It’s the turn of the other half of the English Premier League to take centre stage this weekend, as the top flight completes its mini mid-season break.
Five fixtures between Saturday and Monday could see changes in the top six shake up, with several of the EPL big guns in action.
Liverpool come into the weekend top of the Premier League table and safe in the knowledge they will stay there whatever their result on Sunday when they make the long trip south to Bournemouth.
That’s thanks to title rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa putting their feet up for the weekend.
The Reds must do without star striker Mohamed Salah, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt.
But it’s worse for the in-form Cherries, who have lost Hamed Traore, Dango Ouatarra and Antoine Semenyo to Afcon duty in Cote d’Ivoire.
The lead for Jurgen Klopp’s men could be just two points by the time they kick off, with Arsenal starting the weekend with a London derby against Crystal Palace on Saturday lunchtime.
Mikel Arteta must help his side turn around a dodgy run of form that straddled the festive fixture programme, seeing them slip to fourth in the standings.
But they would go level on points with City and Villa above them if they can seal victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Veteran boss Roy Hodgson breathed a huge sigh of relief a fortnight ago as his Eagles finally returned to winning ways, suppressing any thoughts of a relegation battle for the time being.
Sunday’s other top flight match could see West Ham put clear daylight between themselves and limping Manchester United in the battle for a top six finish.
The Hammers are away to bottom club Sheffield United and, with the Red Devils not in action, would put five points between them if they can secure victory in South Yorkshire.
Monday night’s EPL game could see things grow even worse for Erik ten Hag and Co, as Brighton host Wolves at the Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls will leapfrog United with a win but won’t expect to have it all their own way, as their Black Country visitors arrive on the south coast buoyed by three victories on the spin.
Gary O’Neill’s improving side could even gatecrash the top half if they can do the business in Sussex.
The Saturday evening kick off, meanwhile, sees attention fall to just above the relegation zone.
And there’s worry in the air both on and off the pitch as Brentford host Nottingham Forest, with the home side plunging in the wrong direction and unable to pick up so much as a point in recent weeks.
Forest have enjoyed the famous new manager bounce since the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo in place of sacked Steve Cooper.
But black clouds are circling around the club’s financial dealings, with a Premier League charge handed to them as well as Everton.
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