There are crunch clashes everywhere you look across Europe this week.
Plan your viewing accordingly.
? Monday 18th
Napoli vs Roma is a key clash at the top of Serie A. Napoli can go to within two points of league leaders Milan with a win, while in-form Roma needs to win close the gap between them and fourth-place Juventus to two points. With so much at stake, this could be a cracking contest.
? Tuesday 19th
Liverpool vs Man United is always a massive fixture, regardless of the season context and circumstances, but the Reds can go top of the Premier League with a win over the old enemy at Anfield. United laboured to a 3-2 win over Norwich last time out thanks to a hat-trick from the timeless Cristiano Ronaldo (the Portuguese icon has now scored 30 hat-tricks for club and country since he turned 30), but Liverpool’s strong incentive to carry on their flying form makes them red-hot favourites.
? Wednesday 20th
Chelsea vs Arsenal is a capital clash between sides that couldn’t be in more contrasting form. Chelsea beat Crystal Palace on Sunday to reach the FA Cup final next month, meaning that Thomas Tuchel has now steered the Blues to six finals in his short tenure at the club to date. Arsenal’s trio of defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton and Southampton have seriously dented their top-four hopes, and now they have no option but to respond before it’s too late.
Everton vs Leicester sees the Toffees desperate to capitalise on the Foxes’ inconsistency, as well as their desire to focus on winning this season’s Europa Conference League with qualification into Europe next season via their league position looking unlikely. The clock is ticking for Frank Lampard’s hosts but a win here would go a long way to improving their precarious situation.
Man City vs Brighton might see Pep Guardiola’s side in an unfamiliar position in terms of playing catch-up to Liverpool if the Reds avoid defeat against Man United the night before. Graham Potter’s visiting Seagulls side has won consecutive matches against North London opposition Arsenal and Tottenham and will arrive here with no fear. Make no mistake, this is a huge test for City, especially after their FA Cup semifinal exit at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday.
⏳ Thursday 21st
Burnley vs Southampton offers the Clarets another opportunity to narrow the gap between them and 17th-placed Everton. The Saints claimed an impressive win against Arsenal last time out and they’ll play with a level of freedom that is usually typical of a mid-table side at this stage of the season.
It’s crunch time on Planet Football.
? Follow Napoli vs Roma
