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LONDON | Xinhua | The Premier League has a midweek round of fixtures to coincide with the Easter holidays, with five games to be played on Tuesday that will have an important effect on the race to qualify for Europe and to avoid relegation.
Newcastle United was inspired by winger Anthony Gordon to fight back from 3-1 down at home to West Ham to win 4-3, but the winger won’t face his former club Everton after seeing a late red card on Saturday.
That is good news for Everton, who hasn’t won in the league since December 15 after Seamus Coleman’s late own goal at Bournemouth on Saturday left them three points above the bottom three, with the threat of a further points sanction for breaching Financial Fair Play issues.
Nottingham Forest claimed a point from their home game against Crystal Palace on Saturday thanks to Chris Wood’s header, but with just a one-point lead over third-from-bottom Luton Town, they desperately need their first win in six matches when they host mid-table Fulham.
Fulham fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 away to Sheffield United on Saturday, but it’s hard to imagine them being as generous in defense this time against a team sorely missing striker Taiwo Awoniyi.
Crystal Palace is edging towards safety under new coach Oliver Glasner, and they will take a big step towards survival if they can win away to Bournemouth, whose striker Dominic Solanke still has the chance of an England call up.
Bournemouth’s 2-1 win against Everton has lifted them to 38 points and Andoni Iraola’s side can probably start planning for next season.
The uncertainty over points sanctions for Everton and Nottingham Forest means Burnley still has a lot to play for, and they showed their spirit by taking a point from their visit to Chelsea, despite playing over 50 minutes with 10 men.
Lorenz Assignon is suspended as Burnley receives Wolverhampton Wanderers, who is comfortably in mid-table.
Tuesday’s last game is a London derby as West Ham entertains Tottenham needing to recover from their defeat at Newcastle. Tottenham is fifth, just three points behind Aston Villa, who visits Manchester City on Wednesday, and the game gives Spurs the chance to reclaim a spot in the top four.
As well as Manchester City’s clash with Aston Villa, Wednesday also sees Arsenal at home to Luton and Brentford faces Brighton, while leaders Liverpool is at home to bottom side Sheffield United on Thursday.
