By admin 
The Premier League seems to have been away for an eternity and the bad news is the wait is set to go on.
The last round of fixtures was only last weekend but so much football has been played since, including England’s defeat of Albania on Friday night, that it’s easy to think it has been longer than that.
So, is normal service resumed this weekend?
No. No it is not.
The FA Cup quarter-finals take place on Saturday and Sunday, meaning we have to wait another few days for the domestic league to return.
On the plus side, there are four mouthwatering ties to look forward to with Crystal Palace going to Fulham and Brighton hosting Nottingham Forest on Saturday with Aston Villa visiting Preston North End and Bournemouth meeting Manchester City on Sunday.
The Premier League resumes the following midweek with some cracking games.
Tuesday, April 1
Arsenal v Fulham
Is Arsenal’s title challenge really over? Mikel Arteta’s men will head into the game 12 points behind table-toppers Liverpool but Arne Slot’s side have looked less than convincing recently and there may still be a chance for the Gunners but they cannot afford any slip-ups in this one.
Wolves v West Ham
Wolves have taken seven points from their last four league games to all but banish any fears of relegation. West Ham are treading water and will hope a good summer of recruitment will allow Graham Potter to implement his style.
Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
Forest will be concerned at the injury sustained by Chris Wood on international duty with New Zealand as they eye a strong finish to what has been a wonderful season. They hold a five-point advantage over fourth-placed Chelsea and are well set to clinch a place in the Champions League. The same cannot be said for Manchester United, who are just wanting the league season to end with their focus now on the Europa League. Like West Ham, they require a summer reset.
World Cup qualification secured for New Zealand! 🇳🇿🎉 pic.twitter.com/ownrt88ds7
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) March 24, 2025
Wednesday, April 2
Bournemouth v Ipswich Town
Bournemouth’s European hopes have taken a hit with three defeats in four games but they have the chance to get back to winning ways when struggling Ipswich visit the Vitality Stadium. For Ipswich, the clock is ticking. They are nine points adrift of safety with nine games to go. They need to start winning games, and quickly.
Brighton v Aston Villa
Brighton are one of the in-form sides in the Premier League and a run of four wins and a draw have reignited their hopes of qualifying for Europe. Fabian Hurzeler’s side are seventh, but just two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. Villa are two places and two points further back but still very much in the mix.
Manchester City v Leicester City
Two sides that have had seasons to forget clash at the Etihad. City’s hopes of a fifth successive title hit the buffers several months ago while Leicester are near certainties to make an immediate return to the Championship. The hosts could still finish in the Champions League qualifying spots but that would be scant consolation.
Newcastle United v Brentford
Whatever happens over the remaining weeks for Newcastle, they can at least say they have ended their 70-year trophy curse following their EFL Cup final win over Liverpool. They start the match round in sixth and will hope to clinch a place in the Champions League. Brentford have less lofty ambitions but a top-half finish, and a place in Europe, is still a possibility.
Missing days like these. ❤️
Nine days until we’re back on the road in the @premierleague! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/12BbZa3nkU
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) March 24, 2025
Southampton v Crystal Palace
The season cannot end quickly enough for Southampton. They have lost nine of their last 10 in all competitions and amassed just nine points in the Premier League. They will be playing Championship football next season. Palace are 12th and, like Brentford, still harbour outside hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Liverpool v Everton
Liverpool have had a miserable few weeks, exiting the Champions League and losing the EFL Cup final. Who better to get back on track against than city rivals Everton? The Toffees grabbed a controversial, last-gasp draw in the reverse fixture after which it all kicked off. This one could be feisty.
Thursday, April 3
Chelsea v Tottenham
Two clubs in transitional phases but one is managing to cope better than the other. Fourth-placed Chelsea have won two of their last three as they look to clinch a spot in the Champions League under Enzo Maresca while Spurs are without a league win since February 22. Ange Postecoglou knows a strong finish is required if he wants to keep his job.