Match to catch

After a week of mostly uninspiring international action, the Premier League returns this weekend — and what better way to start than with the early Saturday match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates. Both sides have been in fine form in the second half of the season and are in the thick of the race for Champions League places. Liverpool suffered a setback against Manchester United last time out and the fact Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel both got recklessly stamp-happy at Anfield will mean they will be suspended for the next three matches, handing Arsenal a big advantage for this one. And with Olivier Giroud (nine goals in his last nine games) finding his scoring touch, the hosts should be too strong. Prediction: Arsenal 3 Liverpool 1.

Keep an eye on

It’s derby time again in the north-east and Sunday’s Sunderland-Newcastle clash gives new Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat the perfect opportunity to start winning over the fans. But the Dutchman has a tough task saving Sunderland from relegation as they are on an atrocious run of form — without a league win since January 31 — and their star player Adam Johnson is under a cloud as he remains on police bail. Newcastle are not doing much better in terms of form so I think home advantage will decide this one, but Sunderland remain firm contenders for the drop. Prediction: Sunderland 1 Newcastle 0.

For the purists

QPR could be bottom of the table by the end of Saturday, as they face a tricky assignment away to West Brom while Leicester host West Ham. The R’s have lost five in a row and their prospects of getting anything at the Hawthorns look slim. Prediction: West Brom 2 QPR 1.

Showing form

When Manchester United were dumped out of the FA Cup by Arsenal early last month, it appeared the Red Devils’ season was on the verge of collapse. With all routes to silverware blocked and a Champions League place in doubt thanks to Liverpool’s return to form, coach Louis van Gaal’s debut campaign looked set for disaster. But now, after vital victories over top-four rivals Tottenham and Liverpool, the Red Devils suddenly have a five-point cushion and a recent record that has them challenging the Gunners at the top of the form table. A home win over struggling Aston Villa would get them to within touching distance of Europe’s top table for next season — but they can’t relax as they still have to face Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal again before their holidays begin. Prediction: Man Utd 2 Villa 0.

Need a win

Bottom side Leicester are starting to run out of chances to save their Premier League status, with just nine games for them to make up the seven-point deficit they currently have to 17th-placed Sunderland. The Foxes do, however, have a relatively kind run-in, with only Chelsea of the top five to play and a healthy six home games, starting with Saturday’s King Power Stadium clash with West Ham. With the Hammers drifting towards a low-key end to the campaign, Nigel Pearson’s side must take advantage and kickstart their survival bid with victory. Prediction: Leicester 2 West Ham 1.

Get involved

Think I’m way off the mark? Tweet me your EPL predictions via @MartinDownerGN or email sportsdesk@gulfnews.com