Premier League weekend preview: North London holds breath at both ends of the table

This weekend could be the biggest round of the Premier League season, with pivotal matches set to define the final weeks of the 2025-26 campaign. 

Things don't get much bigger than the crunch title showdown between the league's top two, as the red half of North London looks to finally put the title to bed, while their rivals continue to fight for their lives at the other end of the table. 

DAZN News looks at the big talking points heading into a crucial matchday in the Premier League. 

Top two collide in Sunday showdown 

The destination of this season's Premier League title could very well come down to this game on Sunday.

Leaders Arsenal travel to second-placed Manchester City, with a six-point lead over Pep Guardiola's men, but having played a game more and in a fragile state following their defeat to Bournemouth last weekend. 

The Gunners still hold the advantage. Avoid defeat at The Etihad and their destiny remains in their hands, especially with a run-in that looks a tad kinder than their title rivals. 

However, a defeat could cause damage beyond repair. Mikel Arteta's side showed last week that the pressure is getting to them, and despite squeezing past Sporting in the Champions League, they know they have to perform on Sunday and not repeat what happened in the Carabao Cup Final. 

City already look like they've locked in to that end-of-season push, and have only lost one league game in 2026. They've been here and know how to get the job done. But the question is, do Arsenal? 

Brighton back to haunt De Zerbi 

Over on the other side of North London, it's a different story, where Spurs are praying for a Premier League saviour, but is Roberto De Zerbi really that man? 

His opening act didn't go to plan as Tottenham succumbed to defeat against Sunderland, leaving them marooned in the bottom three, two points from safety. 

Now, as fate would have it, De Zerbi takes charge of his first home game against his former side, Brighton, with Spurs still looking for a first league win in 2026.

If the Italian is looking to make his mark, he's going to have to get the better of a side that currently tops the form table and inspire a squad that, by his own admission, is petrified by the notion of relegation. 

If they don't start picking up wins quickly, that fear increasingly becomes an inevitability. 

Good will going for Chelsea and Manchester United? Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Away from the two headline acts, one of the biggest stories on the undercard could be what happens at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Manchester United and the chase for Champions League places. 

Liam Rosenior and Michael Carrick were appointed managers at the respective clubs within weeks of each other at the turn of the year, and both made promising starts to their current posts. 

Yet, now in April, the cracks have started to appear in the issues in both camps, with the Blues now without a win or a goal in their last three, and four points adrift of fifth place. 

Manchester United, meanwhile, suffered a shock home defeat to Leeds on Monday and have won only one in their last four, opening up questions aimed at Carrick for the first time. 

A win for either side would elevate those concerns, at least short-term, and also cement their claim for top-level European football next season. 

Getty Images

Can Everton pile more misery on Merseyside?

The Hill Dickinson Stadium gets its first taste of the Merseyside derby this weekend, with Everton looking to kick their city rivals while they're down following their limp exit from the Champions League. 

Arne Slot's stock has possibly never been lower as Reds boss and he can ill afford not to make the Premier League top five, as it could spell the end of his tenure at Anfield. 

So, the last thing he probably wanted right now was a derby against a stubborn Toffees team, who also have European ambitions of their own. 

How much would David Moyes and his team love to top off what's been a promising season at their new home by beating their biggest rivals? 
Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.