The 23rd round in the Premier League will start today (Saturday) with the match between West Ham and Chelsea. Arsenal will try to increase the gap to Manchester City when they host Brentford, Tottenham will look to continue the momentum at Leicester, while Fulham and Manor Solomon will try to break the third streak against Nottingham Forest. The evening will close with Newcastle hosting Bournemouth from the bottom.
West Ham – Chelsea (14:30, Sport1)
Despite the record signings in January, the Blues have still struggled to register a first Premier League win since the signings of Michail Modric and Anso Fernandes, and after two 0-0 draws against Liverpool and Fulham, Chelsea will be looking for three points at West Ham’s Olympic Stadium. In the last meeting between the teams, the Hammers beat the rich London team 2-3, but many absences on both sides will present a game that could be close, especially in light of the improvement in the ability of David Moyes’ team. The Blues started with all the signings, including Noni Madoka making his debut in the squad, Joao Felix returning to the 11 and Anso Fernandez and Michail Modric. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also in the lineup for the first time since he was injured in November. On the other hand, the Hammers kept the lineup that kept them undefeated in the last three rounds, including Tilo Kahrer who recovered from injury.
Arsenal – Brentford (17:00, Sport2)
For the first time this season, the leader recorded two losses in a row in all formats with expulsion from the FA Cup and a surprising away loss to Everton from the bottom of the table. After the stumble at Goodison Park, the Gunners will hope to return to winning ways against Brentford, who have not lost nine league games in a row. The last time the two met was in September, when Gabriel Jesus was one of Arsenal’s scorers in the 0:3, and tomorrow he will not be available to Mikel Arteta due to his injury. A win for the leaders could open a gap of eight points over Manchester City.
Leicester – Tottenham (17:00, Sport1)
The victory over Manchester City in the passing cycle, which placed Harry Kane at the head of the club’s all-time goalscorers, gave a boost to the Roosters who will hope to register a third victory in a row when they host Leicester. In the last four meetings between the clubs, it has worked well for Antonio Conte and his players with four wins. In last season’s away game, Tottenham needed two dramatic goals in extra time by Steven Barhwin in order to make a turnaround and win 2:3. The Foxes may welcome Jonny Evans and Ricardo Pereira back into the squad, while for Conte, Lucas Moura is expected to return for the visit to Leicester.
Fulham – Nottingham Forest (17:00)
Manor Solomon recorded 80 minutes in Fulham’s qualification for the round of 16 of the FA Cup with 2:3 over Sunderland, and among the newcomers against Forest, he will hope to get significant minutes and possibly score his first goal in the Premier League. Nottingham, with a long list of injuries, is managing the season so far, with the last six games without a loss they have escaped from the bottom to 13th place, while the hosts are on a streak of three games without a win, but still in eighth place above the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea.
Bournemouth – Newcastle (19:30, Sport1)
After not conceding since November in the Premier League, Newcastle conceded 1:1 with the first goal from West Ham’s Lucas Paquette. Alexander Isak returned to Eddie Howe’s lineup and is expected to start in the lineup against the newcomer who continues to struggle at the bottom with a single win in the nine damn games in all formats. Dominic Solanke may return to the squad of the Cherries who are hungry for goals and points in order to escape from the 19th place and rise above the red line.
More games:
Crystal Palace – Brighton (17:00)
Southampton – Wolves (17:00)
Sunday games in the Premier League:
Leeds – Manchester United (16:00, Sport1)
Manchester City – Aston Villa (18:30, Sport1)