4 BIG questions for the weekend's matches

With league games back to action this weekend, my focus will be on the English Premier League which has been classified as the most interesting League in the world of football.

With the match week 30 at hand we are going to be looking at the 4 biggest question of the match week.

1. Can Havertz help Arsenal take a giant stride in title race?

Arsenal's narrow 1-0 triumph over Manchester City in October reflected a cautious and tense encounter, shaped by lessons drawn from previous clashes between the two teams. Both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta had experienced setbacks in prior meetings, with Guardiola's side vulnerable to Arsenal's aggressive man-to-man press and Arteta's tactics countered by a clever 4-2-4 formation.
Consequently, both managers have adopted a more cautious approach, recognizing the risks associated with intense pressing and rapid, direct football. The potential rustiness of players returning from international duty further suggests a reserved gameplay strategy for the upcoming match.

This cautious dynamic may favor Arsenal, particularly considering Manchester City's formidable unbeaten record of 25 home league matches. Any measure that slows down City's attacking momentum is advantageous for Arteta's side. Additionally, the impressive form of Kai Havertz, excelling in the false nine role with goals in his last four Premier League appearances, offers Arsenal a tactical edge. Introducing an extra player into midfield could also bolster Arsenal's prospects in the crucial battle against Rodri.

Liverpool's recent performance against Manchester City, notably dominating the second half and exploiting defensive vulnerabilities, serves as a blueprint for Arsenal's approach. A potential victory for Arsenal, led by Havertz, would mark their first double over Manchester City since the 2007/08 season and their first over reigning champions since 2001/02, positioning them as title favorites.

2. How will Forest react to falling into the bottom three?

For the first time this season, Nottingham Forest find themselves in the relegation zone, a situation that weighs heavily on everyone associated with the club at the City Ground.
The upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 30th holds significant importance, particularly as Forest embark on a series of home games, providing manager

Nuno Espirito Santo with a chance to ignite a positive run of form.
In their recent home matches, Forest have faced tough opposition, with four out of the last five games against last season's top four teams. Their solitary victory at home came against West Ham United, securing a 2-0 win.
Facing Crystal Palace, who have struggled on the road with eight consecutive winless matches, presents a genuine opportunity for Forest to turn their fortunes around. They must seize this chance to gain momentum ahead of upcoming home fixtures against Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

3. Will De Zerbi’s expansive football walk into Liverpool’s trap?

Historically, Jurgen Klopp has faced challenges against Brighton & Hove Albion, with Liverpool managing just one victory in their last eight encounters across all competitions. Furthermore, they have failed to defeat Brighton in their last three meetings at Anfield.

Brighton's form has been inconsistent, with three wins in their last nine Premier League matches. Despite securing a notable 3-1 victory at Manchester United in September, they have only managed two further away wins, against Forest and Sheffield United.

Roberto De Zerbi's adventurous style of football may be susceptible to Liverpool's potent attacking lineup, which is now back to full strength following the international break. De Zerbi's previous visit to Anfield resulted in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Liverpool dominating in terms of shots. However, with the element of surprise now diminished, it is unlikely that Brighton will pose as significant a threat going forward. An open and end-to-end encounter typically favors Liverpool's playing style in recent times.

4. Can O’Neil tactics extend Wolves’ excellent record at Villa?

Aston Villa has historically struggled in the derby against Wolves, being without a win in their last six Premier League encounters. Wolves, on the other hand, have maintained an unbeaten record in their previous seven Premier League visits to Villa Park, dating back to December 2003.

Recent form suggests that this trend may continue. Aston Villa has suffered defeats in three of their last four Premier League home matches, equaling the number of home losses during Unai Emery's initial 23 games in charge. Remarkably, Villa has accrued fewer home points in 2024 (three) than all other top-flight teams except Sheffield United (one).

In contrast, Wolves have been in exceptional form, amassing 22 points from their 11 matches since Christmas Eve. Only Manchester City (29), Liverpool (25), and Arsenal (24) have collected more points during this period.

Wolves' recent successes against teams in the top five positions have been attributed to Gary O'Neil's tactical approach of exploiting counter-attacks from a defensive posture. Against Emery's high defensive line, Wolves are likely to adopt a strategy of ceding possession to Aston Villa while seeking opportunities to counter swiftly.

Ultimately, the outcome of the match may hinge on whether Aston Villa has utilized the international break for rest and recuperation.