EPL: 5 Things To Watch Out For This Weekend Before Qatar Break

The English Football League this weekend, wraps up the pre-Qatar match fixtures ahead of the one-month World Cup break.

Newcastle United can demonstrate their mettle, Arsenal can widen their advantage at the top of the league going into the break, and some of the other major teams just need to get back to winning ways to finish the half on a positive note.

After struggling to establish any consistency in the first few weeks of the new season, Liverpool, and Manchester United among the “big 6” are the teams needing to end on a high.

Naija News highlights what to expect from this weekend.

5. World Cup Fever

Many players have been recently plagued with injury doubts that have left some out of the World Cup squads for their country, and some being a risk to travel with their countrymen.

Given that it’s the last game before the World Cup and that it’s just one week away, some players could also not put in much effort.

However, this weekend, fans should anticipate a few players to be more guarded and cautious than they would be on a normal Premier League weekend.

4. Newcastle London Invasion

With their match against Chelsea this Saturday, Newcastle will have another task to overcome.

The Magpies, led by Eddie Howe, are now third in the Premier League with only one loss, to Liverpool, and two draws against Manchester City and Manchester United.

Additionally, if they beat the Blues this weekend, they would go nine points ahead of Chelsea, which is a clear indication of their aspirations.

3. Questions on Ronaldo Starting or not

This weekend will raise some eyebrows on if the Portuguese striker will start for Erik ten Hag or not. Recall that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had a frustrating outing having led his team to a 3-1 defeat at Villa park in their last Premier League encounter.

Antony Martial who has been in fine form under the new manager, although just returned from an injury might push the former Real Madrid star to the bench.

2. Unai Emery good run

The next test for Aston Villa’s new manager is Brighton & Hove Albion, who will be fired up following their victory against wolves in the league and Arsenal in the Carabao cup

Emery started on an impressive note after defeating Manchester United 3 goals to 1 in the Premier League. Although, the Red Devils’ retaliation cost the Spanish manager a silverware miss in the Carabao competition.

Emery’s record against the Seagulls is not fantastic; he drew with them twice while in command of the Gunners, but he is in control of a different squad this time around, and Brighton have a new manager as well. Emery will be hoping for a continuation of his promising start.

1. Kelvin Philips needed minutes

Initially playing second fiddle to Rodri, Kalvin Phillips’ high-profile transfer to Manchester City last summer has so far backfired as a whole. He then sustained an injury, which has limited his playing time this season.

However, given that they face an out-of-form Brentford in the first game on Saturday, City could view it as an additional chance to play Phillips before the world cup.