Derbies, table-top clashes and relegation battles: How to follow an epic weekend ahead on Sky Sports

The stage is set for sensational storylines to play out across the country over the coming days. There is an epic weekend of football ahead – and you can follow every kick with Sky Sports.

At the top of the Premier League, Arsenal will be hoping to capitalise on any slip-up from Manchester City at Manchester United with a north London derby win at Tottenham, while at the other end of the table, the relegation battle heats up with the bottom four going head-to-head.

The race to reach the top flight is as intriguing as ever in the Championship, with third-placed Blackburn on Sky Sports and a crunch clash in the play-off places between Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough and Millwall, while north of the border Celtic and Rangers are in League Cup semi-final action.

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The WSL returns, too, with a blockbuster clash between top two Arsenal and Chelsea a thrilling contest to restart the campaign.

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As well as watching football on Sky Sports, you can follow the action across our website, App and social media channels. We have live blogs detailing all the big moments from every match, match reports and reaction, and free highlights of Premier League, EFL, Scottish football and WSL.

On-a-roll Rashford and record-chasing Kane targeting derby delight

At Old Trafford, in-form Man Utd are out for revenge against local rivals City, who are still shaken by their Carabao Cup shock at Southampton.

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Erik ten Hag’s side were thrashed 6-3 at the Etihad in October but will be determined to show their neighbours how far they’ve come since then – and with Marcus Rashford in flying form, having scored at least once in each of his six appearances since the World Cup, City cannot afford to be as lacklustre as they were on the South Coast in midweek.

Rashford reborn: How the Man Utd forward recovered to hit new heights

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Melissa Reddy analyses how Erik ten Hag has turned Manchester United’s fortunes around since their 6-3 derby defeat against Manchester City in October

Any slip-up from Pep Guardiola’s side will open the door for Arsenal to extend their already handy five-point advantage in the title race – although they will need no extra motivation going to arch-rivals Tottenham live on Sky Sports on Sunday.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was the scene of Arsenal’s dramatic collapse in the race for the top four last season but Mikel Arteta’s Gunners seem to be a different beast now. They earned some payback with a 3-1 win over Spurs earlier this season and they’ll be looking to lay those demons of last May firmly to rest in this north London derby.

North London is red? Over 250,000 Super 6 players are predicting a 2-1 win for Mikel Arteta’s side over their local rivals, and more importantly, that would keep them at least five points clear at the top of the table.

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Watch all of Harry Kane’s goals in the Premier League so far this season as he continues to break records

A record-chasing Harry Kane, fresh from inspiring his side to an out-of-the-blue thrashing of Crystal Palace last time out in the league, may have something to say about that.

Kane on brink of landmark records

Relegation battle

The pressure is on down the bottom, too, with bottom-club Southampton hoping to take momentum from their Carabao Cup shock win over Man City into their massive six-pointer at Everton, who have slumped into the relegation zone after losing seven of their last 10 in the league. Victory could be transformative for either side and priceless for managers Nathan Jones and Frank Lampard who are feeling the heat.

Everton reporter notebook: Time for the club to put up, show up and speak up

The same is true at Molineux, where Julen Lopetegui’s relaunch of Wolves is yet to fully take off. They host West Ham, perhaps the Premier League’s biggest under-performers this season, with a big focus on David Moyes’ future in charge of the London club.

Premier League relegation fight: Who’s in trouble?

Potter under pressure

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The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope believes Graham Potter will be given more time to turn things around by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly

Talking of head coaches from the capital under pressure, Graham Potter has an enormous London derby with Crystal Palace on Sunday after Chelsea’s nightmare season was compounded by a first loss to Fulham in almost 17 years on Thursday night.

Potter: Chelsea are suffering but we stick together | Felix red ‘another blow’

The injury-hit Blues, who saw new loan signing Joao Felix sent off at Craven Cottage, are on their worst run in the league since 1996, out of both domestic cups and have a massive task on their hands to stop their downward spiral.

Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Newcastle aim to capitalise on home support

Brendan Rodgers could do with a win, too, with Leicester’s pre-World Cup revival fizzling out – they go to Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday, with Steve Cooper’s side still buzzing from their own Carabao Cup quarter-final win.

The City Ground should be electric and, talking of tough places to go, Brentford’s supporters will be hoping for another memorable night under the lights in front of the Sky cameras when they host Bournemouth on Saturday Night Football.

Brentford 2-0 Bournemouth (43%). Over 350,000 entrants are backing Brentford to beat Bournemouth 2-0 and extend their unbeaten run to seven games, while Bournemouth have lost three on the spin and sit in 16th currently.

Brentford
Bournemouth

Saturday 14th January 5:00pm Kick off 5:30pm

Newcastle’s tails will be up at St James’ Park, too, after their cup win in midweek – although Marco Silva’s Fulham are on a roll, have Aleksandar Mitrovic back and are aiming to build on their excellent first half to this campaign.

Could they pull even further ahead of a struggling Liverpool side who have a tricky trip to Brighton?

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Fulham manager Marco Silva gives his thoughts on why his side have had such a successful return so far to the Premier League

Return of the Mac! World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister returned in style last weekend, scoring twice in Brighton’s 5-1 win over Middlesbrough. That said, just under 250,000 players are predicting a narrow 2-1 Liverpool win at the AMEX.

Newcastle United
Fulham

Sunday 15th January 1:00pm Kick off 2:00pm

After Aston Villa’s feisty 2-1 win over Leeds on Friday Night Football, a fascinating weekend in the Premier League awaits.

Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal

Sunday 15th January 4:00pm Kick off 4:30pm

For all the build-up, updates and analysis from that competition – plus the EFL, Scottish Football and WSL – stay across Sky Sports TV, website, App and social media channels.

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What the managers have to say…

Man Utd vs Man City – Saturday, 12.30pm

Follow in Sky Sports’ live match blog from 11am, plus free match highlights on Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 5.15pm

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Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag confirms that Diogo Dalot is ruled out for the Manchester derby and gives an update on Antony Martial’s injury

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag: “We have to prove [our improvement] on the pitch, that’s the only proof. Last time it didn’t go well, so we have to do better [this time]. It’s not come overnight, there was a process. In the last months, where we’ve developed and progressed.

“We have now faced better teams, we’re looking forward to it. One of the things is about the mental approach and attitude. We have to act with belief and play our game.

“The opponent always plays an important role, but you have to play your best game and that’s what I demand tomorrow from my players tomorrow. With full belief, not naivety. Act as winners.”

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says that the fans shouldn’t complain of levels that the team can show despite comments of Ilkay Gundogan saying the squad is lacking desire

Man City boss Pep Guardiola: “It’s Man Utd. What happened in the previous seasons is a Man Utd problem – I don’t know exactly what happened. But it’s normal that Man Utd is there, four points behind and fighting. Have they surprised me? No.

“[Man Utd improved] a lot. It’s normal – a new manager arrived. The improvement of the team is clear. I have the feeling every time I’ve been in Old Trafford or Manchester United have been here at the Etihad that always it will be a difficult game.

“Always they are attractive games because both sides want to win, with a lot of quality players in both sides and top-class managers! It will be a good game.”

Everton vs Southampton – Saturday, 3pm

Follow Sky Sports’ live match blog from 1.30pm, plus free match highlights on Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 5.15pm

Everton boss Frank Lampard: “As myself and the players, we have to be the first ones that don’t get distracted by anything because this is a big game for us in terms of our league position, the points, what it would mean if we could win the game. The fans have the absolute right to protest. That is, of course, a very real right. I believe they are coming early to welcome the players to the stadium. If they are, then that’s great because we saw what a great help that was.

“Will they back the players on the pitch if they see passion, if they see Everton players that want to give everything for the shirt, which has happened a lot of times in my time at Goodison? In the last couple of games, no, but that’s our responsibility as well. Will they be behind us if we do that? Yeah.

“So from my point of view and the players’ point of view, the thing now is to have personal responsibility for me and my job, the players and their jobs and we have to think about ourselves and performing. That’s my answer to it – and I think, if the fans see that in the game, and they see that from Everton players and staff, then I think they’ll react positively and the rest is their right.”

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Southampton manager Nathan Jones says improved results will ease pressure and criticism but admits the club’s win ratio in the Premier League needs to improve

Nottingham Forest vs Leicester – Saturday, 3pm

Follow Sky Sports’ live match blog from 1.30pm, plus free match highlights on Sky Sports’ digital platforms from 5.15pm

Brentford vs Bournemouth – Saturday, 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 5pm. Follow Sky Sports’ live match blog from 4pm, including free in-game clips and match highlights shortly after full-time

Brentford boss Thomas Frank: “It is a big game for us; we need to go out there and perform. Bournemouth will do everything they can. Every time we’ve faced them it has been difficult and a tight game. We will do our very best to come out with intensity and attack. Ivan Toney is fit and available. He will start tomorrow. That is positive news.”

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Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil says he feels too much has been made of his comments saying he would like to add more players to his squad

Chelsea vs Crystal Palace – Saturday, 2pm

Follow Sky Sports’ live match blog from 12.30pm, plus free match highlights on Sky Sports’ digital platforms shortly after full-time

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Following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham, Chelsea head coach Graham Potter says the loss of Joao Felix for three games following a red card is really disappointing

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Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira says the squad is facing a difficult run of performances but insists they are doing everything behind the scenes to turn it around

Newcastle vs Fulham – Sunday, 2pm, live on Sky Sports

Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 1pm. Follow Sky Sports’ live match blog from 12.30pm, including free in-game clips and match highlights shortly after full-time

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Fulham manager Marco Silva gives his thoughts on why his side have had such a successful return so far to the Premier League

Tottenham vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports

Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 4pm. Follow Sky Sports’ live match blog from 3pm, including free in-game clips and match highlights shortly after full-time

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Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta had an amusing exchange with a reporter about his players’ conduct and the potential signing of Mykhailo Mudryk

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta: “I just love it. The reason why we are here is to play these kind of games. It’s one of the biggest games of the season for us. We know how much it means for us in the table, and how much it means to our people as well but we just have to focus on playing well and doing what we have to do to win the game.

“[3-0] was the result [in May]. There are things to learn from, a lot of things to take from then. And we haven’t won there, so that’s the challenge that we have ahead of us. We are in a different place and we will have to show that, playing the way we want to play.”

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte: “For every club, there is a different situation and Arsenal are doing a good job. I have to look at ourselves and we are working very hard in these past 14 months. We are working in the right direction and have to continue this way and try to find a good result because good results are very important in this process.”

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Antonio Conte says ‘I always respect the referee’ – a little dig at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal maybe, ahead of Sunday’s north London derby?

WSL returns! Arsenal Women vs Chelsea Women – Sunday, 12pm, live on Sky Sports; West Ham Women vs Man City women – Sunday, 6.45pm, live on Sky Sports

Watch both games live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event. Follow in Sky Sports’ live match blog, including free in-game clips and match highlights shortly after full-time

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Casey Stoney assesses Manchester United’s form and predicts the WSL title race will go down to the wire. Watch the full interview on Inside the WSL at 6.30pm on Sky Sports Football

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