LEICESTER, ENGLAND - Monday, February 1, 2016: Liverpool's Dejan Lovren in action against Leicester City's Jamie Vardy during the Premier League match at Filbert Way. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Arsenal vs. Leicester and Man City vs. Spurs top Premier League billing

The Premier League title race is now really hotting up, and it could take further twists in what looks like a mouthwatering weekend of action.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 9, 2016: Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp and substitute Daniel Sturridge during the FA Cup 4th Round Replay match against West Ham United at Upton Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool are fresh off the back of that cruel 2-1 defeat to West Ham in the FA Cup fourth round on Tuesday, and Jurgen Klopp‘s side visit Aston Villa on Sunday looking for a response.

Confidence is pretty low with the Reds right now, although the return to first-team action of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho is an enormous boost.

The trip to Villa Park is one of the many crucial Premier League clashes of the weekend, with a couple of potentially pivotal games standing out.

 

Biggest Day Yet in the Title Race

At points this season, the definition of Super Sunday has been stretched, but this Sunday’s action is the best of the season so far.

Top-of-the-table Leicester City visit Arsenal first up, with the Foxes well aware that victory would put them eight points clear of the Gunners.

Equally, an Arsenal win narrows the gap to just two points, which would surely make Arsene Wenger’s men favourites to win the title in May.

Man City then host Tottenham later in the afternoon, in a game that really could go either way.

Another home slip-up from City could see their title challenge in serious danger of petering out, while a Spurs win would further strengthen their bid for a maiden Premier League triumph.

Come Sunday evening, it will all look a lot clearer up at the top.

Despite these top-four clashes taking top billing, there are still some games that look interesting on paper.

Sunderland, currently 19th in the table, welcome Man United to the Stadium of Light on Saturday lunchtime, as the Black Cats look to build on the point they snatched at Anfield last weekend.

United, meanwhile, are still desperately hoping to finish in the top four this season. Failure to beat Sunderland would be very damaging.

Chelsea host struggling Newcastle on Saturday, with Steve McClaren’s side just outside the relegation places currently. Guus Hiddink still hasn’t lost a game as Chelsea manager, and that shouldn’t change at Stamford Bridge.

Norwich face a home clash with West Ham, with the Canaries’ Premier League survival looking increasingly unlikely, while fellow relegation-threatened duo Swansea City and Bournemouth host Southampton and Stoke City, respectively.

The remaining fixtures see mid-table outfits Crystal Palace and Everton enjoy home clashes against Watford and West Brom, in what feel like dead rubbers.

 

Full Fixtures & TV Info

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 6, 2016: Liverpool's Adam Lallana celebrates the second goal against Sunderland with team-mate Roberto Firmino during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Sunderland vs. Man United – Saturday 12:45pm, BT Sport 1

Bournemouth vs. Stoke – Saturday 3pm

Crystal Palace vs. Watford – Saturday 3pm

Everton vs. West Brom – Saturday 3pm

Norwich vs. West Ham – Saturday 3pm

Swansea vs. Southampton – Saturday 3pm

Chelsea vs. Newcastle – Saturday 5:30pm, Sky Sports 1

Arsenal vs. Leicester – Sunday 12pm, Sky Sports 1

Aston Villa vs. Liverpool – Sunday 2:05pm, Sky Sports 1

Man City vs. Tottenham – Sunday 4:15pm, Sky Sports 1

 

Fantasy Football Tips

Jermain Defoe may be a little past his best these days, but he outlined his enduring quality with a expertly taken late equaliser away to Liverpool last Saturday.

The former England striker has 13 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season, and he will be a key figure against Man United this weekend. Don’t be surprised to see him add to his tally.

Diego Costa has improved at Chelsea ever since the sacking of Jose Mourinho, and his last-gasp strike against United six days ago earned the Blues a point at Stamford Bridge.

The 27-year-old will fancy his chances of dominating Newcastle‘s defence on Saturday, in a game many would expect Chelsea to win comfortably.

Harry Kane and Dele Alli have deservedly received huge praise for their performances for Spurs this season, but Erik Lamela has also shone in attack.

The Argentina international has chipped in with eight goals throughout the campaign, and with Man City preoccupied with stopping Kane and Alli, Lamela may end up being the key man at the Etihad.

Much is being made of Leicester‘s outstanding goal threat this season, but they will be thwarted by a solid Arsenal defence on Sunday.

Hector Bellerin has been the best right-back in the Premier League in 2015/16, and the attacking threat he brings means he is always a good fantasy football addition.

Expect a clean sheet too, despite the obvious danger that Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and others pose.

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