This weekend’s Premier League action has a proper end-of-season feel to it — pressure everywhere you look. The standout fixture is undoubtedly Manchester City vs Arsenal, which could go a long way to deciding the title. City come into it in strong form, winning three on the bounce and building momentum at just the right time, while Arsenal have hit a slight wobble, dropping points in recent games and suddenly looking a bit nervy. Elsewhere, the Merseyside derby adds spice on Sunday, with Everton in decent nick at home and Liverpool struggling badly for form, losing four of their last five and looking short of confidence.
Saturday is packed with intrigue across the table. Chelsea vs Manchester United has big implications for the top four race, while Tottenham vs Brighton sees a struggling Spurs side — one win in eleven — up against an in-form Brighton pushing for Europe. Down the bottom, Leeds vs Wolves is huge in the relegation scrap, with Leeds eyeing survival and Wolves already in serious trouble. Add in Newcastle vs Bournemouth and Brentford vs Fulham — where Brentford are stuttering but still chasing Europe — and it’s a weekend where form, nerves and timing could define seasons at both ends of the table.
Fantasy League asset pick: Brighton defenders at Spurs.
Manual Assists
Saturday 18th April- Leeds v Wolves: DCL scores the penalty after being fouled himself. Under this season’s rule, he gets the assist and the goal points
Newcastle v Bournemouth: OPTA originally awarded the assist for Truiffert’s winner to Evanilson, then removed it due to a slight touch from Botman’s arm. On review, we consider the touch to be minimal, and the manual assist is awarded to Evanilson
Not awarded– Sunday 19th April- Man City v Arsenal, Haaland scores after O’Reilly’s cross takes a nick off the first defender, then the ball goes through Rodri’s legs after Hincapie gets a further touch on the ball, so no assist is awarded to Nico or to Rodri
