Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend, featuring top-four shootouts and potential transfer targets.

Overachievers meet in unexpected top-four shootout

Few would have suggested in pre-season that Nottingham Forest’s trip to Bournemouth in January would have ramifications on the Champions League places, but here we are.

Forest moved level on points with second-placed Arsenal last weekend after a 3-2 win over Southampton, while Bournemouth sent a statement by thrashing in-form Newcastle at St James’ Park. This weekend’s clash on the south coast is among the most fascinating of the weekend, as the division’s overachievers go head-to-head.

Bournemouth are just three points outside the top four and unbeaten in 10 Premier League games, while Forest have won seven of their last eight. This weekend’s victors will gain real belief that European nights are around the corner.

Mitoma back to his best at Brighton

Kaoru Mitoma’s brilliant debut campaign at Brighton saw Europe’s top clubs sit up and take notice, but an injury-hit second season saw transfer talk reduce. The winger has appeared back to his best in recent weeks, however, and with the January window wide open could find himself back among the rumours.

Mitoma has scored in back-to-back games for Brighton and was electric in the 3-1 win at Manchester United. With pace, close control, and a desire to get into goalscoring positions, he was a real threat alongside Yankuba Minteh. Mitoma’s goal made him the highest-scoring Japanese player in Premier League history (15) and the fourth-highest-scoring Asian player in the division. With several top sides seeking spark in their forward line, a big bid before the deadline would not surprise.

Another chance for Nunez?

Darwin Nunez’s late double rescued Liverpool at Brentford last weekend. His stoppage-time strikes earned a priceless 2-0 win and an opportunity from the start in midweek. Though his movement was good against Lille, he failed to find the net and missed the one presentable chance that came his way.

Arne Slot will be keen to keep up the forward’s confidence and the visit of Ipswich to Anfield should offer another chance. The Tractor Boys shipped six goals in defeat to Manchester City last weekend and Nunez will be eyeing up opportunities. It’s been a tough campaign for the Uruguayan, though Liverpool need him to find form across the run-in, with Diogo Jota’s injury record a concern.

An Arsenal audition for Cunha?

Mikel Arteta refused to be drawn on transfer talk regarding Matheus Cunha and Arsenal, but the Brazilian is one to watch ahead of the deadline. Wolves are reluctant to sell, but a high offer could tempt them to cash in this month.

Cunha has scored 10 goals and provided four assists this season, a fine return for a struggling side. Arsenal will come face-to-face with the 25-year-old this weekend, in a potential audition for the forward. His ball-carrying, goal threat and creativity would boost an Arsenal side that looks in need of a lift. However, the £60m price tag might prove problematic.

Marmoush move should excite Citizens

Another side searching for fresh impetus this month was Manchester City, who got their man this week with the £59m arrival of Omar Marmoush. The failure to replace Julian Alvarez in the summer has been addressed with Marmoush arriving amid a spectacular start to the season.

Marmoush has 20 goals and 14 assists in 26 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and should help ease the reliance on Erling Haaland. After a fairly forgettable period by their lofty standards, the Blues take on Chelsea this weekend excited by the Egyptian’s arrival.

Will Chelsea copy the PSG blueprint?

Manchester City’s recent renaissance came to an end in midweek, as the Citizens blew a two-goal lead to lose at Paris Saint-Germain. It was a result the French champions deserved, with PSG’s vibrant frontline exposing the visitors at the Parc des Princes.

Chelsea travel to the Etihad this weekend and certainly have the tools to upset City, despite recent struggles of their own. Moises Caicedo and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall have the legs to leave a labouring midfield in their wake, while Cole Palmer will hope to exploit the gaps that have too often appeared this season. Only Liverpool (51) have more fast breaks than Chelsea (39) this season.

Potter will be envious of Villa options

Graham Potter has inherited a struggling side lacking firepower at West Ham. Injuries to Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Michail Antonio have left the Hammers light up front, with a desperate scramble to sign a striker before the deadline.

This weekend West Ham face an Aston Villa team who do not have such issues. Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran have tussled for the centre-forward role all season, scoring 22 goals between them in all competitions.

Duran – a player West Ham were prepared to break their transfer record for this month – is likely to start from the bench this weekend. Potter could only imagine such luxury right now.

Robinson to catch Amorim eye?

Ruben Amorim will want a response from his Manchester United squad this weekend, following his contentious comments in the aftermath of defeat to Brighton. Amorim has inherited a squad unsuited to his demands and lacking confidence, though no additions are yet to arrive.

Left-back has been made a priority and United could do worse than look at the opposition this weekend. Antonee Robinson has been a revelation for Fulham, leading Europe’s top five leagues for crosses into the penalty area and interceptions.

An excellent defender one-against-one and formidable athlete, his refinement in the final third has elevated the 27-year-old among the best full-backs in the league. He has nine assists this season, the third-highest total of any player in Europe’s top divisions.

Read – Five high-profile Premier League players who could still move clubs this month

See more – 📈 Power Rankings: New leaders and entrants

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