Manchester City vs. Everton

Etihad Stadium, Saturday, 12:30pm Local, 7:30am Eastern

Manchester City appear to be on the march again and - while they still sit in second - could pop to the top of the table this weekend if results go their way. It took time for the Champions to break down Brentford last week (though that mostly had to do with some electric early play from Mark Flekken in goal), and Pep Guardiola knows that Everton will do everything possible to stuff up the pitch and make things difficult. The Toffees have drawn all 3 of their last league matches, with clean sheets thrown in. City should prepare for a game of attrition, but will know that they have more than enough firepower to get a victory.

Even though Everton are unbeaten in the league since late December, their situation has worsened in the last month, with both Luton’s strong run and the specter of a points penalty looming over the Merseyside club. Sean Dyche needs to find points wherever he can, but this matchup doesn’t exactly thrum with potential. That said, the Toffees will have a clear gameplan and will hope to repeat their trick of last weekend by staying in the game against a stronger side and pouncing late. Keeping the match close will be critical and difficult - we’ll see if Everton are up to the task.

Liverpool vs. Burnley

Anfield, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10pm Eastern

Liverpool suffered a high-profile setback in their title chase last weekend, falling 3-1 to Arsenal. Worse than the loss was their performance as a whole - the Reds looked overmatched and sluggish. Jürgen Klopp has a chance to change the narrative right away by laying down a marker with a solid performance against Burnley at home. That said, the Liverpool injury list has grown with Dominik Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah, and Thiago all unavailable. Add to those names Ibrahima Konaté (two yellows) and Conor Bradley (bereavement) and the Merseyside squad starts looking a little thin. They’ll go in as solid favorites, but would benefit greatly by knocking in an early goal to set the tone.

Even though Burnley scraped a late draw against Fulham, Vincent Kompany’s side is in a truly dire position. With 15 matches left to play, you can’t say that the Lancashire side is already relegated, but Luton’s improved form has made their steep hill to safety a certifiable mountain. It’s tempting to say that this isn’t the sort of match that will define the Clarets’ season, but frankly we’ve reached a point where every match adds further resolution on what’s becoming a clear picture - barring the improbable, Burnley will be back in the Championship next season.

Fulham vs. Bournemouth

Craven Cottage, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Fulham let a win slip through their fingers when they last played and haven’t won in the league since the end of last year. The Cottagers still sit in 13th, and Marco Silva’s men aren’t really in danger of slipping into the relegation fight. However, stagnation can be cumulative, and a solid result could jolt the club into life as we approach the run in. Alex Iwobi has made the finals of AFCON, and while it’s unlikely all of their poor form comes down to one player, Fulham definitely miss his contributions. Armando Broja made his first appearance from the bench - if he can bag 5-10 goals in final 15 matches, Fulham could make a run towards a top half finish.

While Bournemouth have a bit less buzz about them these days - they sit in 12th place and have drawn their last 2 league matches - it can’t be taken for granted how remarkable their turnaround has been since the early part of the season. Andoni Iraola’s side will go into this match with full confidence that they can grab all three points. Dominic Solanke continues to be their shining light, and he’ll look at Fulham’s defensive backline and know he can make some noise.

Luton Town vs. Sheffield United

Kenilworth Road, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Rob Edwards has his Luton side in fine form as they prepare to host cellar dwelling Sheffield United. While it’s still unclear if Everton’s points penalty will be reduced upon appeal or if there will be additional punishment, the Hatters have clawed their way out of the relegation zone, clear in 17th place with a game in hand. Elijah Adebayo and Carlton Morris both found the net in their last match - a fiery 4-4 draw with Newcastle - and the club’s newfound propensity for goal scoring has made them a dangerous proposition. They come into this match clear favorites for all 3 points - a win which would effectively slam the door shut on any hope of a Sheffield United revival.

The Blades will be relegated. This isn’t to discount the world’s potential for miracles, but they look abject, their second manager of the season is griping about sandwich-eating, and they can’t pull out wins. They were knocked around by Aston Villa last weekend, ultimately falling 5-0. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that this is the case after poor recruitment and selling off their best players, but it’s a shame nonetheless. The bright side? They need only 2 points from the remaining 15 matches to beat Derby County’s record low tally of 11 points. Unfortunately that may be the only silver lining to this season for Sheffield United.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Brighton & Hove Albion

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Tottenham dropped out of the top 4 after their late draw with Everton - a result that left fans perplexed. Ange Postecoglou will be eager to put that match in the rearview mirror, and he has quite a card up his sleeve - the return of Son Heung-min. The Korean international was knocked out of the Asian Cup, but his nation’s loss is Spurs’ gain. His contributions across the frontline will add a needed spice, even if the North London side hasn’t been exactly bereft without him. Spurs are suddenly at full strength, with only long term absentees Solomon and Sessegnon missing. With a solid buffer between themselves at 6th place, all their energies will be poured into nabbing the guaranteed Champions League place - and they have no excuse now if they miss out.

The Seagulls bounced back well after their humbling against Luton Town by making light work of their rivalry match against Crystal Palace. Brighton have been steady in their approach this season while managing a truckload of injuries, and - despite an odd dip around the turn of the year - their high scoring (and high conceding) style is back in full effect. This should make for an electrifying matchup with both sides trading quick breaks and turnovers. This year’s Brighton may not quite have enough to handle Spurs, but you can be sure they’ll bring excitement to North London.

