Premier League and Carabao Cup final

It would seem the Leicester fans are willing to forgive and forget Riyad Mahrez’s petulance over his failed move to Manchester City last month. The Algerian, as expected, made his return to the side in last weekend’s FA Cup win over Sheffield United and even set up team-mate Jamie Vardy for the only goal of the game. He was also given a standing ovation when he was substituted late in the second half. A Foxes victory this weekend could see the club up to seventh in the Premier League table, depending on how Burnley get on at home to Southampton. Visitors Stoke, meanwhile, passed up the opportunity of victory at home to Brighton last time out, Charlie Adam missing a last-minute penalty. The Potters remain second bottom and are in desperate need of three points.

Bournemouth’s recent resurgence was rewarded earlier this week when manager Eddie Howe picked up the manager of the month award for January. The Cherries were undefeated in the league last month, including a remarkable 3-0 victory over reigning Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Opponents to the Vitality this weekend Newcastle picked up a huge three points last time out, Matt Ritchie’s stunning free kick ensuring Rafa Benitez’s side victory over Manchester United. The Magpies remain just two points above the relegation zone, though.

What an occasion for Brighton and Swansea this weekend. With both clubs struggling near the foot of the table – just one point separates the sides – a win here for either could be season-defining in terms of what league they are playing in next season. The Seagulls are undefeated in their last five games in all competitions and will be confident of making that six in front of their own supporters. Swansea aren’t on a bad run themselves and, like Brighton, are one of the form teams at the lower end of the division. Carlos Carvalhal has certainly stamped his authority on a side that couldn’t buy a win under predecessor Paul Clement. The Portuguese has injected a huge amount of confidence to his players and this is showing out on the pitch. 

Burnley received a welcome boost this week with the return of goalkeeper Tom Heaton who hasn’t featured since undergoing surgery on a dislocated shoulder injury he sustained in the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in September. Heaton, who has won three England caps, could take his place in the matchday squad this 
weekend. The Clarets have enjoyed a fine campaign so far and will see the visit of Southampton as an ideal opportunity to get back on track following the narrow defeat at Swansea last time out. Southampton, meanwhile, continue to occupy the final relegation berth and must start picking up points soon. Manager Mauricio Pellegrino will be hoping his side can build on last Saturday’s FA Cup success over an increasingly-doomed West Brom side.

Arsenal may only just have three days to recover from Thursday night’s Europa League action but that shouldn’t deter their motivation from their efforts to secure the first domestic trophy of the season at Wembley on Sunday. The Gunners haven’t won the trophy since a 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday 25 years ago – Arsene Wenger wasn’t even in charge that day. With their Premier League title aspirations over for another year, this is a prime opportunity for the club – and Wenger for that matter – to restore some pride to a campaign that has threatened to implode. Wenger has injury concerns over Aaron Ramsey, who scored winning goals in the 2014 and 2017 FA Cup finals, the Welsh captain is still nursing a groin injury. Winning on Sunday might not change a lot of supporters who are still of the mindset that Wenger has overstayed his welcome at the Emirates. Meanwhile, opponents Manchester City’s pursuit of a season-ending quadruple is over following Monday’s shock FA Cup exit to League One title-contenders Wigan. The melee that ensued following the referee’s full-time whistle at the DW Stadium was distasteful to say the least with striker Sergio Aguero receiving some unwarranted attention from a number of Wigan supporters whilst trying to walk off the pitch. Luckily, the Argentine was unhurt and he will be desperate to refocus his energy and make amends for the defeat this weekend. City have to remain focused on the task in hand. The Premier League title is virtually wrapped up, they are on course to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League and this would be the first part of a potential winning treble. City will be favourites at Wembley on Sunday but Arsenal have an excellent record at the national stadium of late.

Liverpool handed out a heavy defeat to Porto in their Champions League last-16 first-leg tie just over a week ago. It was a performance that Jurgen Klopp’s men have been threatening in recent weeks. Sadio Mane continues to get better as the season unfolds and he, along with the irreplaceable Muhammad Salah, will have Liverpool right in the mix to finish best of the rest behind champions-elect Manchester City. West Ham will be expected to make things difficult for the Merseysiders at Anfield on Saturday, Javier Hernandez, in particular, is coming into a bit of form for David Moyes’ men. The Hammers have been subjected to some unwanted news off the field this week and have been charged by the FA in relation to anti-doping regulations.

Time is running out for Alan Pardew’s men. Seven points from safety and disarray in the camp. It’s not what you need at a club trying to stave off the threat of relegation. Captain Jonny Evans and Gareth Barry should really have known better as the elder statesmen of the squad not to break a curfew during a recent warm-winter training camp in Barcelona. If they are to give themselves a realistic chance of avoiding the drop then three points at home to Huddersfield this weekend really is a must. The Terriers aren’t an easy proposition, however.

Watford supporters must be left scratching their heads. How can the team go from wiping the floor of Chelsea to turning in such an abject display against West Ham five days later. Hornets boss Javi Gracia will also be relieved striker Troy Deeney has incurred no formal action for his finger gesture in the victory over the Blues. 
Despite currently occupying 11th in the table, Watford remain just four points above the relegation zone and are by no means out of it yet. Opponents Everton, who are four points better off in ninth, should be clear of any danger. Manager Sam Allardyce feels things are finally ticking into place and received good news this week that midfielder Idrissa Gueye has signed a new long-term contract at Goodison Park until June 2022. 

Crystal Palace are without a win in five matches and now face a Tottenham side that show no signs of letting up domestically or in Europe. Eagles boss Roy Hodgson will still be without their talisman Wilfried Zaha who continues to recover from a knee injury. Following last week’s 2-2 stalemate against Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League, Spurs came crashing back down to earth and had to settle for the same scoreline in their FA Cup fifth-round tie at Rochdale last Sunday. Mauricio Pochettino’s side currently sit outside the top four, a point adrift of Chelsea, so will be desperate for all three points from this London derby.

Manchester United returned home from Seville in midweek with their Champions League last-16 tie still firmly in the balance. David de Gea pulled off a quite remarkable stop in the first half to ensure Jose Mourinho’s men have the advantage with the home leg still to come in a couple of weeks. They must regroup for the visit of Chelsea on Sunday, their opponents having also been in Champions League action earlier in the week when they were held to a 1-1 stalemate with Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. There is certainly no love lost between Mourinho and Antonio Conte and all eyes will be on the duo this weekend. United are currently three points better off than their opponents in second.