Every point matters in the race for European places, with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea all in action this weekend.
Elsewhere, the relegation battle intensifies as Nottingham Forest travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a must-win clash.
AFC Bournemouth vs Manchester United – Friday 8:00pm
Manchester United travel to the south coast full of confidence after moving above Aston Villa into third place.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has created the most chances in the league (98) and has 23 goal involvements, second only to Erling Haaland (29).
Bournemouth, meanwhile, are unbeaten in 10 matches but have been held to back-to-back goalless draws for the first time since April 2022 in the EFL Championship.
Despite this, defender James Hill remains optimistic, stating that his side must “stay positive” as they look to convert their chances.
The Red Devils have lost two of their last eight away league games against the Cherries, but 22 points from nine matches under Michael Carrick highlight their strong run of form.
Prediction: United to win, with over 2.5 goals in the match
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Brighton and Hove Albion vs Liverpool – Saturday 12:30pm
Liverpool have struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding a club-record eight goals after the 90th minute this season and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five league games.
However, their attacking form remains strong, with Arne Slot describing the midweek 4-0 win over Galatasaray as an “almost perfect game”.
Brighton’s form is also improving, with Fabian Hürzeler’s side now sitting five points off seventh place.
This fixture has consistently produced goals, with the last 22 meetings all avoiding a goalless draw.
Liverpool have also scored five goals across the two meetings between the sides this season.
Prediction: Liverpool to win and keep a clean sheet
Everton vs Chelsea – Saturday 5:30pm
Everton have enjoyed recent success in this fixture at home, winning five of their last eight home games against Chelsea.
Midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has expressed confidence in the squad, claiming the Toffees are “built for Europe”.
Despite sitting five points behind Chelsea in the table, David Moyes’ side have struggled in attack, scoring just six goals in their last five league matches.
The Blues, on the other hand, have been far more clinical in front of goal. João Pedro has been particularly effective away from home, scoring seven goals in his last eight away appearances.
Chelsea also boast one of the strongest away records in the league and have scored 10 goals in their last five matches in all competitions.
However, their recent heavy aggregate defeat to PSG may leave them vulnerable heading into this fixture.
Prediction: Game to end in a draw
Leeds United vs Brentford – Saturday 8:00pm
Brentford’s hopes of European football were dented after a 2-2 draw with Wolves denied them the chance to move level with Chelsea.
Manager Keith Andrews admitted his side “didn’t do the basics well” and were punished as a result.
Leeds, meanwhile, are drifting towards the relegation battle.
They are winless in their last five league games and have failed to score in their last three, highlighting their struggles going forward.
Brentford have a strong record against promoted opposition, losing just one of their last 13 such matches.
However, their tendency to drop points from winning positions remains a concern, with no team losing more points (69) from winning positions over the last three seasons.
Prediction: Brentford to win and score over 1.5 goals
Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Sunday 12:00pm
Newcastle ended a long run without a clean sheet with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, their first since January 21.
However, a heavy aggregate defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League may have disrupted any momentum they were hoping to build.
Sunderland are also struggling for consistency, with just one win in their last five league matches.
Despite this, a victory here would see them move above their rivals in the table.
Both sides are dealing with significant injury concerns.
Newcastle will be without Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, while Sunderland have several key players sidelined, including Enzo Le Fée.
Prediction: Game to end goalless
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Aston Villa vs West Ham United – Sunday 2:15pm
Aston Villa’s recent form has seen them drop to fourth, with the risk of slipping further down the table by the end of the weekend.
They have lost their last three home matches and are on their worst run since February 2023, scoring just four goals in their last five league games.
Despite this, Villa have a strong recent record against West Ham, going unbeaten in their last seven meetings, including a 3-2 win at the London Stadium earlier in the season.
West Ham have struggled defensively throughout the campaign, conceding 55 goals – the second worst in the league.
However, a 1-1 draw with Manchester City last time out moved them level on points with Nottingham Forest in the relegation battle.
Prediction: West Ham to win and the game to have under 1.5 goals
Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest – Sunday 2:15pm
Nottingham Forest have had the upper hand in this fixture recently, winning their last three meetings against Spurs, who remain winless in the league in 2026.
Tottenham did claim a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but their defensive issues persist, having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine matches.
They currently sit just one point above the relegation zone.
Forest are also struggling, going six league games without a win. However, a victory here would move them above Spurs in the table.
They could also be boosted by the return of striker Chris Wood, who has been sidelined since October.
Prediction: Tottenham to win and score over 2.5 goals
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SportJustSport writers