- Liverpool sit eight points clear at the top of the standings
- Just five points separate Man City in fourth and Aston Villa in ninth
- The Premier League weekend will begin on Friday as Leicester host Brentford

A heavyweight clash between the reigning champions, Manchester City, and the current leaders, Liverpool, headlines an intriguing round of Premier League fixtures. 

The action gets underway at the King Power Stadium on Friday night, with Leicester taking on Brentford, and finishes with the aforementioned superstar showdown on Sunday afternoon. 

Leicester vs Brentford (Friday, 8pm)

Leicester gave a decent showing against Arsenal last time but eventually fell to defeat to make it nine losses in 10 league games for the second-bottom Foxes, suggesting they will struggle against Brentford, whose 1-0 win over West Ham last Saturday flattered the Hammers. 

Score prediction: Leicester 0-2 Brentford

Everton vs Manchester United (Saturday, 12.30pm)

David Moyes’ Premier League record since returning to Everton reads four wins, one draw and one loss and the Toffees form should continue against a depleted and out-of-sorts Manchester United. 

Score prediction: Everton 1-0 Manchester United

Arsenal vs West Ham (Saturday, 3pm)

Makeshift striker Mikel Merino spared Arsenal’s blushes with a late brace at Leicester and while they should have too much for a poor West Ham side, their lack of attacking options mean a low-scoring win is likelier than a rout. 

Score prediction: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Bournemouth vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)

While Wolves were impressive in the second half of their defeat to Liverpool, they may not fare so well at the Vitality Stadium where Bournemouth have beaten Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest this term. 

Score prediction: Bournemouth 3-1 Wolves

Fulham vs Crystal Palace (Saturday, 3pm)

Three of the last four meetings between these sides finished level and this well-matched pair could play out another stalemate in Saturday’s other London derby.

Score prediction: Fulham 1-1 Crystal Palace

Ipswich vs Tottenham (Saturday, 3pm)

Tottenham stopped the rot with a win over Manchester United last time but they were beaten 2-1 by Ipswich in the reverse fixture and may have to settle for a point at Portman Road. 

Score prediction: Ipswich 2-2 Tottenham

Southampton vs Brighton (Saturday, 3pm) 

Basement boys Southampton look destined for an immediate return to the Championship and a visit from Brighton, who are fresh from back-to-back wins over Chelsea, is unlikely to aid their survival cause. 

Score prediction: Southampton 1-3 Brighton

Aston Villa vs Chelsea (Saturday, 5.30pm)

It could be argued that Aston Villa were unlucky to come away with only a point in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool and there is every chance they build on their efforts against Chelsea, who have lost their way of late, winning just two of their last nine Premier League matches. 

Score prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea

Newcastle vs Nottingham Forest (Sunday, 2pm) 

Both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest need to dust themselves down following disappointing defeats — the Magpies were beaten 4-0 at Manchester City and Forest were bested 2-1 by Fulham — and each may be happy to settle for a point at St James’ Park, with the pair battling it out for a spot in the top four. 

Score prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Nottingham Forest 

Manchester City vs Liverpool (Sunday, 4.30pm) 

Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid and subsequent early Champions League exit will have done nothing to help the already depleted mood in the Citizens camp and a visit from the runaway Premier League leaders is unlikely to go their way, with Liverpool fancied to extend their league unbeaten run to 23 games with a victory. 

Score prediction: Manchester City 1-3 Liverpool