Feature

Talking points ahead of Sunday's matches

18 Feb 2023

In-form stars Rashford and Maddison face-off while Antonio looks to hurt Spurs again

After Saturday's enthralling action, here are the key things to look out for in the final two fixtures of Matchweek 24.

Rashford v Maddison

Two of the competition's in-form players take centre stage when Manchester United host Leicester City.

MUN

3-0

LEI

TV Info - Broadcasters

Marcus Rashford is on course for his best season in a Man Utd shirt, needing only one more goal to surpass his tally of 22 in all competitions in 2019/20.

He has also scored in each of his last six Premier League matches at Old Trafford. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, with 10 and eight respectively, can better that record for Man Utd.

Th England international has helped to inspire United to a fine run of form, with only one defeat in their last 10 Premier League matches.

But they face a Leicester side who have scored eight goals in their last two encounters and are being led by the return to form of James Maddison.

See: Can Man Utd shackle Leicester's front four?

In his last 19 league starts, Maddison has been involved in 21 goals, scoring 13 and providing eight assists.

Thriving as a No 10, Maddison, who was named captain in their last match against Tottenham Hotspur, is targeting a first goal against Man Utd, the team he supported as a child.

Antonio to strike again?

A London derby at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium concludes the Matchweek with an injury-hit Spurs team looking to recover after two defeats in a week, firstly at Leicester and then against Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

TOT

2-0

WHU

TV Info - Broadcasters

Spurs had been on an impressive run in home derbies, winning their last five prior to last month's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

A defence that have conceded 35 goals this season, the most among the top 10 teams, may be relishing facing a West Ham attack with only 19 goals to their name, the third-fewest in the competition.

But they will have to cope without Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma and Hugo Lloris, with a potential unlikely duo of Pape Sarr and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg starting in central midfield.

See: Hojbjerg and Sarr hold the balance

West Ham United are unbeaten in three matches, having defeated Everton and recorded draws against Newcastle United and Chelsea, but Saturday's results have sunk them back into the bottom three. They need to avoid defeat to move out of the relegation zone.

If they are to claim a first away win since August, Michail Antonio is likely to provide their main hope.

The striker has scored in four of his side's last five wins over Spurs.

Spurs, however, will hope to capitalise on Newcastle United's loss to Liverpool and leapfrog the Magpies into fourth place.