Roses rivals meet as Spurs aim to slow down City – Premier League talking points

The Premier League returns for gameweek 26 after an exciting midweek of European action.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at five of the main talking points heading into this weekend’s fixtures.

The Premier League weekend kicks off in east London on Saturday lunchtime as resurgent Newcastle head to Champions League hopefuls West Ham. Craig Dawson’s last-gasp goal sealed a 2-2 draw at Leicester last time out, while the Magpies head to the capital buoyed by three successive wins. Eddie Howe’s men are four points clear of the drop zone but they have been dealt a significant blow as marquee January addition Kieran Trippier faces a spell on the sidelines. Newcastle will look to continue undeterred against a side who are still dealing with the Kurt Zouma situation.

Everton were among the sides beaten during Newcastle’s mini revival and recovered with a huge win of their own against Leeds last weekend. The 3-0 victory was Frank Lampard’s first in the Premier League since succeeding divisive Rafael Benitez and a result the Toffees boss will look to build on at in-form Southampton. Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have drawn with Manchester City and Manchester United either side of a thrilling 3-2 win at Tottenham in their last three league games and are looking to kick on up the table having all but extinguished relegation concerns.

Thomas Tuchel’s side are playing their first Premier League match since January 23 as they head across London to Crystal Palace. Chelsea return to league action following last weekend’s Club World Cup win against Palmeiras and will hope that success can aid their stuttering league form. A fine start to the season has tapered off in recent months, leaving the Blues marooned in third spot without realistic