Premier League Preview: Brighton could take huge step towards top flight safety

The Seagulls suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last time out in controversial circumstances, but back-to-back wins before that have given them a little bit of breathing space.

For their part, the Toffees were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in their last outing, but will still hold ambitions of finishing in the top four.

We’ve taken a look ahead to the clash, and the rest of this weekend’s Premier League action, below...

Fulham vs Wolves: Cottagers can finally tip the scales

Ever since Scott Parker and his Fulham side came steaming out of the debris and smoke of this season’s relegation battle to anoint themselves as the much-fabled “ones who might get out of it”, they have been snapping at the heels of Newcastle United without ever truly looking like overtaking the Magpies.

Their cause has hardly been helped by a run of four defeats in five that has left their heroics looking less like Batman and Robin, and more like Del Boy and Rodney.

Friday night’s clash is a massive opportunity for the Cottagers, however.

If they can get one over an ailing Wolves side, who themselves have won none of their last five, they would finally drag Newcastle into the bottom three, and pile the pressure on the Toon Army.

Manchester City vs Leeds United: Game recognises game

Ever since Marcelo Bielsa arrived in England it has been a well-parroted fact that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a disciple of El Loco’s uniquely brilliant footballing brain.

The Spanish behemoth has openly spoken of his admiration for the Leeds manager on numerous occasions, and the last meeting between these two sides – a 1-1 draw back in October – was a testament to the tactical mastery and free-flowing attacking play that have made these two managers such iconic figures.

If we get anything close to that kind of clash again this weekend, what a treat it will be.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Will Reds be scarred by Villa hiding?

Retrospectively, there were plenty of early signs that Liverpool’s season might not be as smooth as last term, but none were as glaring or as jaw-dropping as their 7-2 defeat at Villa Park in October.

Here we had one of the most dominant champions in recent memory laid to waste by a team who avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth in 2019/20, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the result sent shockwaves throughout the English game.

Since then, Liverpool have staggered and stumbled through their campaign like a silent movie drunk, and it begs the question, will Jurgen Klopp err on the side of caution to avoid another potential banana skin this weekend?

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea: How will Tuchel respond to Big Sam schooling?

Thomas Tuchel tasted Premier League defeat for the first time as Chelsea manager last weekend, and how fitting that the man to dole out the punishment was esteemed humbler of big guns, Sam Allardyce.

The Blues were taught a harsh lesson by relegation-threatened West Brom at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and they could face an equally thorny task against Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Eagles picked up a valuable point against Everton last time out, and can bloody just about anybody’s nose on their day.

Again, it begs the question, how does Tuchel respond?

Burnley vs Newcastle United: Magpies need to shine

This is a fixture that both sides will have earmarked as winnable at this crucial juncture in the season.

Of the two, however, you would have to say that the Magpies need a victory much more.