Liverpool edging closer to Premier League title

Liverpool can transfer nearer to the Premier League title when the leaders face Fulham on Sunday.

Manchester Metropolis will look to bolster their bid to qualify for the Champions League in opposition to arch rivals Manchester United, whereas Southampton bid to stave off relegation.

AFP Sport seems to be at three speaking factors forward of the weekend’s motion:

Van Dijk points Liverpool problem
Virgil van Dijk has challenged Liverpool to out-work the groups that stand between the Reds and a record-equalling twentieth English title.

Arne Slot’s aspect needed to dig deep to beat Everton 1-0 in a tetchy Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday.

The victory moved Liverpool 12 factors away from second-placed Arsenal with simply eight matches left.

After being eradicated from the Champions League final 16 by Paris Saint-Germain and shedding the League Cup ultimate to Newcastle of their earlier two video games, Liverpool settled their nerves because of Diogo Jota’s winner in opposition to Everton.

Now they head to Fulham aiming to take one other step of their march to a primary title since 2020.

“It’s a humorous world. Doubts outdoors swiftly, however the reality is there are eight video games to go, there’s a 12-point hole,” Van Dijk mentioned.

“If we have now to struggle we have now to struggle. The supervisor talked about it in his press convention. Now we have to out-work opponents. If we don’t we gained’t get outcomes.”

Grealish desires Manchester derby position
Manchester Metropolis winger Jack Grealish has instructed Pep Guardiola he is able to shine if he will get a beginning position in Sunday’s conflict with Manchester United.

Grealish marked his first Premier League begin since December together with his first purpose within the competitors since 2023 as he netted in a 2-0 win in opposition to Leicester on Wednesday.

It has been a irritating marketing campaign for the 29-year-old England star, with type and health points costing him his place for lengthy durations.

“I believe it was really the identical final 12 months. I didn’t go within the nationwide crew in March, then I ended up taking part in loads in April. I’m prepared when referred to as upon,” he mentioned.

Within the midst of a battle to qualify for the Champions League, Metropolis want Grealish at his finest as they’re with out Norway striker Erling Haaland for a number of weeks because of an ankle damage.

Metropolis misplaced 2-1 to United after conceding two late targets earlier this season and Grealish desires to get revenge at Outdated Trafford.

“They beat us right here early on within the season and that was an actual tough one to take,” he mentioned.

“However we’re going there on the again of two wins and with numerous confidence. Fingers crossed, we are able to make our followers joyful.”

Southampton on the point of relegation
Taylor Harwood-Bellis insists Southampton will maintain preventing to keep away from relegation, however the defender’s backside of the desk aspect are destined for the drop as early as this weekend.

Matheus Franca’s stoppage-time equaliser for Crystal Palace in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at St Mary’s denied Southampton solely their third league win this season.

It means Saints — who sit 19 factors from security — will probably be condemned to relegation in the event that they lose at Tottenham on Sunday and Wolves beat Ipswich on Saturday.

If that occurs, Southampton would be the first crew to be relegated with seven matches nonetheless to play.

They’re additionally one shy of matching Derby’s 2007-08 document low Premier League whole factors tally of 11.

“We simply wished to place a efficiency in at house that individuals could be pleased with,” Harwood-Bellis mentioned.

“There have been instances this season the place we are able to take a look at ourselves and say the standard’s not been anyplace close to ok.”