5 talking points ahead of the weekend’s Premier League action

Gameweek 35 of the 2021/22 Premier League season is set to play out over the upcoming weekend.

The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon with a huge clash between Newcastle United and Liverpool.

The gameweek will then draw to a close on Monday evening when Ralf Rangnick’s Manchester United face off with Brentford in the latest edition of Monday Night Football.

Ahead of the weekend’s action getting underway, 101 have therefore picked out five key talking points.

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The Klopp dynasty continues

If 2021/22 has showcased anything, it is how lucky fans are to have both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp managing in England at the same time.

The managers have put together two simply sensational sides that can go toe-to-toe with any team in Europe. The pair have also given birth to one of the most entertaining rivalries in modern football, with every match between the pair always a spectacle.

Now, we look set to see at least one of those bosses stick around a little while longer as Jurgen Klopp has signed a new deal at Liverpool until 2026. Should Pep Guardiola follow suit in Manchester, we are sure to be treated to many more classic encounters between the two powerhouses.

We are delighted to announce Jürgen Klopp has signed a new contract to extend his commitment with the club! 🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 28, 2022

Top-four race heats ups

The race for 4^th spot looks set to go down to the final day of the Premier League campaign.

After a recent blip from Tottenham, Arsenal now occupy 4^th spot, sitting two points clear of their north London rivals.

However, the Gunners face a fairly tough trip to West Ham this weekend whilst Tottenham play host to Leicester City. Both games have the potential to cause upsets with just five games left to play in 2021/22.

Brighton can make history

Brighton are on course to make history in 2021/22. Despite Graham Potter sometimes catching the ire of the Seagulls fans, the former Swansea man is set to guide Brighton to their most successful season in Premier League history.

The south coast outfit have spent the previous four campaigns in the Premier League, with their highest points total 41.

Now though, Brighton are already on 41 points with four games to play – meaning a simple draw vs Wolves would be enough to break the record.

Liverpool’s tough test

Liverpool and Manchester City are neck and neck in the 2021/22 Premier League title race.

Just one point separates the pair with five games left to play apiece. Now though, Liverpool are set to face one of their tougher tests in recent weeks.

Newcastle causing Liverpool any sort of problem was unthinkable six months ago. However, Eddie Howe, with the help of his big-spending January, has transformed Newcastle into a side with a formidable home record. The North East outfit are unbeaten in their last seven home league ties. Will Liverpool have enough to break them down after a gruelling test vs Villarreal in midweek?

Everton in danger

The prospect of Everton being relegated from the Premier League this season is now very much turning into a reality.

The Toffees have slipped into the bottom three and, thanks to a mini Burnley resurgence, are now two points from safety.

Granted, Everton do have a game in hand on the Clarets, but Everton must face off with Chelsea this weekend, whilst Burnley have a much easier test vs a Watford side who have won just six games all season and are in possession of the second-worst defence in the Premier League.

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