Sports
EPL Predictions: Picks, Top Players for Week 24 Premier League Fixtures
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/Getty ImagesArsenal can go boost their slim hopes of a top-four finish if they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge when the Premier League returns for Week 24 on Tuesday.Each team comes into this London derby with a hint of desperation; Chelsea hope to respond following a 1-0 loss at Newcastle United on Saturday, while…
DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/Getty Images
Arsenal can go boost their slim hopes of a top-four finish if they beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge when the Premier League returns for Week 24 on Tuesday.
Each team comes into this London derby with a hint of desperation; Chelsea hope to respond following a 1-0 loss at Newcastle United on Saturday, while Arsenal can move within seven points of fourth place with a win.
Premier League leaders Liverpool don't travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers until Thursday, when they'll be wary of a side that's taken four points off champions Manchester City this season.
Pep Guardiola's men travel to Sheffield United in Week 24 and are under pressure to respond after they stumbled to a 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Third-place Leicester City host West Ham United on Wednesday hoping they can end a streak of three games without a win, and Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur welcome Norwich City to north London.
Week 24 Fixtures
Tuesday, January 21
Crystal Palace vs. Southampton, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Aston Villa vs. Watford, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Bournemouth vs. Brighton & Hove Albion, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Everton vs. Newcastle United, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Sheffield United vs. Manchester City, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Chelsea vs. Arsenal, 8:15 p.m. GMT/3:15 p.m. ET
Wednesday, January 22
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Norwich City, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Leicester City vs. West Ham United, 7:30 p.m. GMT/2:30 p.m. ET
Manchester United vs. Burnley, 8:15 p.m. GMT/3:15 p.m. ET
Thursday, January 23
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Liverpool, 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET
Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal
In a time of transition when a lot of talk around the Emirates Stadium has related to Arsenal's need for leader figures, it's somewhat surprising Gabriel Martinelli has been one of those answering the call.
Martinelli scored the opener in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United, and The Athletic's Amy Lawrence highlighted it was a strike largely inspired by Mikel Arteta's biggest prospects:
Amy Lawrence @amylawrence71
Just as Arsenal need leadership from somewhere with Aubameyang out, two 18 year olds combine for their goal. Bravo Saka and Martinelli. #AFC
The manager started Martinelli as captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sat out the first game of a three-match suspension, and he rose to the occasion despite his team failing to secure all three points.
A trip to Chelsea on Tuesday could prove too demanding of Martinelli—who has two goals in four Premier League starts—though Aubameyang gave the youngster a thumbs-up after he starred in his absence:
Aubameyang P-E @Aubameyang7
Gabi’s gonna be a superstar 🙏🏽 Not because of the Goal because of the attitude Energy and mindset ☝🏽
Signed for just £6 million from Ituano this past summer, the Brazilian has enjoyed a breakout campaign and continues is proving that youth is no concern provided the talent is there.
Adama Traore, Wolverhampton Wanderers
It may have been Raul Jimenez who scored twice at Southampton to rescue a 3-2 comeback win for Wolves in Week 23, but Adama Traore deserved similar credit for registering two assists in the turnaround.
Pedro Neto had a lot to do himself for Traore's first assist, but the winger's composed lay-up for Jimenez to side-foot for the late decider showed much greater input:
It was once the case that Traore was seen as little more than a physical specimen with pace to burn, but Statman Dave praised him for his impact at St. Mary's Stadium:
Statman Dave @StatmanDave
Adama Traoré’s game by numbers vs. Southampton:
100% tackles won
8 successful take-ons
4 fouls suffered
2 assistsnO eNd pRodUcT. 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️ https://t.co/OR2FvRrn1N
Traore has assisted striker Jimenez four times in the Premier League this season—Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne (five assists) and Sergio Aguero (five goals) are the only partnership to have combined more times.
The visit of Liverpool ensures Wolves can't afford to rest in midweek, and one Wolves winger in particular will hope he has the key to unlock a Reds defence that hasn't conceded in seven matches.
Dean Henderson, Sheffield United
Goalkeepers don't often get credited as such crucial figures among promoted teams, but Dean Henderson's first season in the Premier League has changed the standard in that regard.
The Blades stayed in seventh following their draw at the Emirates on Saturday, prior to which his club shared a highlight reel of Henderson's best moments this season:
Sheffield United @SheffieldUnited
🧤 @deanhenderson 🧤
https://t.co/YaBOZ6Tf8Z
His three saves in north London proved vital as Sheffield United hung on to clinch a valuable point, something they'd be glad of on Tuesday if they manage to hold Guardiola's City at bay.
Henderson has kept 10 clean sheets in the Premier League this season—as much as any other goalkeeper in the competition this term.
Parent club Manchester United may well watch this performance with particular interest, a potential look into his future involvement against the Citizens for the possible Manchester derbies to come.
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