Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur will all battle for precious points in the top-four race in the 30th week of this Premier League season.City's game against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday is almost do or die for Arsenal after an alarming dip in form has left them sixth. Meanwhile, Liverpool can put a major dent in Everton's hopes of securing UEFA Champions League football by winning the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.The same day will see Spurs travel to Turf Moor to take on a Burnley side powerful at home without the services of prolific centre-forward Harry Kane.Elsewhere, Manchester United will host West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford, while Chelsea can take a step closer to winning the title by beating Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.Here are the fixtures for this week, along with schedule and viewing details and predictions:Here are the live-streaming links: Sky Go. Watch BT Sport. NBC Sports App.Liverpool vs. EvertonEverton could close the gap on Liverpool to three points with a win at Anfield on Saturday. The Toffees' chances usually depend on the form of prolific striker Romelu Lukaku, and this week should be no different.Lukaku is the deadliest finisher in the division at the moment, leading the way with 21 goals, according to WhoScored.com. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has said the Reds are determined to account for Everton's other threats, per an interview with Sky Sports News HQ (h/t Patrick Surlis of Sky Sports):"Lukaku is in a good moment and we will have to deal with him. We have to prepare ourselves for that, but it's Liverpool against Everton, not us against Lukaku."Among Everton's other threats, Lukaku and Mignolet's Belgium international team-mate Kevin Mirallas has the pace to exploit a shaky Liverpool back four. Yet it will be the battle in midfield that really determines this one.Liverpool's engine room has already been weakened by Adam Lallana suffering a thigh injury, per BBC Sport. However, the key clash could be between Everton destroyer Idrissa Gueye and Liverpool playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum.ESPN FC's John Brewin recently identified Gueye as Everton's most important player: "Coleman's dreadful injury and long layoff might prove costly to Ronald Koeman's Everton, but the loss of midfield engine Gueye, a gem of a signing from relegated Aston Villa, would probably be more harmful."If Gueye can break up Liverpool's quick passing combinations, Everton could play spoilers at Anfield. Yet the Reds are usually formidable in this derby and should be counted on to edge things at home.Arsenal vs. Manchester CityThings will be similarly close for Arsenal against Manchester City. It's make or break for the Gunners, whose top-four hopes could be shattered by another defeat.Arsenal could be nine points shy of fourth place by the time they kick-off if Liverpool beat Everton on Saturday. Turning around an alarming slide means the Gunners will need star duo Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, fit, focused and firing.Beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger has indicated his two marquee talents want to stay in north London, despite not having agreed new contracts, per Sky Sports:"I personally believe both of them want to stay. I hope the club will find an agreement with them."Wenger also indicated Ozil could start after missing time recently. Arsenal will need the club's record signing to rediscover his creative touch against a City defence vulnerable between the lines.Of course, the Citizens can cause their own damage in possession thanks to a host of forward-thinking schemers. Among them, Spaniard David Silva has the range of passing and vision to release City's pace behind the Gunners' back four.In particular, wide forwards Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling could terrorise Arsenal's plodding defence. The pair both found the net when City beat the Gunners 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium back in December.Arsenal's cause won't be helped by being without veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech, after Wenger confirmed the 34-year-old stopper will miss out with injury, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:Both teams need the points now, but Arsenal's need is greater. Wenger has been able to rally his team in times of trouble before and should do the same again.Burnley vs. Tottenham HotspurThe top-four spots could receive another shakeup if Burnley's strong home form proves too much for second-place Spurs. Turf Moor has been a fortress all season for the Clarets, but Tottenham have the quality to undermine a functional and resourceful side.Burnley boss Sean Dyche has fashioned a team expert in playing direct and putting defences under pressure with an aerial bombardment aimed at two strikers. Ashley Barnes and Sam Vokes are both menaces in the air who could overpower a usually stingy Tottenham defence.Spurs' ability to outscore Burnley will be hampered by star striker Kane still being unavailable due to injury. However, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino offered a positive update on Kane's recovery, according to Allan Valente of Sky Sports:"We do not know yet, he is doing well, and he has started working again on the pitch. We are very positive, he is very positive, but we will see when he is available again."Yet Kane still isn't back now, and his absence will prove costly against a Burnley team capable of causing Tottenham a host of problems.Expect the battle for places in the top four to take a few significant turns this weekend. Liverpool should cement their hold on a UEFA Champions League place, while Arsenal must get back into the mix and fast.If the Gunners can do it at the expense of rivals City, all the better.
Click here to read full news..
