Following on from the FA Cup fifth round this week, Premier League teams return to action as this season’s busy schedule continues.
Liverpool got a much needed rest in the middle of the week, but their opponents on Saturday – Leicester City – had to scrape a 1-0 win against Brighton.
The match is crucial for both sides, as the Foxes could move into second with a win, yet the Reds could overtake their opponents into third if they pick up all three points.
Manchester City are five points clear at the top of the league and could extend their lead over rivals Manchester United with a win against Spurs this weekend.
City made it 15 consecutive wins with their 3-1 victory over Swansea in the cup, while Spurs were on the wrong end of a thrilling 5-4 encounter with Everton.
Any points gained by Pep Guardiola and his players are likely to be cut down by United when they face a struggling West Brom side.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team also progressed in the week with a 1-0 win over West Ham but are expected to brush aside the Baggies on Sunday afternoon.
Despite their cup exit, there is a real opportunity for the Hammers to climb into the top four this weekend if they can pick up three points against Sheffield United on Monday night.
Likewise, Chelsea progressed in the cup and could also move into a Champions League spot if they come out on top against an injury-hit Newcastle United, although both the London clubs’ rise up the table relies on Liverpool losing.
Everton sit just two points outside the top six and have the chance to claim a European spot if they can beat Fulham.
The Toffees are on a high after their brilliant performance against Spurs in the week and will be looking to carry that momentum into the weekends game.
Elsewhere, Arsenal and Leeds will go head-to-head in the push to solidify their position in the top half of the league and move closer to the top six.
The Gunners have been poor of late, losing to Wolves and Aston Villa and will need to be at their best to avoid a third straight defeat.
Southampton and Wolves play each other again just three days after their FA Cup encounter.
On Thursday, the Saints won 2-0 thanks to goals from Danny Ings and Stuart Armstrong which they will want to replicate this weekend as they try to correct their recent poor league form.
Brighton and Burnley both crashed out of the cup in the week, and they will put their focus back on the league when they play Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively.
The Seagulls welcome Villa, whilst the Clarets travel to Palace as both sides attempt to push themselves further away from the relegation zone.
