Arsenal have the chance to move one step closer to the Premier League title when they host Sunderland on Saturday, before Manchester City face a stern challenge away to Liverpool later in the weekend.

The Gunners currently sit six points clear at the summit as they edge closer to lifting their first league crown since the 2003/04 season.

Aston Villa continue to lead the chasing pack behind the top two, but a recent slump in form for Unai Emery’s side has opened the door for Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool to close in on the Champions League places.

AFP Sports highlights three major storylines to watch ahead of the weekend’s fixtures:

City struggle on their travels

Manchester City’s title hopes suffered another blow last weekend after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a second-half collapse at Tottenham, leaving Pep Guardiola’s side with little room for error.

With Sunderland enjoying a solid return to the top flight, Arsenal will still expect to get the job done at the Emirates and potentially extend their lead to nine points before City head to Anfield 24 hours later.

City’s record away to Liverpool offers little encouragement. Their only win at Anfield since 2003 came behind closed doors during the pandemic in 2021.

Guardiola’s men have been far less convincing on the road this season, and that contrast with Arsenal’s form explains the six-point gap between the sides.

Nevertheless, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is not taking City lightly, particularly after his team were beaten 3–0 by them earlier in the campaign. City also showed their depth by comfortably seeing off Newcastle in midweek to reach the League Cup final, despite Guardiola rotating his squad.

“That tells you everything about the strength of City,” Slot said. “They are a force and always will be.”

Heavyweights closing in on Villa

Behind Arsenal and City, the fight for Champions League qualification is shaping up to be a three-from-four contest.

Strong performances by English clubs in Europe mean a fifth-place finish is likely to be enough to secure a Champions League spot next season.

Only seven points separate third-placed Villa from sixth-placed Liverpool, underlining how tight the race has become.

“At this stage of the season, every result becomes more important,” Slot added.

Villa’s impressive title challenge has faded after successive home defeats to Everton and Brentford, and injuries have further complicated matters. Captain John McGinn, along with Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara, are all sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Villa now face a tricky trip to Bournemouth, while United and Chelsea look to continue their upward momentum.

United welcome struggling Tottenham as they chase a fourth straight win since Michael Carrick’s appointment, while Chelsea travel to bottom side Wolves.

Do Palace’s January signings deliver?

Two teams desperately in need of a turnaround meet when Crystal Palace travel to Brighton.

Palace are without a win in 12 league matches and responded to relegation fears by breaking their transfer record twice in January, spending over £80 million on Jørgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson.

“I’ve come to bring energy and goals and to help the club,” said Strand Larsen. “I believe this is the right place for me.”

Although Palace have a nine-point buffer above the relegation zone, that advantage could shrink by the time they kick off, with West Ham visiting Burnley earlier on Saturday.

Brighton are only marginally better off, sitting just two points above Palace after winning only once in their last 11 league outings, a run that has effectively ended their hopes of European qualification.

Fixtures (GMT)

Friday
Leeds vs Nottingham Forest (20:00)

Saturday
Manchester United vs Tottenham (12:30)
Arsenal vs Sunderland
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Burnley vs West Ham
Fulham vs Everton
Wolves vs Chelsea (all 15:00)
Newcastle vs Brentford (17:30)

Sunday
Brighton vs Crystal Palace (14:00)
Liverpool vs Manchester City (16:30)