unimpressive Chelsea travel away to Bournemouth
Chelsea travel to Bournemouth on Saturday, in a meeting of two Premier League teams in truly contrasting form. The Cherries have all but sealed top-flight safety and appear to be enjoying life under Gary O’Neil. They have defied the odds and seem prepared to take on any challenge.
At Chelsea, meanwhile, the story couldn’t be more different.
Having lost every game under Frank Lampard since his return, the season cannot end quickly enough and it’s incredibly difficult to see where the next win is coming from.
The hosts have been dealt a blow with Marcus Tavernier suffering another hamstring injury, while a decision is still to be made on Kieffer Moore after he came off feeling unwell during the big win over Leeds.
For Chelsea, Lampard will surely make changes. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ineffective against Arsenal in the week and the Blues boss slammed his players for being too easy to play against.
Mykhailo Mudryk could start, along with Conor Gallagher and Joao Felix. Going to a Bournemouth team at the moment looks one of the most difficult tasks possible in the Premier League. Nothing about Chelsea right now would suggest they can deal with that.
Credit: standard.co.uk
High-flying Haaland lead Manchester City against Leeds
Manchester City will attempt to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome Sam Allardyce‘s Leeds United to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Those who questioned whether Man City were a better team without Erling Braut Haaland must surely have had a change of heart by now, as the Norwegian striker continues to write his name in the history books courtesy of a truly remarkable debut season in front of goal.
At just 22 years of age, Haaland now holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season after netting his 35th of the campaign in City’s 3-0 win at home against West Ham United on Wednesday night, increasing his overall goal tally in all competitions to a mind-boggling 51 in just 44 games.
Saturday’s result could have huge implications at both ends of the table, with Leeds running out of games to save themselves and head to the Etihad as huge underdogs against an in-form Man City side who are seeking to retain the Premier League title.
Sam Allardyce is stepping into management for the first time in two years at Leeds, with the 68-year-old condemned to his first-ever top-flight relegation in the process.
Shoring up a woeful Leeds’ backline in such a short space of time against the most potent attack in world football is seemingly a tall order for Allardyce,
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Inter Milan take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico
Inter Milan are seeking their fourth win on the trot in Serie A when they travel to take on Roma on Saturday evening at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma are feeling the strain in the race to secure continental qualification via a top seven finish in Serie A and their 1-1 draw at Monza in midweek pushed their winless run to three matches. In contrast, Inter Milan have caught fire domestically and their 6-0 demolition job on Verona on Wednesday was their third win on the spin in the top tier. Simone Inzaghi’s outfit, who notched 12 times in their three victories, look sharp enough to back against their uninspired hosts on Saturday.
Inter Milan have been purring in the final third of late, as evidenced by their 6-0 rout of Verona in midweek, and Inter will believe they have the attacking thrust to power through the Roma defence.
Inter Milan are the bookmakers’ favourites and they are expected to win the day.
Credit: footballwhispers.com
AC Milan, Lazio battle for champions league qualification
The battle for Champions League qualification could go all the way to the final weekend of the Serie A season in 2022-23, with two or three spots still up for grabs. Napoli have already confirmed their place in next season’s tournament, but the remaining places are yet to be decided.
Milan’s home game against Lazio this weekend could have a big role to play in the final placings, with Stefano Pioli’s side unbeaten at the San Siro in their last seven games across all competitions. That consistency at home should tip the balance for them, with Lazio losing out to Torino and Inter at the end of April.
Alongside a reduction in the number of goals being scored, Milan have been forced to tighten up in defence, due to the lack of forward firepower. They have an incredible record of one goal conceded in their last seven home games, with Lazio not really showing enough to suggest they can break through such a solid unit.
Lazio still look to be in a strong position to secure a return to the Champions League, even if they do slip up at the San Siro.
Credit: football-italia.net