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Brentford

Molineux, Saturday, 3pm Local, 10am Eastern

Wolves absolutely bopped Chelsea last time out, a result which heaved the Midlands club up into the top half of the table. Gary O’Neil’s side, which hasn’t exactly been an offensive juggernaut this season, has suddenly burst into life scoring 7 in their last 2 contests. That improvement in attack has come at the expense of their defensive stability, but the Molineux faithful would likely take that deal if it means watching this team put together performances like last weekend. Brentford remain a bit of an unknown quantity as they’re still bedding Ivan Toney back into the squad, but Wolves are the more likely of the two teams to win.

The Bees have looked much better since Ivan Toney’s return, but they still sit only 3 points above the relegation zone. Thomas Frank needs to put together an extended run of form and build up that distance. That said, Neal Maupay has rediscovered his shooting boots in recent weeks and Brentford look capable of scoring against anyone. Whether they can also keep the ball out of their own net remains to be seen.

Nottingham Forest vs. Newcastle United

City Ground, Saturday, 5:30pm Local, 12:30pm Eastern

Nuno Espírito Santo led his side to a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth in their last fixture, leaving Forest in 16th and 2 points clear of the drop. With their potential points deduction looming, the Midlands club could do with a larger buffer, especially with Luton climbing the table as well. Taiwo Awoniyi is back in the frame, and the Forest faithful will be hoping that their fortunes improve as he beds back in. Newcastle conceded 4 in their last match, so the opportunity is there - but Nuno’s side has yet to truly take off.

Newcastle may have drawn to Luton last time they played, but they welcomed back Harvey Barnes who’s missed nearly all of the season. His pace from the left adds a great weapon, and - on a more somber note - could be key as Anthony Gordon is questionable for the weekend. In general, the Magpies have been stronger since the turn of the year, but they have a certain volatile streak that Eddie Howe will need to stamp out if they want to make a serious run at a non-Conference League European place. This match is definitely winnable, but it depends which Newcastle shows up.

West Ham United vs. Arsenal

London Stadium, Sunday, 2pm Local, 9am Eastern

The Hammers are barely hanging on to a potential European place after a dip in form, and David Moyes won’t have an easy task getting the East London outfit back on track this week. Their transfer business was puzzling to say the least, shedding two useful rotation players and adding Kalvin Phillips who plays a similar role to Edson Álvarez. For an already thin squad, this could make automatic qualification to another campaign on the continent extremely difficult. Mohammed Kudus is back from AFCON, however, so it’s not all bad news for West Ham fans. That said, it’s hard to imagine them getting anything from a revitalized Arsenal side, even if Moyes does tend to fare better at home against top opposition.

The fire is suddenly back in Arsenal’s season, and the North London side are smack dab in the title race after an impressive win over Liverpool last weekend. The result was crucial, but the performance was more important as it proved that Mikel Arteta’s side won’t limp away and allow City and Liverpool to enjoy a two horse race until the end of the campaign. If results go their way (which is unlikely), the Gunners could end the weekend back in first place, able to add pressure to their co-chasers with each win. They’ll back themselves to get all 3 points, and they’ll need to if they want to keep the good vibes going.

Aston Villa vs. Manchester United

Villa Park, Sunday, 4:30pm Local, 11:30am Eastern

Villa got back on track with a thumping victory over Sheffield United, and the Birmingham side start the weekend back in the top 4. When these two sides last faced off, Unai Emery’s team let a 2 goal lead slip. That, however, was away from home, and Aston Villa have a stellar record on their home patch despite losing their unbeaten record recently. Even with their downturn in form, Ollie Watkins has found the net in the last two league matches, and he’ll fancy his chances of getting one over United’s inconsistent backline.

Manchester United, despite their ghastly reputation this season, are undefeated this calendar year, and their only draw came against Tottenham. Are things finally looking up for Erik Ten Hag? The turnaround is largely due to the strong play of youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, as well as their big summer signing Rasmus Højlund. While this will certainly warm the heart of United’s supporters, the veteran players need to chip in as well to ensure too much pressure doesn’t rest on unseasoned shoulders. Manchester United still have a long way to go, but a victory on Sunday would be a huge step in the right direction.

Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea

Selhurst Park, Monday, 8pm Local, 3pm Eastern

Crystal Palace, though sitting safely above the drop, have had little to celebrate in recent weeks, with the only bright spot an unconvincing win over bottom of the table Sheffield United. Fate then decided to pile drive the South London club with both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze set to miss extended runs. Chelsea haven’t exactly been world beaters, but Roy Hodgson’s increasing tenuous position and the Eagles continued struggles doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.

Mauricio Pochettino just hasn’t been able to stamp his authority on this ragtag group of raw, young players. The West London club is grasping for identity and can’t seem to galvanize itself for the weekly grind of the league. This is in stark contrast to their cup form, where they continue to forge ahead in both domestic competitions. This match is a critical chance to get a solid league win under their belts and try to graft some momentum together before the run in. Conor Gallagher returns to his former loan home - could he make the difference this Monday evening?