Nuno Espírito Santo is looking to rejuvenate West Ham by implementing a traditional 4-4-2 formation, a move aimed at enhancing the team’s attacking capabilities. The arrival of forwards Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos in January has transformed the club’s offensive strategy, though their goal-scoring records have yet to impress. Castellanos has netted three goals since his transfer from Lazio, while Pablo is still seeking his first goal in English football and missed a penalty during last week’s FA Cup loss to Leeds. Despite their lack of prolific scoring, the duo has shown an unusual synergy on the field. Their relentless energy has injected life into a previously sluggish West Ham team, allowing them to create more opportunities for wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, the key contributors to the team’s goal tally. Summerville is anticipated to return from injury for the crucial match against Wolves on Friday. Together with Pablo and Castellanos, Bowen and Summerville pose a formidable threat to opposing defenses.
West Ham vs. Wolves, Friday at 8pm (BST)
On Tuesday, Kai Havertz secured a crucial goal for Arsenal against Sporting, marking the Gunners’ fourth Champions League goal this season that was either scored or assisted by a substitute, setting a record for the competition. Arsenal’s substitutes, often referred to as “finishers,” have played a significant role this season, contributing a total of 38 goals across all competitions (24 goals and 14 assists), outperforming any other team in Europe’s top leagues in this regard. With concerns over Martin Ødegaard’s fitness for the upcoming match against Bournemouth, coach Mikel Arteta might consider deploying Havertz in a central role or give 16-year-old Max Dowman his first Premier League start after his impressive performance in the FA Cup against Southampton. Regardless of the selection, Arteta is likely to have ample options available on the bench should the game become challenging.
Arsenal vs. Bournemouth, Saturday at 12:30pm
It is surprising to see the upcoming match between two mid-table teams, currently positioned seventh and eighth in the Premier League, carry significant implications for European qualification. With confirmation that five English teams will participate in the Champions League next season, both sides are just three points away from fifth-placed Chelsea with seven matches remaining. Achieving even a spot in the Europa League would be a remarkable feat for either team, but they have not faced considerable pressure during the season. Saturday’s match will test their composure, especially for Keith Andrews’ side, which has only managed one victory in its last six matches amid an injury crisis. Now, with more players returning after a three-week break, Brentford must regain their form against an Everton team that boasts the fourth-best away record in the Premier League.
Brentford vs. Everton, Saturday at 3pm
Scott Parker’s frustration with Burnley peaked following their defeat to Brighton on January 3, where he noted a lack of belief from his players. While there have been a few commendable performances since then, the team has also experienced disheartening defeats, leaving them ten points adrift of safety. With relegation looming, apathy has set in among the Turf Moor faithful, who yearn for a more dynamic style of play. Parker needs to find a way to blend resilience and skill, taking bolder risks to reinvigorate the team and win back the support of fans ahead of what is likely to be a challenging season in the Championship.
Burnley vs. Brighton, Saturday at 3pm
Frustration is likely to be palpable at Anfield as Arne Slot’s team seeks their first Premier League victory since February. Liverpool’s recent decision to raise ticket prices in line with inflation, capped at 5% for the next three years, has ignited significant backlash from supporters, particularly given the club’s record revenue of £703 million and the highest wage bill in the league last season. Protests have begun, including delaying season ticket renewals and boycotting food and beverage purchases at the stadium, as fans express their opposition to the normalization of ticket price increases. Such discontent may intensify if Liverpool’s season continues to falter.
Liverpool vs. Fulham, Saturday at 5:30pm
Tyrick Mitchell may feel that his chance to secure a spot on England’s World Cup squad has slipped away after being overlooked by Thomas Tuchel for the recent friendlies. The Crystal Palace left-back, who earned two caps under Gareth Southgate in 2022, has consistently performed well for his club and will be looking to prove his worth in Sunday’s encounter against Newcastle. This match presents a chance to showcase his abilities against rival Lewis Hall, who has struggled to leave an impact after coming off the bench in recent international fixtures. Although playing as a wingback under Oliver Glasner may not align with Tuchel’s preferred tactics, Mitchell has shown improvement in his all-around game, having scored in a recent Conference League match against Fiorentina.
Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle, Sunday at 2pm
Every setback has its advantages, as seen in Vítor Pereira’s situation with Nottingham Forest. The recent suspension of Elliot Anderson for European fixtures provided him with much-needed rest, a luxury for a Premier League midfielder who frequently plays twice a week. As they prepare to face Aston Villa, who also recently traveled for a Europa League quarter-final, Forest will aim to capitalize on this unexpected benefit.
