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Chance for Arsenal to close gap at the top

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, January 30, 2024
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The coming week sees a full round of Premier League fixtures, with games on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night to test players and coaches after the weekend FA Cup matches.

Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah (R) is challenged by Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure during an English Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 17, 2023. (Xinhua)

On Tuesday, Arsenal can put the pressure on Liverpool and Manchester City, who both play on Wednesday, if they can win away to Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta used his pre-game press conference to deny rumors linking him with the FC Barcelona job in the summer, while saying midfielder Thomas Partey was still unfit, while England midfielder Declan Rice was "being assessed" to see if he could play.

Aston Villa is at home to Newcastle United, with coach Unai Emery aiming to put his side's 5-1 thrashing in St James' Park earlier the season behind them.

"We had some bad circumstances back then, but I think it is completely different now," Emery told the press.

Luton Town coach Rob Edwards was bullish about his side's chances at home to Brighton after their FA Cup win away to Everton and recent solid performances, as they look to avoid relegation.

Edwards also spoke about club captain Tom Lockyear, who is recovering from a cardiac arrest he suffered away to Bournemouth and who visited the club's training ground in the morning.

"It was a real special moment and great to see him. I managed to hold it together, believe it or not. It has been a really difficult time for him and his family but it was great to see him - he is such an impressive person," said Edwards of Lockyear.

Everton desperately needs points when it visits Fulham, while Crystal Palace coach Roy Hodgson answered questions over whether he faces the sack if his side fails to beat bottom of the table Sheffield United.

"You never know the answer to that. The must-win games I have never known the answer, most games you go into you desperately want to win them. Saying it is a must-win game doesn't win it for you," said Hodgson, who has been under increased criticism after recent poor results and performances.

Wednesday night sees Liverpool at home to Chelsea in the biggest match of the week, while Manchester City is at home to relegation threatened, Burnley. 

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