Leaders City ready for Blues challenge

HAVING just returned to the top of the Premier League, Manchester City will need to work hard this weekend to stay there.

City’s 2-0 win at Everton on Wednesday lifted them above Liverpool on goal difference with both on 62 points.

The reigning champions now host a Chelsea side on Sunday that has already got the better of them this season when a 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge in early December knocked them out of first place.

“In three or four days we now have another one against Chelsea,” manager Pep Guardiola said after the Everton game.

Chelsea may be 12 points behind the leaders in fourth but are still locked in a battle of their own.

The Blues currently occupy the final Champions League qualifying place, two points ahead of Manchester United and three above Arsenal.

“We have everything in our hands so we have to go for it,” defender Antonio Ruediger said.

“This month we will show our real face and everyone needs to be ready for that because there’s a lot on the line.”

Liverpool could have opened a seven-point gap a week ago after City lost at Newcastle.

But two straight draws and a pair of City wins have left the sides tied.

The Reds have a game in hand and Andy Robertson is urging calmness ahead of Bournemouth’s visit to Afield tomorrow.

“We’re having a wee blip and we need to just try and get over the line in a couple of games.”

With most eyes focused on Man City and Liverpool, Tottenham have quietly climbed into the title picture.

Three straight late wins have lifted Spurs within five points of the leaders and they’ll look to keep the pressure on when they host Leicester on Sunday.

With a bit of help from their neighbours, resurgent Manchester United can climb into the top four for the first time this season

United will look extend their unbeaten start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to 11 games when they visit second-bottom Fulham.

A win at Craven Cottage, along with a Man City victory, will lift United above Chelsea.

At the opposite end of the table, Southampton host Cardiff City in a match with major relegation ramifications. Southampton are in a group of teams just above the bottom three on 24 points, two more than Cardiff in 18th.

Arsenal visit Huddersfield, Crystal Palace host West Ham, Watford face Everton, Brighton meet Burnley and Newcastle are at Wolves.