Premier League: Midweek talking points

• This week’s Premier League midweek schedule is jam-packed, and we’ve selected some of the key talking topics for the division to help you prepare.

This week’s Premier League midweek schedule is jam-packed, and we’ve selected some of the key talking topics for the division to help you prepare.

Will Villa capitalize on a weakened City?

Aston Villa. Photo/Eurosport

The chaotic draw between Manchester City and Tottenham continued a pattern of previous meetings with their hated North London team. Although Pep Guardiola’s team controlled the match and prevailed 2.6 to 0.5 in the xG fight, they were unable to secure all three points at the Etihad.

The 3-3 result was indicative of Spurs’ recent play, but they still pose a threat against City. The champions have now dropped to third place in the standings after three straight Premier League draws. Last week, in the Champions League, Guardiola’s team overcame a 2-0 lead against RB Leipzig only thanks to a strong second-half performance.

Presently, City appears more susceptible than normal, and they will next play a flying Aston Villa club at home. The team led by Unai Emery has won 13 straight league home games and has scored 23 goals in six games this season to rank first in the Premier League’s home goal total.

Rodri won’t be playing in midfield for City when they visit Villa Park. The Spaniard’s fifth booking of the year has disqualified him from the match, which is a major setback for Guardiola. Earlier in the season, Rodri was suspended for three games, during which the Citizens dropped all three of those contests. Rodri is with City, who have won every game this season in all competitions.

Of the 16 league games that Rodri has missed (37.5%) since making his debut, City has lost six of them. They have only lost 12.67% of the 150 games he has played with them.

Crystal Palace’s poor form

Crystal Palace. Photo/South London Press

Before the midweek games, Crystal Palace was ranked 12th in the Premier League standings; nevertheless, their recent performance will make the Eagles worried.

Only Sheffield United and Burnley have dropped fewer points in the same period than Roy Hodgson’s team, which has only triumphed once in their previous six Premier League games. Injury misfortune hasn’t helped Hodgson’s ambitions either.

After bringing Michael Olise back into the lineup, Palace lost Cheick Doucoure and Eberechi Eze. The latter was recognized as Palace’s Player of the Season for the 2022–2023 campaign, but Eze provides a creative spark that is absent when he is not there.

Record-breaking Mo Salah

This week at Bramall Lane, two clubs at different ends of the form table square off as championship contenders Liverpool visit struggling Sheffield United. Over the last six games, Jurgen Klopp’s team has amassed more points than any other team. On the weekend, Sheffield United lost badly to Burnley, their relegation opponents, 5 to 1.

Mohamed Salah seems to have the perfect opportunity to secure his most recent milestones during the game. The 31-year-old Egyptian is on track to become only the sixth player in Liverpool history to score 200 goals in all competitions. He only needs one more goal to do it.

With his next league goal, Salah will have scored 150 goals in the Premier League, tying Michael Owen for the record and putting him in the top 10 scorers in Premier League history.

Newcastle injuries continue

Nick Pope was injured in the previous match. Photo/ Goal

Eddie Howe should be commended greatly for leading Newcastle through their injury problems and keeping the Magpies in the running for the Champions League. After fracturing his shoulder during the team’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United over the weekend, Nick Pope has become the most recent player to be added to the growing list of unavailable players for the team.

Along with Harvey Barnes, Callum Wilson, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, and the suspended Sandro Tonali, the goalie will be out for a prolonged period.

Before his homecoming match against his old team, Everton, Anthony Gordon also took a hit over the weekend. Having been in incredible form this season, Newcastle will be hoping the winger has recovered enough to play.

Gordon, who has made 12 Premier League starts this season, scored the game’s lone goal against Manchester United on Saturday. There’s always the chance of a maiden England call.