Premier League preview: Slot vs. Pep headlines pivotal weekend at both ends of the table

With the January window now closed and teams free of transfer distraction, the Premier League heads into a potentially pivotal weekend at both ends of the table. 

Matchday 25 is headlined by Sunday's meeting of Liverpool and Manchester City, but there are key games across the fixture list that will have a huge impact on the race for European slots and the battle at the bottom.

Here are the key storylines to look out for in this weekend’s Premier League matches.

Slot vs. Pep takes different meaning 

All eyes will be on Sunday's late kick-off and the weekend's standout fixture, as champions Liverpool host title-chasing Manchester City at Anfield. 

It's a game, where last season Arne Slot got the better of Pep Guardiola, beating Manchester City home and away on route to winning their 20th championship, but this season it's a game with a very different context. 

These aren't two teams at their all-conquering best, battling out to see who's the best in the country... no, not this year.

Instead, it's two transitional sides that have woefully underperformed this term and are looking for a major win to fuel a much-needed push in the second half of the season. 

Slot's stock has fallen so much that his job has even been questioned.Getty Images

With just one win from their last five league matches, and the looming figure of Xabi Alonso now available, it's imperative that the Dutchman secures a Champions League place or the knives could be out for him in the summer. And a win here would not only keep up the target, but be a statement victory that has been missing from the Reds' season. 

As for City, they may still only trail Arsenal by six points, but it's no win in their last five for Guardiola in a season where City have failed to take control of games. They've lost eleven points from winning positions, and it's hindered their title hopes as they seem to be incapable of going on one of their annual dominating runs. 

Victory on Merseyside would be a major boost, as would a goal from Erling Haaland, who's only ever scored once at Anfield, and keep hopes alive that there's still trophies to be won in 2026. 

Burnley's last chance saloon 

Monday's 3-0 defeat to Sunderland felt all too significant for Burnley. 

The Clarets were soundly beaten by a team they finished above in the Championship last season, who have also recruited and adapted much better to the top flight than Scott Parker's men. 

The result means Burnley are now 11 points from safety and 5 points behind the team directly above them in the bottom three, West Ham, who they host this weekend. 

To call it a last chance for Parker and his team is an understatement. Without a win in the Premier League since October, another loss to the Hammers, and they surely will be no way back and Championship football next season will almost be confirmed. 

Throw in a 3-1 win for Leeds over fellow bottom-feeder rivals Nottingham Forest, and their plight only grows more urgent.

The yoyoing from division to division is a wider issue that will need to be addressed in the summer, before Burnley go again. 

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Seagulls and Eagles battle it out 

The cliche of "form goes out of the window on derby day" could be just the tonic for these two sides, who head into this clash both desperate to end dismal runs. 

Brighton have seen their European hopes falter thanks to a run of only one win in eleven games, sparking some suggestions that Fabian Hurzler's job could be under threat if they can't turn things around. 

A win over rivals Palace would certainly ease that pressure on the Seagulls boss, with the Eagles coming into the game still in a state of uncertainly following a wretched January. 

The one silver lining for the South Londoners could be the possible debut of new £48m signing Jorgan Strand Larsen, who could be just the fresh face the club needs to get them out of their funk with a victory on rival turf. 

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Carrick's next test 

Another week, another test for Michael Carrick in his half-season-long audition for the top job at Old Trafford. 

After beating the top two in his first two games, the former United midfielder turned back the clock in the victory over Fulham, giving fans a taste of Fergie time nostalgia with Benjamin Sesko's late winner. 

Three results that have earned Carrick a Manager of the Month nomination, and for his next trick, he must overcome a Spurs side that has had Manchester United's number of the last year. 

Last season, the North Londoners beat United FOUR times across the season, including in the Europa League Final, so there's a degree of wanting revenge from the Red Devils camp. 

Luckily, the new boss is facing a Tottenham team who have been even more out of sorts on the pitch than United this season. They've failed to kick on following that European win under Thomas Frank, and currently sit in the bottom half of the table, with fans not best pleased with the Danish boss or his style. 

A United win here would put the pressure on Frank at boiling point and only add more credence to Carrick's permanent job claims. 

Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via 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.