Weekend Preview: Arsenal's conundrum, relegation six-pointer and the Manchester derby

Premier League run-in begins: title races, relegation battles, and Champions League pushes heat up as key fixtures unfold this weekend.

Amad Traore was the star of the day when Manchester United went to the Etihad, who would be the star of the day in the latest instalment of the Manchester Derby? (Photo credit: Sporting News)

It’s the weekend, the official beginning of the final eight game weeks in the Premier League; it is typically called the run-in. It’s crunch time!

Ipswich beat Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. What a result for the Tractor Boys, who seek to defy gravity! Wolves don’t want to back down; their advantage over the drop zone has been cut down to nine. Will the final eight games shake things up?

It’s safe to say we have moved on from Leicester City and Southampton. Despite the fact that the Saints got a rare point against Crystal Palace, we expect them to ply their trade in the Championship alongside the Foxes next season; however, they could still have a say in what happens with other teams.

It's a major relegation six-pointer this weekend between Ipswich and Wolves. Nine points currently separate them, and a win for the Tractor Boys at Portman Road could rattle Wolves. This is the most important game for Ipswich, so we would get a cracker there on Saturday.

It’s a huge opportunity for Newcastle to find their way back into Champions League places; Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Tottenham on Thursday means the Geordies have been pushed to sixth on the log, and with a trip to Leicester City coming up on Monday, Newcastle can find their way back up.

Speaking of Tottenham, will Ange Postecoglou be fired? The Aussie got angry with the fans after their reactions to the loss at Stamford Bridge. Is he walking on thin ice now? Is this the beginning of the end for Ange-ball in the Premier League?

Nottingham Forest’s dream is about to come true, but their next fixture is as important as their last. Aston Villa is equally high-flying; Villa is still competing on three fronts, and they could well rest players on Saturday as they play PSG in the Champions League in midweek; it’s an opportunity for Forest.

Speaking of the Champions League, Arsenal is in an early kickoff encounter at Goodison Park. It’s the last time the Gunners will visit the ground, but with Real Madrid coming up on Tuesday, what would Mikel Arteta do? No Gabriel Magalhães; he’s due for surgery, and Jurriën Timber is a doubt. Will Arsenal be fine?

It’s another Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday; what a game it would be with Manchester City fighting for their lives on the log. United have nothing to lose other than pride, and they must keep an eye on the Europa League on Thursday. Does this give the Cityzens an advantage?

Can Fulham stop Liverpool at Craven Cottage? The Lilywhites left it too late at the Emirates, where they lost to the Gunners, with Liverpool showing signs of frailties. Is there something there for Fulham to exploit? Remember Liverpool need just four wins to be champions; will they get the first of those at Craven Cottage?