The Premier League season of 2022/2023 enters its penultimate weekend, with only Southampton who lies at the bottom of the table already knowing their fate for the season. However, there are still plenty of points to be decided in different parts of the table, from the title race to the top four battle, and all the way down to the relegation spots. Here are five exciting things to look forward to in the forthcoming games.
1. Stand Up for the Champions: Manchester City is poised to secure the championship for the third time in a row, and the fifth in six seasons. Based on their impressive late-season form, it is unsurprising to see them crush every opposition team in sight. Coach Pep Guardiola’s men would undoubtedly defeat Chelsea, who has not been able to hit any patch under Frank Lampard.
2. No Toney, No Party?: Ivan Toney, Brentford’s talismanic striker, was recently given an eight-month ban by the Football Association for breaking betting rules, which means he will be absent for their game against Tottenham Hotspur. How will the team fare without him? That question remains to be answered in Saturday’s early kick-off.
3. Arsenal’s Response at Forest: Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal boss, has expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to close in on City to clinch the championship, insisting they would not falter in the last two games. His players will need to back up his words when they play against Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s late-night game.
4. Brighton’s Late Push for Europe: Roberto De Zerbi’s men has been inconsistent in the last few games, with dismal home performance against relegation-strugglers Everton, but a 3-0 victory over Arsenal offers hope for a strong finish. A win against relegated Southampton will keep their dreams of qualifying for Europe alive.
5. Newcastle in Champions League: Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United will welcome Leicester City for Monday night football, with a win securing their place in next season’s Champions League. It will be an impressive feat for the Magpies. Fans can expect them to get the job done against the Foxes, who would be hoping to survive relegation.
