• The Manchester derby is the pick of the weekend’s games and gets things underway on Saturday

• Leaders Arsenal head to struggling Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s evening fixture

• There are two games on Sunday and one on Monday

Last weekend’s FA Cup third round provided plenty of drama, including Macclesfield’s giant-killing of holders Crystal Palace, but focus now switches back to the Premier League. 

The Manchester derby will set the scene for a 10-game weekend of thrilling action in the English top flight and every match has been previewed below.

Manchester United vs Manchester City (12.30pm, Saturday)

The weekend kicks off in spectacular fashion as Michael Carrick faces a baptism of fire in his first game as Manchester United’s interim boss. 

Carrick should get a tune out of United’s talented attackers but stopping title-chasing City and 20-goal Erling Haaland could prove beyond them, with Manchester set to be painted blue on Saturday. 

Score prediction: Manchester United 1-3 Manchester City

Chelsea vs Brentford (3pm, Saturday)

Wednesday’s 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal showed there is plenty of work for Liam Rosenior to do with Chelsea’s backline, which should be tested by in-form Brentford. 

The fifth-placed Bees are two points better off than their London rivals and thanks to the firepower of Igor Thiago, Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade, they have the tools to earn a point in an entertaining clash. 

Score prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Brentford

Leeds vs Fulham (3pm, Saturday)

Leeds bounced back from a heartbreaking defeat to Newcastle to beat Derby 3-1 in the cup but they are heading for a fourth draw in six games when they host Fulham, whose unbeaten run now stands at six.

Score prediction: Leeds 1-1 Fulham 

Liverpool vs Burnley (3pm, Saturday) 

It has been a mixed campaign for Premier League champions Liverpool but Arne Slot has steadied the ship of late, leading the Reds to an 11-game unbeaten run, and they should ease past Championship-bound Burnley. 

Score prediction: Liverpool 3-0 Burnley

Sunderland vs Crystal Palace (3pm, Saturday)

Oliver Glasner announced he would depart Crystal Palace at the end of the season and captain Marc Guehi is moving closer to completing his transfer to Manchester City in a terrible Friday for the Eagles, with things unlikely to get better at the Stadium of Light. 

The Black Cats are still yet to lose a Premier League home game, holding City to a 0-0 draw last time and they can edge a narrow victory.

Score prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Crystal Palace

Tottenham vs West Ham (3pm, Saturday)

Two of the Premier League’s biggest underperformers meet in north London, where there should be some rare joy for the hosts. 

West Ham’s Premier League winless run now stands at 10 and while Tottenham have their issues, the Hammers’ defence, which has shipped a league-high 43 goals this term, is simply woeful.

Score prediction: Tottenham 3-1 West Ham

Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal (5.30pm, Saturday)

Leaders Arsenal have opened up a six-point gap at the summit and should have no issues in easing past Nottingham Forest, who have lost four of their last five league games and were dumped out of the FA Cup by second-tier Wrexham last Friday. 

Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal

Wolves vs Newcastle (2pm, Sunday)

Newcastle will still be reeling from Tuesday’s 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City and six losses in nine away games does nothing to suggest they can take three points against resurgent Wolves, who are unbeaten in four. 

Score prediction: Wolves 1-1 Newcastle

Aston Villa vs Everton (4.30pm, Sunday) 

Shock title contenders Aston Villa landed a 2-1 win at Tottenham last weekend and should prove too strong for stuttering Everton, who have seen their bright start to the season fizzle out and now have just one victory in seven. 

Score prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Everton

Brighton vs Bournemouth (8pm, Monday)

Two of the Premier League’s most exciting clubs round out the weekend’s action and their clash is unlikely to disappoint. 

Both have attacking talent in abundance and a high-scoring draw in on the cards at the Amex. 

Score prediction: Brighton 2-2 Bournemouth