The Premier League appears to have been away for an eternity and the wait is nearly over for its return.
The final spherical of fixtures was solely on March 15 however a lot soccer has been performed since, together with England’s first game under Thomas Tuchel, that it’s straightforward to assume it has been longer than that.
The FA Cup quarter-finals passed off on Saturday and Sunday, with Crystal Palace beating Fulham, Brighton shedding on penalties at dwelling to Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa successful at Preston North Finish and Manchester Metropolis coming from behind to knock out Bournemouth.
The Premier League resumes this midweek with some cracking video games.
Tuesday, April 1
Arsenal v Fulham
Is Arsenal’s title problem actually over? Mikel Arteta’s males will head into the sport 12 factors behind table-toppers Liverpool however Arne Slot’s aspect have regarded lower than convincing just lately and there should still be an opportunity for the Gunners however they can’t afford any slip-ups on this one.
Wolves v West Ham
Wolves have taken seven factors from their final 4 league video games to all however banish any fears of relegation. West Ham are treading water and can hope an excellent summer time of recruitment will permit Graham Potter to implement his fashion.
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
Forest will likely be involved on the damage sustained by Chris Wood on international duty with New Zealand as they eye a powerful end to what has been a beautiful season. They maintain a five-point benefit over fourth-placed Chelsea and are effectively set to clinch a spot within the Champions League. The identical can’t be mentioned for Manchester United, who’re simply wanting the league season to finish with their focus now on the Europa League. Like West Ham, they require a summer time reset.
World Cup qualification secured for New Zealand! 🇳🇿🎉 pic.twitter.com/ownrt88ds7
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 24, 2025
Wednesday, April 2
Bournemouth v Ipswich City
Bournemouth’s European hopes have taken successful with three defeats in 4 video games however they’ve the prospect to get again to successful methods when struggling Ipswich go to the Vitality Stadium. For Ipswich, the clock is ticking. They’re 9 factors adrift of security with 9 video games to go. They should begin successful video games, and rapidly.
Brighton v Aston Villa
Brighton are one of many in-form sides within the Premier League and a run of 4 wins and a draw have reignited their hopes of qualifying for Europe. Fabian Hurzeler’s aspect are seventh, however simply two factors adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. Villa are two locations and two factors additional again however nonetheless very a lot within the combine.
Manchester Metropolis v Leicester Metropolis
Two sides which have had seasons to neglect conflict on the Etihad. Metropolis’s hopes of a fifth successive title hit the buffers a number of months in the past whereas Leicester are close to certainties to make an instantaneous return to the Championship. The hosts may nonetheless end within the Champions League qualifying spots however that may be scant comfort.
Newcastle United v Brentford
No matter occurs over the remaining weeks for Newcastle, they will at the very least say they’ve ended their 70-year trophy curse following their EFL Cup final win over Liverpool. They begin the match spherical in sixth and can hope to clinch a spot within the Champions League. Brentford have much less lofty ambitions however a top-half end, and a spot in Europe, remains to be a chance.
Lacking days like these. ❤️
9 days till we’re again on the street within the @premierleague! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/12BbZa3nkU
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) March 24, 2025
Southampton v Crystal Palace
The season can not finish rapidly sufficient for Southampton. They’ve misplaced 9 of their final 10 in all competitions and amassed simply 9 factors within the Premier League. They are going to be taking part in Championship soccer subsequent season. Palace are twelfth and, like Brentford, nonetheless harbour outdoors hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Liverpool v Everton
Liverpool have had a depressing few weeks, exiting the Champions League and shedding the EFL Cup last. Who higher to get again on monitor towards than metropolis rivals Everton? The Toffees grabbed a controversial, last-gasp draw within the reverse fixture after which all of it kicked off. This one could possibly be feisty.
Thursday, April 3
Chelsea v Tottenham
Two golf equipment in transitional phases however one is managing to manage higher than the opposite. Fourth-placed Chelsea have gained two of their final three as they appear to clinch a spot within the Champions League beneath Enzo Maresca whereas Spurs are and not using a league win since February 22. Ange Postecoglou is aware of a powerful end is required if he needs to maintain his job.