Arsenal host Man United, Leicester battle Villa as Ericsson returns to Tottenham

Arsenal went on an unexpected tear against Chelsea midweek, making a mockery of their iffy form by battering the Blues 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. Can Arteta’s side build on that fine victory with a strong showing against Man United in today’s lunchtime kick-off?

The Red Devils have lost their last three away games, United coach Ralf Rangnick admitting the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this week was “humiliating”. Since then, the club have confirmed Erik Ten Hag will take over as manager in the summer.

In the meantime, though, can United claw back a bit of dignity with a good finish to the season – and perhaps even earn that fabled fourth spot, for a place in the Champions League next season?

The Gunners are eyeing that same reward – so who comes out on top in this tussle?

Arsenal always seem capable of a pratfall even when apparently making decent progress. But at least they’ve shown a willingness to fight that the current United side rarely demonstrate.

With the victory against Chelsea restoring confidence, this has to be a great opportunity for Arsenal to move one step closer to a Champions League return.

At the King Power, Leicester are unbeaten in their last five appearances, while Villa are on a run of four straight defeats. Last time out, Steven Gerrard’s team were beaten 4-0 at home by Tottenham. Can the Liverpool icon bounce back against a team managed by his former coach Brendan Rodgers?

Leicester have conceded in each of their last five matches, and Villa have scored in their last two away defeats. And given Villa’s iffy form in the last few weeks, it seems fair to assume a home win.

At the Etihad, Manchester City will host Watford in their quest to retain the title.
Despite Liverpool’s best efforts, the Citizens seem to be moving inexorably towards another Premier League title. Guardiola’s team will also rack up a 15th consecutive win in all competitions against Watford by beating them here today, which would be a record for an English league side. Can the visitors possibly put a spanner in those works?

There’s optimism and then there’s flat-out insanity. A couple of seasons back, City beat this side 8-0 at the Etihad. Things don’t seem to have improved a whole lot since then.

Norwich threatened to launch a fightback against Manchester United a week ago, but Ronaldo’s goals eventually downed the Canaries. Dean Smith’s side are quickly running out of road, their fate probably already sealed. But while Newcastle have been pretty excellent at St James Park, they have lost their last three away games.

Norwich would at least move off the foot of the table if they could win here, assuming Watford don’t pull off a shock against Manchester City. The hosts are fighting for Premier League survival – will that be enough to inspire them here?

With five wins in six league games, Brentford are finishing the season strongly – thanks in no small part to former Spurs icon Christian Eriksen. Can the Danish dynamo put in another show-stopping performance against his old side– and hamper the North London side’s hopes of Champions League football next season?

• Culled from boxscorenews.com