Arsenal could tighten their grip on the Premier League title this weekend, while Manchester City face a stern Anfield test against Liverpool.

The Gunners already enjoy a six-point lead at the top of the table as they close in on a first title since 2003/04.

Aston Villa remain the best of the rest behind the top two but a dip in form for Unai Emery’s men has allowed Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool to bunch up in the race for a place in next season’s Champions League.

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

City’s away day blues

The latest in a series of second half-collapses at Tottenham last weekend to blow a two-goal lead leaves City with precious little margin for error left in the title race.

AFRICA PICKS: Football tips and predictions

Despite an excellent first season back in the top-flight for Sunderland, Arsenal will expect to take care of business at the Emirates and stretch their lead to nine points 24 hours before City make their annual dreaded trip to Anfield.

City’s only victory away to Liverpool since 2003 came in an empty stadium during Coronavirus restrictions in 2021.

The form of Pep Guardiola’s men on the road does little to inspire confidence they can end that barren run on Sunday.

Boasting identical home records, the six-point deficit to Arsenal comes from the difference between the sides away from home.

However, Liverpool boss Arne Slot remains wary of a City squad that beat his side 3-0 earlier in the season and were able to cruise into the League Cup final over Newcastle despite Guardiola making five changes in midweek.

“That tells you, combined with the game we played against them, what a force City still is and always will be,” said Slot.

– AFP

Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images