An interesting few days of Premier League action lies in store following the European quarter-finals.
Here we pick out five of the main talking points heading into this round of fixtures.
Can Newcastle pull clear of danger?
As relegation concerns mounted along with the pressure on manager Steve Bruce, last weekend’s 2-1 comeback win at Burnley provided a much-needed shot in the arm for Newcastle. Still 17th but six points above Fulham in the final relegation spot, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson starred off the bench at Turf Moor and look set to start when high-flying West Ham arrive on Saturday. David Moyes’ men sit fourth in the standings, with in-form Jesse Lingard shining bright enough to make up for the absence of Michail Antonio and Declan Rice last weekend.
Will Arsenal push Fulham closer to the drop?
Mikel Arteta’s side reached the Europa League semi-finals in convincing fashion on Thursday night. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed the rout of Slavia Prague after contracting malaria during the recent international break and will be absent again, giving Alexandre Lacazette the chance to add to his haul of seven goals in nine matches. Scott Parker’s Cottagers missed a third opportunity to move out of the relegation zone when losing to Wolves last week, leaving on-loan Mario Lemina in tears after the match. Fulham could be seven points from survival come kick-off and are running out of matches to save their top-flight status.
Can United maintain momentum?
Another scalp for Leeds?
Marcelo Bielsa’s men upset the odds and a one-man disadvantage to beat leaders Manchester City 2-1 last weekend. Stuart Dallas’ late winner secured a dramatic win for the promoted side, who welcome reigning champions Liverpool to Elland Road on Monday evening. Jurgen Klopp’s men are reeling from their Champions League exit to Real Madrid on Wednesday but have shown an upturn in domestic fortunes recently by beating Wolves, Arsenal and Aston Villa.