After three months of ifs and buts, the Real Football Cast finally has something to put its teeth into, and on this week’s episode, Dan and Drew look ahead to each of the 12 Premier League games that are taking place in this first gameweek since the restart.
While there’s no doubt some incredible clashes are set to get us underway and with Tottenham and Manchester United squaring off on Friday night, the ramifications for European qualification will be huge.
Should Tottenham manage to pick up all three points, it will rejuvenate their hopes of a top-four (or perhaps top five, should Manchester City’s UEFA ban be upheld) finish and accelerate their Champions League charge.
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Friday Night Football
However, should Jose Mourinho’s men lose to United for the second time this season, it would all but end their dreams of returning to Europe’s premier club competition, and then the question is whether to play for Europa League purgatory or not.
Of course, that’s not the only headline game and if results go their way, Liverpool could be planning a Premier League winning party at incredibly short notice and at the home of their nearest neighbors.
If that is to be the case, Everton will love to play the role of party poopers and although they start this next phase lying 12th in the table, they have much improved since the installation of Carlo Ancelotti as manager.
In addition to this, the focus will be on the teams that are struggling at the bottom of the table and could an enforced hiatus, prove to be invaluable for the likes of Norwich, Brighton, and Bournemouth?
The Great Escape
For Daniel Farke’s men, the great escape must start this weekend and if they can get the better of a Southampton side that are all but safe from the threat of relegation, there is no reason why they cannot dare to dream for at least another week.
As far as Brighton are concerned, it has been more a case of nightmares for Graham Potter’s players and with no win in their last nine Premier League outings, the Seagulls are just about keeping their heads above water.
All that and more is discussed within the next hour below. Tune in and find out our take on what will happen this weekend.