In this preview, Sporting Tribune takes a look at upcoming matches in the top European football leagues. Arsenal, who have been struggling with draws in recent games, are set to take on Southampton in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Espanyol and Cadiz face off in a crucial relegation battle in Spain’s La Liga.
ENGLAND
Arsenal has been struggling with two consecutive draws, jeopardizing their position in the Premier League title race against Manchester City. However, they are expected to regain their footing against last-placed Southampton, who are currently struggling to avoid relegation.
Southampton is four points away from safety, with only seven games left to play. Despite Arsenal’s recent setbacks, they are still ahead of Manchester City by four points, with the latter also having a game in hand. City will not be playing in the league this weekend due to their involvement in the FA Cup, which gives Arsenal an opportunity to move seven points ahead of them before facing City on Wednesday.
Although left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has returned to training for Arsenal, center-back William Saliba is still unavailable.
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SPAIN
Espanyol, coached by Luis Garcia, faces Cadiz in crucial relegation battle. Espanyol, on a six-game losing streak, needs a win against 16th-placed Cadiz, just one point above the drop.
Espanyol, in 19th place, is three points away from safety and has tough fixtures ahead.
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SERIE A
Inter Milan will look to continue its march towards the Serie A title as it takes on Hellas Verona. The league leaders are on a six-game winning streak and have opened up a nine-point gap over second-placed AC Milan.
Verona, on the other hand, is currently hovering above the relegation zone and is desperate for points. They have only managed to win one of their last eight matches and will be looking to cause an upset against Inter.
The hosts will be without the services of key defender Aleksandar Kolarov, who is serving a suspension. However, Inter has a strong squad and will be confident of securing another three points.
GERMANY
Stuttgart could complicate Augsburg’s relegation battle in Bundesliga. Under new coach Sebastian Hoeneß, Stuttgart has remained unbeaten in three games, including a win over Nuremberg and a win at relegation rival Bochum, before last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Borussia Dortmund, despite playing with 10 men in the second half.
Stuttgart is currently in the relegation/promotion playoff spot, trailing Augsburg by five points.
FRANCE
Paris Saint-Germain aims to move closer to their 11th French title as they face Angers, currently at the bottom of the league. With only three wins, Angers is 17 points adrift of 16th place, and even if they win all remaining seven games, they will only reach 35 points.
The team has struggled to score goals, with only 24 in 31 games, and has conceded 66, making it the second-worst defense in the league after Troyes.