Arsenal could move another step closer to the Premier League title with victory over Sunderland on Saturday, before Manchester City face a formidable test away to Liverpool.
The Gunners hold a six-point lead at the top of the table as they close in on a first league crown since 2003/04.
Behind the top two, Aston Villa remain best placed, but a recent dip in form for Unai Emery’s side has allowed Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool to close ranks in an increasingly congested race for Champions League qualification.
AFP Sports highlights three key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action:
City’s away-day blues
Manchester City’s margin for error in the title race shrank further last weekend after another damaging second-half collapse at Tottenham saw them surrender a two-goal lead.
Arsenal are expected to take care of business at home to newly promoted Sunderland, potentially stretching their advantage to nine points before City make their annual dreaded trip to Anfield.
City have won just once away to Liverpool since 2003, a 2021 victory played behind closed doors during the coronavirus pandemic.
Their struggles on the road this season offer little encouragement that barren run will end on Sunday. Despite identical home records, City trail Arsenal due largely to their inferior away form.
However, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot remains cautious. City beat his side 3-0 earlier in the campaign and cruised into the League Cup final in midweek despite Pep Guardiola making five changes.
“That tells you, combined with the game we played against them, what a force City still is and always will be,” said Slot.
Big guns close in on Villa
With Arsenal and City setting the pace, the fight for Champions League football increasingly appears to be a battle of three from four.
England’s strong performances in Europe mean fifth place is almost certain to be enough for qualification, and just seven points separate third-placed Villa from Liverpool in sixth.
“It’s the end phase of the season, so results matter more and more,” added Slot.
Villa’s impressive challenge has faltered after consecutive home defeats to Everton and Brentford, leaving Emery’s side looking nervously over their shoulder.
A midfield injury crisis has deprived Villa of captain John McGinn, Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara for the foreseeable future.
They will look to halt the slide away at Bournemouth, while United and Chelsea aim to maintain their momentum. United host struggling Tottenham seeking a fourth straight win since Michael Carrick took charge, while Chelsea travel to bottom-of-the-table Wolves.
Will Palace’s panic buys pay off?
Two out-of-form sides meet on Sunday as Crystal Palace visit Brighton.
Winless in 12 league games, Palace responded in January by twice breaking their transfer record, spending more than £80 million on Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson amid growing relegation fears.
“I’m here to bring energy, goals and to do the best for the club,” said Strand Larsen. “I think we are a perfect match.”
The Eagles sit nine points clear of the relegation zone, though that cushion could shrink to six before kick-off, with West Ham visiting fellow strugglers Burnley on Saturday.
Brighton are only two points better off, having won just one of their last 11 league matches to dent hopes of a European push.
Fixtures (all times GMT)
Friday
Leeds v Nottingham Forest (2000)
Saturday
Manchester United v Tottenham (1230)
Arsenal v Sunderland
Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Burnley v West Ham
Fulham v Everton
Wolves v Chelsea (all 1500)
Newcastle v Brentford (1730)
Sunday
Brighton v Crystal Palace (1400)
Liverpool v Manchester City (1630)
AFP
