In the Premier League, the “easiest” fixtures typically involve teams facing lower- or mid-table sides with less of a reputation for consistency or strong performances. The difficulty of fixtures depends on factors such as current form, home or away games, and injuries, but based on the upcoming schedule and the strength of teams involved, here are a few clubs who could benefit from a run of “easier” fixtures over the next 5 games:
1. Arsenal
- Why they have easier fixtures: Arsenal has a relatively favorable upcoming schedule after facing tough opponents. They’ll have opportunities to build momentum against mid-table and lower-table teams.
- Upcoming Fixtures:
- Arsenal vs. Sheffield United
- Arsenal vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Arsenal vs. Burnley
- Arsenal vs. Everton
- Arsenal vs. Luton Town
- Analysis: These fixtures offer Arsenal a chance to extend their push for the title, as most of these teams are struggling at the bottom end of the table. The Gunners will be expected to win these games.
2. Manchester City
- Why they have easier fixtures: While City faces some tough teams, they tend to dominate games, and their squad depth gives them an advantage against lower sides. Their attacking strength and ability to control possession should see them through against mid-table teams.
- Upcoming Fixtures:
- Manchester City vs. Burnley
- Manchester City vs. Sheffield United
- Manchester City vs. Bournemouth
- Manchester City vs. Luton Town
- Manchester City vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Analysis: City’s attacking power with Haaland, De Bruyne, and Grealish will be too much for teams like Sheffield United, Burnley, and Luton. City will expect to win most of these games with their superior squad depth.
3. Newcastle United
- Why they have easier fixtures: After a few tough fixtures against the top sides, Newcastle will have a run of games against teams that are more in the middle or lower end of the table. Their strong defense and improved attack under Eddie Howe will put them in a good position.
- Upcoming Fixtures:
- Newcastle vs. Burnley
- Newcastle vs. Bournemouth
- Newcastle vs. Sheffield United
- Newcastle vs. Wolves
- Newcastle vs. Luton Town
- Analysis: These are very winnable games for Newcastle, and with players like Miguel Almirón and Alexander Isak, they should be expected to secure victories against teams that have struggled in recent seasons.
4. Aston Villa
- Why they have easier fixtures: Aston Villa’s improved form under Unai Emery has been impressive, and their upcoming fixtures against teams struggling to find consistency provide them a chance to continue their strong form. Villa’s attacking players and defensive solidity should see them through these challenges.
- Upcoming Fixtures:
- Aston Villa vs. Luton Town
- Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United
- Aston Villa vs. Burnley
- Aston Villa vs. Wolves
- Aston Villa vs. Bournemouth
- Analysis: Villa will be expected to win these matches, especially at home. Their strong performances against weaker sides should continue, with players like Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendía being key contributors.
5. Brentford
- Why they have easier fixtures: Brentford has a solid squad and an effective tactical setup under Thomas Frank, which should help them in their upcoming fixtures against lower- to mid-table sides. They’ve consistently performed well against teams that are more evenly matched or struggling.
- Upcoming Fixtures:
- Brentford vs. Sheffield United
- Brentford vs. Burnley
- Brentford vs. Bournemouth
- Brentford vs. Wolves
- Brentford vs. Luton Town
- Analysis: These are winnable fixtures for Brentford, especially at home, and with Ivan Toney (if fit) and Bryan Mbeumo, they should be able to create enough chances to win these games.
Honorable Mentions:
- Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs have some easier fixtures ahead, especially against teams in the bottom half of the table.
- West Ham United: They face some mid- to lower-table teams, and with Jarrod Bowen and Paquetá playing well, they could get solid results.