Arsenal could move a step closer to the Premier League title with a win over Sunderland on Saturday, while Manchester City face a daunting trip to Anfield.

The Gunners currently lead the table by six points, closing in on their first league title since the 2003/04 season. Aston Villa remain the best of the rest behind the top two, but a recent dip in form has allowed Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool to close in on the race for next season’s Champions League spots.

AFP Sports looks at three key talking points ahead of the weekend’s action:

City’s Away-Day Challenges

Manchester City’s latest collapse at Tottenham, where they blew a two-goal lead, leaves Pep Guardiola’s side with little margin for error in the title race.

Arsenal, enjoying an excellent first season back in the top flight, will expect to handle Sunderland at the Emirates and stretch their lead to nine points 24 hours before City’s annual trip to Anfield.

City have won at Liverpool only once since 2003, in an empty stadium during the 2021 COVID-19 restrictions. Their inconsistent away form does little to suggest they can end that drought on Sunday.

While Liverpool boast identical home records, the six-point gap to Arsenal largely comes from City’s struggles on the road.

“Combined with the game we played against them, it shows what a force City still is and always will be,” said Liverpool boss Arne Slot, referencing City’s 3-0 victory earlier this season and their midweek League Cup win over Newcastle despite five changes.

The Race for Champions League

Behind Arsenal and City, the battle for a Champions League spot is heating up. Strong performances from English clubs in Europe mean fifth place may be enough to qualify, but only seven points separate third-placed Aston Villa from sixth-placed Liverpool.

Villa, who were challenging for the title earlier this season, have slipped after back-to-back home defeats to Everton and Brentford. A midfield injury crisis has sidelined key players John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and Boubacar Kamara.

To stay in contention, Villa must bounce back with a win at Bournemouth, while Manchester United and Chelsea aim to continue their charge. United host struggling Tottenham, seeking a fourth straight victory since Michael Carrick took charge, while Chelsea travel to bottom club Wolves.

Palace’s Winter Window Gamble

Crystal Palace and Brighton face off in a clash of struggling sides. Winless in 12 games, Palace spent over £80 million in the winter window on Jorgen Strand Larsen and Brennan Johnson, hoping to avoid being dragged into a relegation fight.

Strand Larsen said of his move: “I’m here to bring energy, goals and to try and do the best for the club. I think that we are a perfect match.”

The Eagles currently hold a nine-point cushion over the relegation zone, but that could shrink to six by kick-off, depending on West Ham’s game against Burnley.

Brighton, meanwhile, are only slightly better off, sitting just two points above Palace after winning only once in their last 11 league games, damaging their hopes of European qualification.