The 2024/25 season is approaching an exciting climax. While we already have an idea where the title is headed, there’s still plenty to play for in the remaining six games of the season.
We’re heading for another round of exciting, high-stakes drama, so read on as we preview some of this weekend’s key games.
Ipswich Town vs Arsenal
Portman Road Stadium hosts a potentially decisive Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon, where both Ipswich Town and Arsenal face make-or-break moments in their respective seasons.
Arsenal’s slim title hopes hang by a thread. A defeat could officially rule Mikel Arteta’s side out of the title race, especially if Liverpool beat Leicester.
The Gunners are into the Champions League semi-final after impressively swatting aside the reigning champions, Real Madrid, both home and away.
There’s no doubt the Champions League is now a priority but they still have to stay focused domestically, with Newcastle and Forest lurking behind.
Meanwhile, Ipswich could be relegated if they lose and both West Ham and Wolves win.
After surrendering a two-goal lead against Chelsea, the Tractor Boys have now dropped 27 points from winning positions and have lost six straight home games.
Arsenal have little riding on this game. They’re heading for a third consecutive runner-up finish, but fans will still buy Arsenal tickets on Seatsnet.com looking to watch the Gunners swat aside Ipswich.
The Champions League is the priority, but the upcoming showdown at Portman Road gives Arsenal a chance to build momentum heading into the crucial part of the season.
Everton vs Manchester City preview
Manchester City will travel to Goodison Park on Saturday with hopes of tightening their grip on a top-five Premier League spot. But they face an in-form Everton side sending a message ahead of next season.
The Cityzens were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium. That was during Sean Dyche’s reign. But Everton are a different beast these days.
Since David Moyes took over in January, the Toffees have picked up 21 points – a record bettered by only four other teams in that span.
Last weekend’s dramatic 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest lifted Everton up to 13th on the table. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s last-minute winner sealed Everton’s eighth win of the season and their fifth under Moyes.
The Toffees welcome the reigning champions to Goodison Park, unbeaten in six home games. They won the first two, but each of the last four have ended in draws.
Meanwhile, City head into this game on the back of a massive comeback 5-2 win against Crystal Palace.
The Champions have scored over 100 goals across all competitions this season, but they’ve struggled away from home and have failed to score in the last two.
Aston Villa vs Newcastle United preview
Just four days after crashing out of the Champions League quarter-final, Aston Villa must refocus as they welcome Newcastle United to Villa Park for a top-five six-pointer on Saturday evening.
Despite mounting a brave comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, Villa’s 3-2 win on the night wasn’t enough to turn the tie on its head as the French champions went through 5-4 on aggregate.
Goals from Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa had Villa fans believing in a miracle, but a series of high-profile saves from Gianluigi Donnarumma dashed their hopes of a semi-final spot.
Villa now have to focus on their pursuit of a Champions League spot. They welcome Newcastle looking for a fifth consecutive Premier League win, and haven’t lost a home game in 18 games.
They’re currently seventh on the log, behind Chelsea on goal difference and a point off City in fourth.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are flying high after dismantling Palace 5-0. Even without Eddie Howe on the touchline, the Magpies extended their winning streak to six and are just four points off Arsenal.
Fulham vs Chelsea
Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday, hoping to reignite their Champions League bid on matchday 33. The Blues sit sixth with 54 points, six ahead of ninth-placed Fulham.
The Cottagers lost 1-0 to Bournemouth last time out, epitomising their recent inconsistent form.
Antoine Semenyo’s early goal was the fourth consecutive match in which Fulham conceded first, and Marco Silva’s side have dropped 12 points over the past seven league games, alternating between wins and losses.
Despite the inconsistency, Fulham are still in the mix for European qualification. They’re six points behind Villa, so a win against Chelsea significantly bolsters their chances.
Chelsea haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders either. They had to claw back a 2-2 draw against Championship-bound Ipswich Town and have won just one of their last four league games.
Enzo Maresca is on the hot seat. Nothing but a win against Fulham will do for the Blues faithful, who are already calling for his head.
A win would also get them back into the Champions League places, but they haven’t won a league match away from home since December 8.
Leicester City vs Liverpool
Liverpool travel to King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City in a Premier League battle between two sides from opposite sides of the table.
The Reds are on the cusp of getting their hands on the league title, while the Foxes are staring into the abyss and desperately battling to survive.
Liverpool could win the title if they win and Arsenal slip up against Ipswich Town. Their last win against West Ham United put them within touching distance, and they now need two more to get the job done.
Meanwhile, Leicester are hanging by a thread. Anything but a win will confirm their relegation to the Championship.
Even if they pull off a miracle, it may not be enough if Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham collect all three points.
After going eight games without scoring, Leicester finally bucked the trend when they scored twice to rescue a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.
It did little to help their cause as they remained 17 points from safety, but it was a step in the right direction – one they desperately needed.
