ANKARA
Tuesday will see a critical London derby between title contenders Arsenal and 12th-place Chelsea, as the Gunners need to take a win over the Blues to stay in the English Premier League’s title race.
Last week, Manchester City, now the leaders, grabbed a crucial 4-1 win against Arsenal at home. Then, Manchester City moved above Arsenal in the league table after a 2-1 win at Fulham on Sunday.
In 32 matches, Erling Haaland-led Manchester City, the back-to-back English champions, have 76 points to be on top, which means they are controlling the title race.
Second-place Arsenal, who are looking for their first Premier League title since 2004, have 75 points before Tuesday’s derby at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal cannot afford to make another mistake in the derby against Chelsea because Manchester City have a game in hand.
One of the big clubs in the league, Chelsea are in a season of turmoil but they can hurt Arsenal’s title bid.
“They are going to try to come to the Emirates to beat us. They have a great manager and exceptional players, so it is very difficult to predict what they will do because they can play in various ways with different players and different qualities as well. We are going to prepare for the game to win it, that’s it,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said.
He believes that Chelsea are “dangerous” opponents for the Gunners even though the Blues are in the lower ranks in the league.
The Arsenal vs. Chelsea clash will start at 1900GMT.
Leaders at home whole week
Leaders Manchester City will take on 15th-place West Ham United at their home stadium Etihad on Wednesday. The game will start at 1900GMT.
Norwegian superstar Haaland is one of the main goal threats of Manchester City.
Former Borussia Dortmund star Haaland, who scored against Fulham last weekend, is spending a dream season at Manchester City, as the 22-year-old scored 50 goals in 44 appearances.
Following the London derby, Arsenal will visit third-place Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday.
Newcastle United have 65 points and the Magpies are in a fight against fourth-place Manchester United. The Red Devils are just two points behind Newcastle.
This week, Manchester City will stay at Etihad as the leaders will play against Leeds United on Saturday at home. Leeds are near the relegation zone.
League’s bottom also sees relentless fights
Leicester City, Leeds United, and Nottingham Forest have 30 points each. They are in a struggle to survive.
Everton are 19th with 29 points after they drew with Leicester City 2-2 on Monday.
Called the Foxes, Leicester City were up to the 16th spot after the points were shared at King Power Stadium.
Southampton bottomed the league with 24 points. Three clubs will be relegated to a lower division once the 2022-23 Premier League season will end after matchday 38 on May 28.
