A high-profile Premier League duel awaits Sunday as Newcastle United hosts Chelsea in a pivotal match for Champions League qualification. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold will in the meantime be under the spotlight after revealing his wish to depart the club at the end of the season.
Below are the best three storylines ahead of this weekend's Premier League matches:
Newcastle Weigh Champions League Spot in Pivotal Chelsea Battle
Fourth in the table at present, Newcastle welcome fifth-placed Chelsea to St James' Park in a match which can have a significant influence on the struggle for the top five. Newcastle currently boast a slight advantage over Chelsea on goal difference, and success would leave them well-placed to secure Champions League qualification for the second time in three years.
With just two games remaining to be played after this match, Eddie Howe's team can make a massive leap forward with victory, while Chelsea will be reduced to relying on the meltdown of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, two points behind them, who visit under-pressure Leicester this weekend.
Newcastle's remaining fixtures include a visit to title-chasing Arsenal and a home match against Everton. With his run-in in mind, Howe was optimistic:
I've said time and time and time again, that's all you can hope for – to have it in your own control. These are tough games, but they're also the type of games that you'd want to be a part of."
Alexander-Arnold Prepares For Emotional Anfield Return
Trent Alexander-Arnold could face a divided home crowd when Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. The match will be the Reds' first since the 25-year-old confirmed that he will depart the club when his contract expires in June, amid heightened speculation that he could join Real Madrid.
A graduate of the Liverpool academy and long a symbol of local pride, Alexander-Arnold's move has prompted emotional reactions. He who was behind the chanting of "the Scouser in our team" departs, signaling the end of an era.
Announcing the decision as "the hardest" of his career, Alexander-Arnold can now expect boos from the Kop. Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher condemned:
"When the players really mean it when they say that they do not want to play for another club, it means something to the fans. If that dream is broken, it feels like a betrayal."
Southampton Called to Bow Out with Pride
Already at the basement, Southampton threaten to set a record low for the season. Having just 11 points, they need one more to avoid equalling Derby County's infamous 2007–08 record of 11 points in a single Premier League season.
Interim boss Simon Rusk wants his team to finish with pride, as desperate as their situation is. They play Champions League title-hunting Manchester City on Saturday before the season ends against Everton and Arsenal.
"We can't allow fear to take over. These are still opportunities to show character and complete the season with dignity," said Rusk.
