Arsenal have title in their sights

Just eight games lie between Arsenal and their holy grail - a first English crown since Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' lifted the Premier League trophy in 2004.

The Gunners are seven points clear of second-placed Manchester City and can extend that lead to 10 points if they beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

City, who hold a game in hand on Arsenal heading into this weekend, will kick off at West Ham roughly 30 minutes after the final whistle in the leaders' match.

But regardless of what City do in their remaining nine games, Mikel Arteta's men have the destiny of the title in their hands after recovering from a two-game winless run in February by reeling off three consecutive league victories.

City have spluttered too often to mount a convincing challenge, leaving quadruple-chasing Arsenal within touching distance of the title after three successive runners-up finishes.

The winner of Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday will take a giant step towards reaching the Champions League.

Third-placed United are ahead of fourth-placed Villa on goal difference, setting the stage for a vital showdown in the race for a top-four finish.

Fifth place is also likely to secure a berth in Europe's elite club competition, but United and Villa can erase any anxiety by landing a top-four spot.

United go into the showdown looking to bounce back from interim manager Michael Carrick's first defeat in seven games in charge -- a 2-1 loss at Newcastle.

Villa have stumbled badly in recent weeks, winning only one of their last five league matches, with their last two a chastening defeat at bottom of the table Wolves and a 4-1 thrashing by Chelsea.

Saturday

Burnley v Bournemouth

Sunderland v Brighton

Chelsea v Newcastle

Arsenal v Everton

West Ham v Man City

Sunday

Crystal Palace v Leeds

 Man United v Aston Villa

 Liverpool v Tottenham

Monday