Can Salah's stay reignite Liverpool?

From Liverpool aiming to regain their momentum to Manchester City seeking to secure crucial points in their Champions League pursuit, Gulf News breaks down the key talking points from this weekend’s Premier League action.

Mohamed Salah's contract renewal provides a timely boost for the Reds, who have recently lost three of their last four matches across all competitions. While their UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup pursuits ended in disappointment, Liverpool maintains an 11-point lead over Arsenal in the league, leaving the title well within their grasp.

The Reds' fortress-like home form will inspire confidence, having dropped points in only three league games at Anfield this season (W12, D2, L1). History also favours Liverpool against the Hammers, with just one defeat in their last 57 home meetings (W42, D14), including nine consecutive victories. Meanwhile, West Ham have failed to win in their last four league matches (D2, L2), remaining in 16th place.

West Ham’s away record leaves much to be desired, with only four wins from their last 21 trips in all competitions. They’ve managed to score in 15 of their 17 away fixtures this season, but defensive vulnerabilities have seen them concede heavily at Anfield in recent visits.

Manchester City are looking aiming to reverse a slump in form that has seen them win just one of their last four league matches (D2, L1). Sitting sixth in the table, City are in desperate need of points to maintain their push for a Champions League spot, a battle that has only intensified by confirmation the Premier League will receive five spots next season.

Traditionally strong at home, City has won seven of their last 12 meetings with Palace (D4, L1), although the Eagles have been stubborn visitors, losing just twice in their last six trips to the Etihad. Palace’s excellent away form this season includes an eight-match unbeaten run (W6, D2), with seven clean sheets during that stretch.

Despite their defensive solidity, Palace face a daunting challenge, having conceded at least twice in ten of their last 11 visits to City. With both teams still harbouring European ambitions, this could be the clash of the weekend.

The Saints continue their painful descent against Aston Villa after becoming the first Premier League side relegated with seven games to spare. Interim manager Simon Rusk steps in following Ivan Juric’s dismissal, tasked with avoiding the ignominy of breaking Derby County’s record-low points tally of 11 from 2007/08. 

Aston Villa, by contrast, are thriving under Unai Emery, buoyed by a three-match league winning streak. Despite a midweek Champions League loss to PSG, Villa remain firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish, which now guarantees a coveted European spot.

Southampton’s recent record against Villa offers little encouragement, having lost their last four league meetings without scoring. However, with a crucial second leg against PSG on Tuesday, Villa may decide to rest some players, which might just offer Southampton a glimmer of hope of picking up at least a point.