Premier League talking points

Five key issues ahead of the next round of Premier league action.

Published Mar 2, 2018

There are a number of intriguing games at the top and bottom of the Premier League this weekend.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at some talking points ahead of the latest round of fixtures.

Wenger needs a lift

Arsenal have endured a dismal week at the hands of Manchester City (Joe Giddens/PA)

Can Chelsea delay City’s charge?

Pep Guardiola's side are powering towards the title — Pep Guardiola’s side are powering towards the title (Martin Rickett/PA)

Chelsea need the lift

Chelsea have slipped to fifth in the Premier League (premierleague.com)

Liverpool chance to reclaim second

Liverpool’s ambitions may now have gone beyond merely securing Champions League football to actively pursuing second place. Fired by prolific pair Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, the Reds temporarily moved into that spot last week as they produced another brilliant attacking performance to sweep aside West Ham. Beating Newcastle, and their former manager Rafael Benitez, on Saturday would lift them back to second, at least until Manchester United play Crystal Palace on Monday. That would set up a tense trip to Old Trafford next week.

Next round in relegation fight

Paul Lambert's Stoke face a crucial trip to Southampton — Paul Lambert’s Stoke face a crucial trip to Southampton (Nigel French/Empics)