5 talking points as Premier League leaders Man City look to extend winning run

The PA news agency takes a look at some of the top-flight games taking place this weekend.

Manchester City’s inexorable winning run at the top of the Premier League means neutrals are looking elsewhere for competition and entertainment.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the games taking place this weekend.

Saints in need of divine intervention?

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl spreads his arms — Southampton’s collapse in form has left manager Ralph Hasenhuttl looking for answers (Paul Childs/PA)

Baggies in last-chance saloon

It seems like it is now or never for West Brom if they are going to pull off a great escape. The club have not received the expected lift from sacking Slaven Bilic and appointing Sam Allardyce with just one win in 11 league matches since. However, just two victories all season does not point to the necessary quality being present to secure the 27 points from the 42 remaining available which would get them to the magical 40-mark. January signing Mbaye Diagne has offered some promise but only the Premier League’s top two – Manchester City and Manchester United – have won in the league at Burnley since October.

Defeat not an option for Sheffield United

Sheffield United’s fate looks even more hopeless as they face a must-win relegation six-pointer against Fulham. Having beaten fellow strugglers West Brom earlier this month, the Blades have to repeat the trick but injuries have not been kind to them with John Egan and John Fleck missing. Anything other than victory against Scott Parker’s side, who have taken four points from the last two matches, is unthinkable if United have any chance of avoiding the drop.

Will the fire return to the Merseyside derby?

Jack Rodwell (right) was sent off against Liverpool — Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell’s red card in 2011 is only the third in the last decade of Merseyside derbies (Peter Byrne/PA)

Can the apprentice upset the master?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta greets Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola — Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has to find a way to halt Pep Guardiola’s unstoppable Manchester City side (Peter Powell/NMC Pool/PA)