Cole Palmer returns to Manchester City, Liverpool to face troublesome Brentford
Chelsea looks like lambs to the slaughter as they face a formidable trip to Manchester City this Saturday. The English champions have hit top form just as the business end of the season approaches. However, by the time Pep Guardiola’s men kick off at the Etihad, they might have ground to make up in the Premier League title race, with Liverpool and Arsenal in action before them on Saturday.
At the other end of the table, Everton is hoping to leap out of the bottom three when struggling Crystal Palace comes to town on Monday.
Mzee Elkanah explores three key aspects to keep an eye on this weekend:
Palmer’s Anticipation of a ‘Weird’ City Return
Despite Chelsea splashing over 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) on new players in the last two years, the initial 40 million pounds investment in Cole Palmer is the only one that has proven to be a resounding success. The 21-year-old, who seemed destined for a more significant role at City this season after scoring in both the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup, chose to head to London on the promise of more first-team minutes under Mauricio Pochettino. Even in a challenging season for the Blues, Palmer has stood out with 12 goals and nine assists in 28 appearances, including a crucial late equalizer when City and Chelsea drew 4-4 at Stamford Bridge in November. Palmer expresses both surprise at his swift success and eagerness to return to the Etihad, acknowledging the strange yet exciting feelings surrounding the upcoming match.
Chelsea will heavily rely on Palmer’s top form if they are to put a halt to City’s impressive 11-game winning run, which has put them in contention for another treble. City currently trails Liverpool by two points and is ahead of Arsenal only on goal difference, but they have a game in hand on both their main title rivals.
Can Bees Sting Liverpool Again?
Liverpool faces the potential of opening up a five-point lead at the top in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off. However, they carry memories of challenging visits to the Brentford Community Stadium. Liverpool has failed to secure a victory and has conceded three times in each of their last two Premier League encounters with Brentford. The Bees, revitalized by the return of Ivan Toney from an eight-month ban for breaching betting rules, currently enjoy a six-point lead over the relegation zone. Liverpool, grappling with injuries, could see the return of Mohamed Salah, providing a timely boost for Jurgen Klopp.
Everton Capitalizing on Palace Disarray
Crystal Palace faces the risk of being hauled into the relegation fight if they succumb to another damaging defeat at Everton on Monday. Rumors circulated on Thursday morning that Roy Hodgson was on the verge of being sacked after a run of three wins in 19 games. However, the club then announced that a planned press conference with the 76-year-old Hodgson had been canceled as the former England manager had taken ill. Palace, currently five points clear of Everton, who sit in the relegation zone, faces a critical match. The result of Everton’s appeal against a 10-point penalty for breaches of financial rules is imminent, which could potentially reduce or erase that sanction.
In the broader relegation battle, Luton hosts a revitalized Manchester United, while Nottingham Forest has an opportunity to capitalize on unrest at West Ham after their 6-0 thrashing by Arsenal last weekend. The outcomes of these matches are poised to shape the narrative of the Premier League landscape.
