(Manchester United News)
With Arsenal and Liverpool engaged in FA Cup semi finals this weekend, Manchester United are among the teams seeking to steal ground in the race for a top-four finish.
Southampton, currently placed sixth, can go two points above Liverpool should they triumph on the road at Stoke City.
The Saints have won two of their last three, and manager Ronald Koeman remains bullish. “We can do it, of course we can,” he said when asked whether his side can end the season ahead of Liverpool and Spurs. “But we have to play more like the second half against Hull. If we play like we did in the first half, we will finish eighth.”
Elsewhere on Saturday it’s all about the relegation fight: 19th-placed Burnley face a trip to Everton, while Leicester City, who are bottom but only a point behind the Clarets, host Swansea City. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, play West Brom.
On Sunday, Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City, who have lost three of their last four and now trail United by four points in fourth, host West Ham at the Etihad Stadium. “It’s my responsibility, and the only way we can change this is by winning games,” says Pellegrini.
Sam Allardyce’s side had looked in contention for the European places earlier in the year, but poor form in 2015 – they have lost five and drawn four of their last ten – ended those hopes. “I don’t know [if] I am going to be here next season,” admits Allardyce.
Spurs, who lie seventh, three points behind Liverpool, travel to Newcastle United. Mauricio Pochettino’s outfit have had a mixed run of form – five wins, three losses and two draws from the last ten. Pochettino wants more aggression from his team after losing to Aston Villa. He says: “We were one step behind.”
