Premier League Top-four Race Hots Up As Chelsea Stumble
Zeeshan Mehtab Published January 21, 2022 | 08:40 AM
London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jan, 2022 ) :Manchester City could move 14 points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday but erstwhile challengers Chelsea are looking nervously over their shoulders after a slump in form.
Pep Guardiola's side travel to Southampton on Saturday looking for their 13th consecutive league win, with second-placed Liverpool not in action until the following day.
But the race for the top four is hotting up, with third-placed Chelsea suddenly vulnerable after picking up just three points in their past four games.
At the other end of the table, Watford host Norwich in a high-stakes relegation battle.
AFP Sport takes a look at some of the talking points ahead of the weekend's action.
Things looking up at Spurs Tottenham are yet to suffer a league defeat under Antonio Conte after their incredible 3-2 victory against Leicester in midweek, in which Steven Bergwijn scored twice in stoppage-time.
Spurs are desperate to qualify for the Champions League after missing out for two years in a row and they now find themselves just one point behind fourth-placed West Ham with three games in hand before their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Conte, who has called for reinforcements in the January transfer window, was proud of his side's attitude after the incredible turnaround at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
"Don't give up," said the Italian, who took over in early November. "This must be our philosophy -- don't give up and fight until the end." But Thomas Tuchel faces a battle to rediscover Chelsea's mojo, unable to hide his frustrations over his under-performing forwards, including record signing Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues topped the Premier League table early last month but a dismal run of just two wins from nine top-flight games since has left their title challenge in tatters.
German boss Tuchel, whose team are eight points ahead of Tottenham having played four more games, knows he must stop the rot or risk the season unravelling.
Moyes can hurt Man Utd's top-four bid David Moyes takes West Ham to Manchester United on Saturday seeking a rare win at Old Trafford to boost his team's top-four chances and deal a blow to his former club.
West Ham, who have punched above their weight this season, are currently fourth in the table but could slip to seventh if they lose and Tottenham and Arsenal both win this weekend.
Old Trafford has not been a happy hunting ground for the Hammers in recent years -- they have not won there in the league since 2007.
But United, who were indebted to goalkeeper David de Gea for a string of saves in their midweek 3-1 win at Brentford, have not convinced under interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
In-form West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen will fancy his chances against the home side's leaky defence even though United have the firepower to hurt opponents.
Norwich eye great escape Norwich have appeared doomed to relegation all season but on Friday they have a chance to escape the drop zone if they beat fellow strugglers Watford.
The Canaries, who replaced manager Daniel Farke with Dean Smith in November after a terrible start to the campaign, are still favourites to make an immediate return to the Championship but at least have hope.
Norwich garnered just two points after their opening 10 games of the season, with a meagre three goals to show for their efforts.
But Smith said last week's 2-1 win against Everton had given players a "spring in their step" as they prepare for their trip to Vicarage Road.
"I said before the Everton game to the players that it wasn't quite the 'be all and end all' game, but it was getting that way," said Smith.
The downside is that Norwich have played more matches than all of their relegation rivals -- bottom club Burnley have four games in hand but are only two points behind.
Claudio Ranieri's Watford, who drew with Newcastle last week, are also desperately in need of a victory, one place above the relegation zone after failing to win since November.
Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated) Friday Watford v Norwich (2000) Saturday Everton v Aston Villa (1230), Brentford v Wolves, Leeds v Newcastle, Manchester United v West Ham, Southampton v Manchester City (1730)SundayArsenal v Burnley, Crystal Palace v Liverpool, Leicester v Brighton (all 1400), Chelsea v Tottenham (1630).
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
5 hours ago -
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
5 hours ago -
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
5 hours ago -
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
5 hours ago -
Bagnaia hits back with record Jerez practice lap
5 hours ago -
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
5 hours ago
-
Shahzaib Rind calls on Deputy Speaker Balochistan
7 hours ago -
Inter-university weightlifting championship kicks off at SAU
7 hours ago -
T20 World Cup 2024 Trophy unveiling ceremony held
7 hours ago -
Football: Italian Serie A table
8 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 table
9 hours ago -
New Zealand cricket CEO visits PSCA, expresses satisfaction over security arrangements
9 hours ago