Premier League leaders Liverpool must end their recent wobble to keep the chasing pack at bay this weekend. Everton and Tottenham meet in a battle of two desperate teams, while in-form Newcastle striker Alexander Isak can move closer to a Premier League record. AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend's action:

Liverpool’s Egyptian can be found in over 70 per cent of squads and is enjoying his best ever Fantasy campaign, averaging 11 points per match in 19 outings under Arne Slot. Alternatively, you could use the new Assistant Manager chip on Slot instead, in the very first Gameweek that the chip becomes available in Gameweek 24.

It will be another busy month for Liverpool in February, although lessened somewhat by the lack of a Champions League play-off round. The Reds will be in action across three competitions next month.

The Premier League will issue complaints to clubs in breach of its profitability and sustainability rules (PSR), and therefore at risk of a points deduction, on Tuesday.

A group of our writers on whether the 2024-25 crown is destined for Anfield and when the pivotal date in this title race could be

When Arne Slot fills out his starting lineup, the first three names on the teamsheet — Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold — all are out of contract and can leave for free at the end of the season.

Arsenal win NLD, Newcastle secure top-four spot, Leicester's troubles grow in Premier League's intense action.

Follow live coverage as Everton face Aston Villa today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Manchester City look to make it an unprecedented five titles in a row come the end of 2024/25.

Going back to that chance with Tielemans that was so brilliantly blocked by Tarkowski, the Belgian is only the second Aston Villa player on record (from 2003-04) to create three chances in the opening 10 minutes of a Premier League game, after John McGinn v Man City in December 2023.

Ruud van Nistelrooy takes Leicester City to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in this years FA Cup fourth round; Aston Villa play Tottenham, Brighton host Chelsea and Everton face Bournemouth in other all-Premier League ties;

Plus: Miles Lewis-Skelly shows shades of Ashley Cole during Arsenals north London derby victory over Tottenham; Alexander Isak and Newcastle are showing no signs of slowing down at the moment but Wolves defence,

Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leader Liverpool to four points after a 2-1 victory over Tottenham on Wednesday. Mikel Arteta’s team took advantage of Liverpool’s draw with Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, with Leandro Trossard firing the winner in the north London derby at the Emirates Stadium.