Premier League: Everton host United, Liverpool face City

From Liverpool's visit to the Etihad to face a wounded Manchester City, to Everton aiming to continue their strong start under David Moyes, Gulf News previews the key storylines ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action.

Everton to continue fine form under Moyes?

Everton host Manchester United at Goodison Park this weekend, buoyed by their remarkable turnaround under David Moyes. The Toffees, once candidates for relegation, have climbed the table with 13 points from their last six matches (W4, D1, L1) – the best form in the Premier League during that stretch.

Moyes has revitalised Everton’s attack, with the team scoring 12 goals in their last five league games, surpassing their total from the previous 16 combined. Now closer to the top six than the relegation zone, Everton look to build momentum ahead of their move to a new stadium next season.

In contrast, Manchester United arrive in turmoil. Ruben Amorim’s side have lost their last two Premier League games and needed a slice of luck to edge past Leicester in the FA Cup. Sitting 15th, a point behind Everton, this is the latest United have been below the Toffees in the table since 2013-14. Injuries have compounded United’s struggles, with 12 senior players unavailable during last week’s defeat to Tottenham.

History, however, is on United’s side. They’ve won their last six meetings with Everton, including two consecutive league victories at Goodison Park. A third straight win on Merseyside would mark their best run at Everton since 2007, but Amorim’s men will need a marked improvement to halt their current slide.

Forest aim to bolster top-four bid

Nottingham Forest travel to St. James’ Park this weekend, eyeing a statement victory in their push for a top-four finish. Sitting six points clear of Newcastle, the Tricky Trees have exceeded expectations this season, but recent results have highlighted their inconsistency.

After a historic 7-0 demolition of Brighton, Forest fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Fulham, showcasing the highs and lows of their campaign. Striking first has been pivotal to their success—Forest have opened the scoring in 19 matches, more than any other Premier League side, but have lost five of the six games in which they conceded first.

Forest ended a long winless run at Newcastle with a 3-1 victory last season and could secure consecutive wins at St. James’ Park for the first time since the late 1980s. However, their recent away form is a concern, with back-to-back defeats on the road and seven goals conceded.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are reeling from three losses in their last four league games, more than in their previous 12 matches combined. Another defeat would mark their first run of three straight home losses since 2021. Despite their struggles, the Magpies remain a tough opponent, particularly against high-flying sides, having earned two wins and a draw against teams starting the round in the top three.

This clash could have significant implications for the top-four race, with Forest looking to strengthen their grip and Newcastle desperate to revive their fading hopes.

Two heavyweights clash

Manchester City host Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday, with both sides looking to return to winning ways.

City are aiming to recover from their midweek Champions League disappointment, having been eliminated by Real Madrid. While their Premier League form has improved since Christmas—17 points from eight matches—their title hopes seem out of reach. Pep Guardiola’s side remains formidable at home, having lost just once in their last 15 Premier League meetings with Liverpool at the Etihad.

Liverpool, meanwhile, have seen their once-dominant lead in the title race shrink after back-to-back away draws against Everton and Aston Villa. A narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves at Anfield offered a brief reprieve, but Arne Slot's team now faces pressure from Arsenal, who are closing in. Despite just one league defeat all season, the Reds' recent slip-ups have raised questions about their ability to maintain their momentum.

The reverse fixture saw Liverpool secure a 2-0 win at Anfield, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah on the scoresheet. Completing a league double over City would be a statement of intent, though it’s a feat they’ve managed only twice before in the Premier League era.