Arsenal chase excitement while Frank hunts for domestic ease
Arsenal head to Leeds this Saturday keen to stop a Premier League dip from turning into a major issue with Manchester City and Aston Villa ready to strike.
Mikel Artetas Gunners hold a four point lead at the summit but have managed only two points from their last three outings.
Struggling Tottenham manager Thomas Frank hopes his squad can mirror their strong European displays when they welcome City whereas Crystal Palace seek to halt their slump.
AFP Sport examines three key discussion points before the matches begin:
Will Arsenal steady the ship?
Mikel Arteta assured fans that "delightful" moments are coming despite a setback in the Premier League contest that has sparked optimism among pursuers.
The table toppers endured their initial home loss this term against Manchester United after stalemates with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
Ex United skipper Roy Keane feels the Gunners are "under strain" in their bid for a first Premier League crown since 2004 after three straight second place finishes.
Arteta vowed his side will "thrive and perform with joy with immense bravery and the belief that we shall claim it".
Yet to truly savour the journey the Spaniard requires greater scoring from his attackers to lessen dependence on dead ball situations.
Data experts Opta rate Arsenals Premier League triumph odds at 81 percent however adverse outcomes this weekend might shrink their advantage to just one point.
A journey to confront Daniel Farkes revitalised Leeds presents numerous hazards.
Spurs deliver mixed results
What version of Tottenham will appear against Manchester City on Sunday the faltering Premier League outfit or the solid Champions League unit?
Thomas Franks squad faces a tough home campaign tenth in the standings with merely two victories in their previous 14 fixtures.
Contrastingly in Europe they shine a 2 0 victory over Frankfurt midweek secured a fourth position among 36 teams in the Champions League group stage and advancement to the knockout rounds.
Previous Brentford chief Frank who has faced jeers from Spurs supporters lately knows all too well that lifting the Europa League the prior year failed to preserve prior coach Ange Postecoglous position.
Still the clubs Champions League success could grant the Dane a temporary reprieve.
Just relegation threatened Premier League bottom dwellers Wolves boast a poorer home tally this season than Spurs who have secured only two triumphs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Fans patience wears thin irrespective of continental commitments.
Palace in drop zone battle?
Just a month ago Crystal Palace soared high fourth in the Premier League still glowing from their FA Cup final success.
However the atmosphere has shifted dramatically with skipper Marc Guehi now at Manchester City and boss Oliver Glasner declaring his departure at seasons close.
The Austrian aired his annoyance at club executives earlier this month after the sale of backline star Guehi claiming the side had been "left utterly unsupported".
This marked the newest notable exit after the summers move of key player Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.
Glasner has since reported resolving matters with owner Steve Parish and remains "fully dedicated" to the team through the campaigns end.
Nevertheless Palace have gone 11 games without a win in all tournaments as they gear up to visit beleaguered Nottingham Forest.
They sit eight points above relegation dwelling West Ham but the Irons display evident recovery signs while Palace struggle to escape their downward spiral.
Schedule
Saturday (1500 GMT unless noted)
Brighton v Everton Leeds v Arsenal Wolves v Bournemouth Chelsea v West Ham (1730) Liverpool v Newcastle (2000)
Sunday
Aston Villa v Brentford Manchester United v Fulham Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace (all 1400) Tottenham v Manchester City (1630)
Monday
Sunderland v Burnley (2000)