Arsenal will travel to Fulham this weekend for the latest test of the Gunners’ Premier League title credentials, while Manchester City aim to increase the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side by winning at Crystal Palace. Liverpool, fresh from a historic 7‑0 thrashing of Manchester United, are the in‑form team in the race for a top‑four finish as they head to Bournemouth. At the bottom of the table, nine clubs are separated by just six points; Leicester and West Ham are among them, and their home games this weekend may be must‑wins for Brendan Rodgers and David Moyes to retain their jobs. AFP Sport examines the key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action in the English top flight.
**Euro effect on the title race**
Dramatic late comebacks against Bournemouth and Aston Villa have kept Arsenal five points clear of City in the title fight. However, the Gunners face the extra complication of a trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday sandwiched between two Europa League last‑16 ties against Sporting Lisbon. Arteta rotated heavily during the group stages but named a strong starting line‑up for the 2‑2 first‑leg draw in the Portuguese capital on Thursday. City have enjoyed a rare midweek break, yet Pep Guardiola’s team selection could also be affected by Tuesday’s Champions League last‑16 second leg against RB Leipzig, with the tie finely balanced at 1‑1.
**Momentum with Liverpool**
Liverpool’s humiliation of Manchester United has hauled Jurgen Klopp’s men back into the race for a top‑four finish. The Reds can move into the Champions League places, at least temporarily, if they continue their upturn in form away at Bournemouth in Saturday’s early kick‑off. Their last meeting with the Cherries serves as a warning that one spectacular performance does not necessarily turn a season around: Bournemouth were annihilated 9‑0 at Anfield in August, yet Liverpool won only one of their next four league games. After a season of frustration, Liverpool now appear to be pulling together in time to secure Champions League football for a seventh consecutive season. Five consecutive clean sheets have underpinned a run of 13 points from a possible 15, while a new‑look front three of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah stole the show, each scoring twice against United. “We saw what a positive result can do to the boys,” Klopp said. “Now we have five days or so to prepare for Bournemouth… We have to make sure we are ready for that fight.”
Tottenham remain in fourth for now but have failed to score in their past three games, crashing out of the Champions League and FA Cup around a 1‑0 defeat at Wolves. Spurs need a reaction when they host Nottingham Forest, while Newcastle will hope to end a five‑game winless run in the Premier League when Wolves visit St James’ Park.
**Rodgers and Moyes in the firing line**
In recent seasons, Rodgers and Moyes have been nominated for manager of the year after leading Leicester and West Ham into Europe. Their past successes have kept them in charge, while all four clubs below the Foxes and Hammers have already sacked their managers at least once this season. Leicester appeared to have turned the corner with four‑goal wins over Villa and Tottenham last month, but four straight defeats—including an FA Cup exit to second‑tier Blackburn—have put Rodgers back under scrutiny. His side now face a rejuvenated Chelsea on Saturday, fresh from securing a Champions League quarter‑final place. Moyes has reportedly saved his job twice by securing home wins against Everton and Nottingham Forest, but a 4‑0 thrashing by Brighton has left the former Manchester United boss on the brink once more. Anything other than three points at the London Stadium against Villa could finally see the axe fall.
**Fixtures (all times GMT)**
Saturday: Bournemouth v Liverpool (12:30), Everton v Brentford, Leeds v Brighton, Leicester v Chelsea, Tottenham v Nottingham Forest (all 15:00), Crystal Palace v Manchester City (17:30).
Sunday: Fulham v Arsenal, Manchester United v Southampton, West Ham v Aston Villa (all 14:00), Newcastle v Wolves (16:30).
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