(Manchester United News)
Can Manchester United catch a Manchester City side struggling for form in 2015? Manuel Pellegrini's second-placed team have suffered two defeats in their last three league fixtures, losing to Burnley and Liverpool – as well as Wednesday's morale-sapping Champions League elimination by Barcelona.
Saturday's early match against West Bromwich Albion (12:45 GMT) will either settle the nerves of the Mancunian Blues or give the Reds the chance to overtake them - that will be the outcome if City lose and United prevail at Anfield.
"We are not doing well, we do not have the points we need," admitted Pellegrini this week. "This is the most difficult period of my time at the club, but we must find a way to improve results."
West Brom are still not totally safe from relegation - the Baggies are currently eight points above the drop zone in 13th place - but they have improved under Tony Pulis and have won two of their last three league matches, beating Southampton and Stoke City.
Arsenal, who are in third place, just one point ahead of United, face a trip to Newcastle. Like City, Arsene Wenger’s side will also try to banish the disappointment of a Champions League exit - in their case against Monaco on Tuesday. Their league form is excellent, having won five matches on the trot, and eight of their last nine; Newcastle meanwhile have lost three of their last four.
Tottenham, in seventh spot, six points behind United, have lost at both Anfield and Old Trafford recently - denting their hopes of a top-four finish and continuing the theme of Spurs being unable to beat the sides above them. The Londoners do have good form against sides lower down the table however, and on Saturday they host basement club Leicester City, who have lost five and drawn two of their last seven games.
Elsewhere on Saturday, the focus is on avoiding relegation: Sunderland, who are 17th, one point above the relegation zone, head to tenth-placed West Ham after replacing manager Gus Poyet with former Holland, Belgium, Russia and Rangers boss Dick Advocaat.
"Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead," said the Dutchman, who at 67 becomes the oldest manager currently in the top flight. "We must now concentrate on Saturday as a priority."
Aston Villa, who have won two matches in a row under Tim Sherwood to move up to 16th in the table, host Swansea (ninth), while Southampton, who are sixth and still harbour Champions League ambitions, are at home to 18th-placed Burnley. Stoke City (eighth) welcome Crystal Palace (12th).
On Sunday, league leaders Chelsea travel to Hull City, who are also caught up in the relegation battle in 15th place, just three points clear of the relegation berths. QPR, who are 19th, host 14th-placed Everton. The latter won last week against Newcastle to ease some pressure on Roberto Martinez, but QPR have lost their last four, and eight of their last nine.
