The term home advantage can be ignored when Southampton entertain Leicester in Saturday’s crucial Premier League encounter. Saints have only claimed one of their five wins at this venue and the Foxes have a good record when visiting teams in the bottom half of the table.
Second hosts fourth in the Bundesliga on Friday night in a mouth-watering tie between two of the title contenders. Borussia Dortmund start the night level on points with leaders Bayern Munich and four ahead of the visiting RB Leipzig.
Liverpool can’t afford too many more slip-ups if they want to secure a top-four finish and are backed to see off Wolves at Anfield. The Reds have the added incentive of seeking revenge for a recent 3-0 drubbing at Molineux and should be fired up from the outset here.
Liverpool were embarrassed by Real Madrid in the Champions League but are expected to find Crystal Palace far more conducive company. The Reds are chasing a third straight Premier League victory and have won on their last seven trips to Selhurst Park in this competition.
Man City have won their last 12 meetings with Bournemouth, including a 4-0 Premier League stroll early on this season. The Blues should continue that dominance, although they may need to make changes after sticking with the same XI throughout Wednesday’s clash with RB Leipzig.
Real will go into Saturday’s Madrid derby with their tails up after an amazing victory over Liverpool and should have too much for Atletico. The Whites have already beaten their city rivals twice this term, prevailing 2-1 away in La Liga and 3-1 after extra-time at home in the cup.
West Ham boss David Moyes is down but not out following a tough run of fixtures and must look to come out fighting against Forest. Just one win in 11 Premier League games has left the Hammers in the bottom three, but most of their recent results have been encouraging.
Arsenal beat Leicester 4-2 at Emirates Stadium back in August and we’re expecting goals to flow again in Saturday’s reverse fixture. Both teams have suffered mixed fortunes in recent weeks, but each manager is committed to playing positive football whenever possible.
Leeds will be hoping the new manager bounce factor strikes again following the appointment of Javi Gracia ahead of hosting Southampton. Saints themselves stunned Chelsea with caretaker boss Ruben Selles in charge but this promises to be a totally different atmosphere.
Sean Dyche is two from two at Goodison Park as Everton boss and will be eyeing another crucial Premier League victory versus Aston Villa. However, Villa have won the past three head-to-head meetings between these teams and last lost to the Toffees back in 2016.
Fulham are flying high in sixth place in the Premier League but we’re not expecting them to enjoy an easy ride when entertaining Wolves. Wanderers will be smarting from somehow losing to Bournemouth in a match they dominated and had previously impressed under Julen Lopetegui.
As we enter the business end of the season, Europe’s leading clubs are once again having to balance continental competition with their busy domestic schedule. Is it possible to compete for honours with a small group of players or do managers need quality back-up in every position?
Tottenham fans will sense they are at the start of a crucial spell in their campaign as they prepare to welcome West Ham. Spurs go into the derby, the first of two in as many weeks with Chelsea up next, looking to avoid a third straight loss for the first time this season.
Manchester United host Leicester in Sunday’s first live Premier League game and armchair fans could be in for a treat. United have been racking up the wins as they stay in touch at the top of the table while Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes have clicked into gear in the past couple of weeks to put further distance between them and that miserable run earlier in the season.