As we come to the final third of the season, the Premier League table shows no sign of stretching – bar Manchester City – with the whole top half still in touching distance of European places.
City are 14 points clear of Manchester United and have won their last 21 games in a row, but their local rivals have the chance to end their winning streak in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
United have drawn their last three matches 0-0 and have struggled against the ‘Big Six’ this season, scoring just once against those sides in the league.
The top-four race is heating up
Third-placed Leicester have also slowed down lately with no wins in their last three games but have the opportunity to get back on track when they visit Brighton.
A win could see them capitalise on any points dropped by either Manchester team as well as consolidate their Champions League spot.
Chelsea and Everton face off in a key fixture in the race for a Champions League spot, with both clubs looking to put pressure on the top four.
Fellow challengers Liverpool also have the chance to push back towards the major European spots when they welcome relegation strugglers Fulham.
The Reds have had a big downturn in form since the start of the New Year and have been torn apart by injuries but should put their campaign back on track against the Cottagers.
All three sides, along with West Ham, are currently fighting for fourth place as the table continues to change every week.
Champions League qualification is in the Hammers’ hands, and they play in the final match of the week against Leeds.
Victory for David Moyes’ team will see them keep the pace with the other clubs, while if Leeds can pick up three points they could push back into the top half.
The two north London clubs are at the end of the chasing pack, needing constant wins to avoid being cut off from the rest of the top 10.
Both are favourites in their respective fixtures this weekend, with Arsenal travelling to Burnley and Tottenham welcoming Crystal Palace.
Gareth Bale has been on fine form in the last few games for Jose Mourinho’s side, scoring twice last weekend and providing an assist.
The Gunners, meanwhile, picked up an impressive victory against Leicester and will be looking to carry their momentum into Saturday’s game.
Burnley also managed to draw against the Foxes in midweek, but currently sit just six points clear of the relegation zone and are the underdogs against Arsenal.
Battle at the bottom
Elsewhere, West Brom will look to build up some form and mount a great escape when they face off against Newcastle United.
Their opponents will be without attacking trio Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron, needing a win to stop their slow descent down the table.
Fellow relegation candidates Sheffield United will feel that they can pick up a valuable win against Southampton, who haven’t seen victory in the league in over two months.
Finally, Aston Villa and Wolves go head-to-head in the latest midlands derby, with both clubs having inconsistent results of late but both possessing the quality players needed to win.
