Steven Gerrard must be concerned about Aston Villa’s remaining Premier League fixtures before the World Cup. Arsenal might extend their lead.
There are 40 days left until the opening game of the World Cup. Premier League clubs will break up for Qatar a week or so before then, but up to six matches each will be crammed into that time.
One place currently separates Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the table. That might not be the case by the time everyone is grabbing their mid-season boarding passes.
Arsenal
The current Premier League leaders face one team higher than 14th in their remaining five pre-World Cup games. They have a great opportunity to build a healthy advantage and properly rile the Celebration Police.Aston Villa
Oh dear. Steven Gerrard isn’t lasting the year. Just as predicted.
Bournemouth
Would actually not be completely stunned if Gary O’Neil went into the World Cup on an 11-game unbeaten streak – Spurs at home is a guaranteed 1-1 – before taking over from Gareth Southgate.Brentford
Three upwardly mobile opponents and three locked in a downward spiral. Perhaps by the end of it we can actually be certain as to which group Brentford themselves belong.
Brighton
Roberto de Zerbi should be able to stretch his legs there.
Chelsea
Graham Potter will have some squad rotation tricks up his sleeve; he always does.Crystal Palace
After a remarkably difficult start pitted them against four of last season’s top five in their opening seven games, Crystal Palace have already successfully kicked off a period of rather more welcoming fixtures.
Everton
It is as mid-table as it comes for Frank Lampard but he might note that Everton’s two highest opponents before the World Cup are in away games, with pressure on getting as close to maximum as possible from those Goodison Park fixtures.Fulham
It might be an idea to use those first few matches to sort out the defence before travelling to the Etihad.
Leeds
Things might be about to get worse for Jesse Marsch and his risible win percentage before it gets any better. Five out of six opponents are in the top half, with Leicester the truly dreadful exception.Leicester
Things might be about to get better for Brendan Rodgers and his disorganised rabble. Five our of six opponents are in the bottom half, with Manchester City a truly daunting exception.
Liverpool
Can’t wait to see how many times Trent Alexander-Arnold proves his England critics both wrong and right over the course of those games.
Manchester City
Erling Haaland will be on 23 Premier League goals after that Brentford match if he continues his current rate of scoring, with Jamie Vardy’s consecutive record also in jeopardy.
Manchester United
Navigate those first hurdles with nothing more than a few scrapes and Manchester United will have cracked it until they face Manchester City or Brentford again.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe will want the scalps of the three teams immediately above Newcastle but nine points from the other half of those games should be the target.
Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper might finally have introduced himself to every member of his squad by the time Crystal Palace rock up.
Southampton
Feels like another of those losing streaks is coming on, whether or not the inevitable is brought to pass and Ralph Hasenhuttl is finally shown the door.
Tottenham
They’ll get enough points to stay in touch with the leading pack, while simultaneously not looking convincing at any point.
West Ham
Should be enough of an opportunity there for Craig Dawson to strengthen his Ballon d’Or case.
Wolves
They might score a goal with that run. Maybe.
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