premier League, Saturday.
*PHOTO CAPTION: ‘Computer brain’ Guardiola on the touchline soaking in details of a match during a Manchester City game.
