Key talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend | OneFootball

Key talking points ahead of the penultimate Premier League weekend, as problems pile up for the Europa League finalists and Everton and Leicester prepare for goodbyes.

Postecoglou problems pile up in midfield

Ange Postecoglou might have hoped Tottenham’s injury issues were behind them. Just as the North Londoners were nearing full strength, his squad has been struck down again. Dejan Kulusevski’s innocuous knee injury has required surgery, with the Swede joining James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall on the sidelines.

The absence of that trio leaves Spurs short of creativity in midfield, ahead of Friday’s fixture with Aston Villa and next week’s Europa League final.

Without a natural creator at his disposal, Postecoglou is likely to have to trust a functional midfield. Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are set for the nod in the club’s biggest game of the season.

‘Embarrassed’ Amorim honesty should not be criticised

Ruben Amorim has been nothing but honest since arriving at Old Trafford. It’s been a tough time for the former Sporting boss, whose arrival has failed to inspire an uplift. United are 16th in the Premier League, ahead of facing Chelsea on Friday night, and set for their lowest league finish since relegation to the second tier in 1974. It’s a position that Amorim has insisted is embarrassing.

“How is a manager of Manchester United supposed to feel in this position? Embarrassed and it’s hard to accept,” Amorim said this week.

“For me, the biggest concern is that feeling that it’s OK. We cannot change our position so much, so it’s OK. That is the biggest problem in our club in this moment because we are losing the feeling of we are a massive club, and it’s the end of the world to lose a game at home. I think that is the biggest concern in our club.”

Amorim has been accused of being overly negative in public press conferences, but Manchester United have been mired in decline for over a decade. Home truths are needed.

Goodbye, Goodison Park

Everton’s men’s side will say goodbye to Goodison Park this weekend, as the Toffees take to the venue for the final time. After 133 years as the club’s home, Everton will play their final fixture at their spiritual home against relegated Southampton before their move to Bramley-Moore Dock.

A Saints side rooted to the bottom might just be the perfect opponent to go out on a high. Goodison can not compete with the ultra-modern grounds across the Premier League, but it’s a stadium with soul and a catalogue of unforgettable Evertonian memories.

Credit too must be given to The Friedkin Group for their decision to make it the permanent home for Everton Women from next season. A stadium that has been at the heart of its community for over a century will go on.

Can Vardy deliver perfect Foxes farewell

Another emotional farewell will take place at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, as Jamie Vardy makes his final appearance for Leicester. The Foxes have decided to give the departing club legend a home send-off, with Vardy to miss the trip to Bournemouth next week.

The stage is set for the perfect finale. Vardy will make his 500th appearance for Leicester, while another goal will be his 200th for the club. Incredibly, Sunday will also be the 13th anniversary of the date he signed for Leicester.

A clash between already-relegated Leicester and Ipswich might be a dead rubber, but there will be plenty of positivity as Leicester celebrate an indisputable club legend.

Has the Premier League’s assist record got away from Salah?

Back in February, Mohamed Salah seemed certain to break the Premier League’s assist record.

The Egyptian notched his 17th assist of the campaign against Newcastle on February 26th, leaving him just three short of the single-season landmark. Salah’s form has taken a dive since a scintillating start to the season, with the 32-year-old managing just one assist in his last eight appearances.

Having had 10 games to get the four assists required to take the outright record from Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, he remains on 18 assists with just two games to go.

Newcastle eye second spot ahead of Arsenal trip

It’s been nearly three decades since Newcastle United last ended a Premier League campaign as runners-up. Kevin Keegan’s unforgettable side secured successive second-placed finishes in 1995/96 and 1996/97, after two memorable title battles with Manchester United.

The Magpies can climb into second during the penultimate round of fixtures, as Eddie Howe’s side take on Arsenal. A win will lift Newcastle above the Gunners, while their recent record against Arsenal offers encouragement. Newcastle have won five of the last eight meetings, including a 2-0 win at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.

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