Manchester United may have tired legs, but they wouldn’t have it any other way, as they’re still competing on three fronts: the Premier League, the Europa League, and the FA Cup.
The Red Devils recently ended their six-year trophy drought after beating the Magpies in the EFL Cup final, but now it’s back to work as they have the Hammers to worry about next.
Speaking of the Magpies, it’s been a bad week for them following their lacklustre stretch of results. And the same can be said for Chelsea, who continue to experience the blues on and off the pitch.
Continue to read below as SBOTOP rounds up some of the biggest Premier League 2023 updates.
Manchester United get back to work
The Red Devils finally did it. They ended their trophy drought on Monday, but for Erik ten Hag, he’s just getting started.
Manchester United should remain focused when they play West Ham United tomorrow for their FA Cup fifth round match, as well as Liverpool in the Premier League four days later at Anfield, after celebrating their EFL Cup victory over Newcastle United.
They have come a long way since suffering embarrassing defeats to Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season because they now have a puncher’s chance of completing the unprecedented quadruple.
Right now, they’re the favourites both in the FA Cup and in the Europa League, and they’re currently in third place in the Premier League.
In terms of recent form, Manchester United haven’t lost a game since January 23 against Arsenal, despite their hectic schedule.
Erik ten Hag could use the West Ham United game to rotate his starting lineup, with the likes of Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Marcel Sabitzer, and Scott McTominay all considered starters.
Overall, he has restored belief among the Manchester United fans as he ushers in a new era of success. With his expert man management and tactical nous, the Red Devils are in good hands under the Dutchman.
Chelsea lose their skipper to injury
Graham Potter’s problems have compounded after finding out that Thiago Silva is going to be out for at least six weeks due to damage to his knee ligaments.
The 38-year-old centre-back sustained the injury in Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham after a challenge on Harry Kane during the first half, and his absence is going to be a huge blow for the Blues’ backline.
Silva joins Cesar Azpilicueta, Edouard Mendy, Christian Pulisic, and Armando Broja on Chelsea’s growing injured list.
Chelsea haven’t won a game since January 15, so they’ve fallen out of the European places and are in 10th place with 31 points.
Because of their dire run of form, Chelsea supporters are growing impatient with Potter, and they’ve filed a petition demanding for the ex-Brighton manager to get sacked soon. As of this writing, the petition has tallied around 45,000 signatures.
Potter said that the Chelsea board wants to give him more time to improve their results and performances, but turning the situation around will be much harder without Silva, who is one of their key leaders.
Chelsea are set to take on Leeds United on Saturday and Borussia Dortmund for the second leg of their Champions League tie on Wednesday. The Premier League 2023 odds favour them to beat the Whites, who are doing their best to stave off relegation once more.
Newcastle United suffer a double blow
The Magpies have lost back-to-back games this week. As a result, they’ve missed out on a trophy, and they’ve fallen out of the Champions League picture for now.
Newcastle United are now in fifth place in the Premier League standings, as Tottenham have been in fine form recently, although they can still catch up and nail a top four place with two games in hand.
Nick Pope, who was given the red card against Liverpool, is expected to be back for their upcoming league match, which is a welcome development for Eddie Howe and co.
Prior to his dismissal against Liverpool, Pope had been in outstanding form, and his absence against Manchester United in the EFL Cup final was obviously felt.
They’ll look to bounce back against Manchester City on Saturday, but they must break out of their funk in the final third since they have only scored three goals in their last seven Premier League matches.
The fourth and final Champions League berth remains up for grabs, and it figures to be a six-way battle, so this go-time for Newcastle United.
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