This set of matches is headlined by a Manchester derby. However, even though it's first versus second, the two teams seem to be a world apart in terms of quality.
Game of the week
Manchester City vs Manchester United: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 16.30 (Sky Sports)
Pep Guardiola is keeping coy on his team’s push for the title, even if everybody else knows that it is pretty much at the Etihad already. But the Spaniard will have his sights on an amazing record. The club have amassed 21 consecutive victories and are now only two wins away from matching the European record holders, Bayern Munich.
A third goalless draw in a row was met with frustration from Man United supporters. Their team were at the top of the table in January but their form has since slumped. However, sketchy results have creeped into almost every Premier League team in 2021, with such inconsistencies undoubtedly a result of a congested season.
City will want to lay down a marker against their rivals but Ole Gunnar Solskajer's team have kept five clean sheets in their last six matches against the big-six in the league. The caveat is that they haven't scored in any of those games! Still, the team in blue might have to be patient if they are to keeping their winning streak going.
Saturday
Burnley vs Arsenal: Turf Moor, 12.30 (BT Sport)
Burnley picked up a solid points against Leicester City but the 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur highlighted their vulnerabilities. This is a thin squad that has key personnel on the sidelines. They are a team who Arsenal will be desperate to beat, after their bizarre 1-0 defeat at the Emirates.
Sheffield United vs Southampton: Bramall Lane, 15.00 (Sky Sports)
It was another midweek victory for the Blades, who continue to show a good spirit despite their struggling plight. This is a great opportunity for back-to-back wins, taking on a Southampton team that can’t seem to buy three points at the moment.
Aston Villa vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Villa Park, 17.30 (Sky Sports)
Villa is suffering with the absence of Jack Grealish but they also struggle without Matty Cash. The former Nottingham Forest man has been excellent since stepping into the Premier League and he adds a balance to their defence. These injuries have helped to stagnate Villa’s flow and they could be set for another bump in the road. Wolves are a team in good form, aside from their heavy defeat to Man City on Tuesday night.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Leicester City: AMEX Stadium, 20.00 (Sky Sports)
Brighton have been desperately unlucky in recent matches, but perhaps their luck is about to turn. They are playing a Leicester team who will be without James Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Jonny Evans. The absence of Maddison and Barnes has a profound effect on Leicester’s attack; they’re not the same team without them.
Sunday
West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United: The Hawthorns, 12.00 (Prime Video)
An injury to Miguel Almiron, on top of the existing layoffs for Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, was the last thing that Steve Bruce needed. Reports have also claimed that Bruce has also angered parts of the dressing room after a bust-up with Matt Ritchie. It’s one thing lacking key men but it’s another to lose a squad togetherness. As recent displays have shown, West Brom are no mugs and they are chasing victories.
Liverpool vs Fulham: Anfield, 14.00 (Sky Sports)
Liverpool are on a terrible slippery slope but the return of Diogo Jota could be huge. The £41-million summer signing had made a brilliant start to the season but he was ruled out for several months with a troublesome knee injury. However, while the return of one player might be a small boost to Jurgen Klopp, he will know that their problems are enormous.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 19.15 (Sky Sports)
Jose Mourinho has taken the handbrake off in recent weeks. The annihilation of Burnley was followed up by a more sobering victory over Fulham. Nonetheless, the more attack-minded selections have pleased Spurs fans. A similar line-up should be too strong for a Crystal Palace team that are slowly ushering themselves towards Premier League safety.
Monday
Chelsea vs Everton: Stamford Bridge, 18.00 (BT Sport)
Thomas Tuchel will be on top of the world after beating Liverpool at Anfield, but this match is arguably a tougher test. The Liverpool team that they faced was criminally low on energy and confidence. This Everton team have illustrated their credentials against the bigger teams and they will pose some problems for Chelsea.
West Ham United vs Leeds United: London Park, 20.00 (Sky Sports)
This should be a great game for David Moyes’ attack-minded players to get amongst the goals. Leeds will go to the capital with their usual gung-ho mentality, and that could play right into West Ham’s hands. Jesse Lingard and Michail Antonio will be licking their lips.
Wednesday
Manchester City vs Southampton: Etihad Stadium, 18.00 (Sky Sports)
City’s second game of the week looks like being a routine one on paper. The Saints did show more defensive discipline against Everton however, with Fraser Forster being preferred to Alex McCarthy between the sticks. Irrespective of the goalkeeper, it’s tough to see anything but a comfortable and assured home victory at the Etihad.