MX23RW : Friday, January 11 14:41:07

Pochettino-Solskjaer showdown takes centre stage

Pochettino-Solskjaer showdown takes centre stage
© Reuters
The meeting between the current – and possibly future – managers of Manchester United is the top-flight highlight.

The Premier League returns this weekend following the FA Cup third round with plenty of talking points at both ends of the table.

Chief among them is the intriguing contest at Wembley on Sunday, where Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino takes on the club who reportedly want him as the permanent successor to Jose Mourinho.

An Old Trafford audition?

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea – Carabao Cup – Semi Final – First Leg – Wembley Stadium
Mauricio Pochettino is reported to be at the top of Manchester United's wanted list (Nick Potts/PA)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made no secret about how much he wants the Manchester United job full time, but is up against the man widely tipped to be the Red Devils' first choice for the position long term.

Solskjaer has won his first five games as interim manager since Mourinho's sacking last month but the game against Tottenham represents by far the biggest test of the Norwegian's tenure so far.

A positive result for Pochettino will only fan the flames of those calling for him to be the man handed the reins in the summer – but what if Solskjaer wins the tactical battle?

Liverpool need to clip Seagulls wings and return to winning ways

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool remain four points clear at the Premier League summit but have lost their last two games.

Defeat to closest title rivals Manchester City was followed up with a much-changed side losing to Wolves in the third round of the FA Cup.

It may only be a small blip for the Reds but they will be keen to correct it with victory at Brighton on Saturday.

More Arn than good?

West Ham face a London derby against Arsenal at the London Stadium on Saturday as the future of one of their stars is once again up in the air.

Marko Arnautovic has been the go-to man for the Hammers in recent months but is seemingly angling for a move to the Chinese Super League in the January transfer window.

It remains to be seen if Manuel Pellegrini will keep faith in the Austria forward for the visit of the Gunners, with the reaction of the home fans likely to be hostile.

Can Bluebirds can fly high and leave Terriers in the doghouse?

Cardiff were one of the early relegation favourites but have won four of their last seven home games and picked up three points at Leicester last month.

They host bottom club Huddersfield this weekend looking to bounce back from heavy home losses to Manchester United and Tottenham, as well as an FA Cup exit at the hands of Gillingham.

Huddersfield have picked up just five points on the road and sit eight points adrift of safety, with David Wagner's men needing to turn the tide sooner rather than later.

Can Wolves hunt another top-six scalp and dent Manchester City's title defence?

Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Premier League – Craven Cottage
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be looking to blunt Manchester City's title ambitions on Monday. (Steven Paston/PA)

Wolves were promoted alongside Cardiff last season but have different ambitions.

They have already secured draws against Manchester City and Manchester United, won 3-1 at Tottenham and knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup last time out.

They host the champions at Molineux on Monday night and could prove to be another thorn in the side of Pep Guardiola's side, who will know the Liverpool result and what it means to their title ambitions.

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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool21173149103954
2Manchester CityMan City21162356173950
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs21160546212548
4Chelsea21135338162244
5Arsenal21125446311541
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd21115543321138
7Leicester CityLeicester219482523231
8Watford218583031-129
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves218582325-229
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham218492932-328
11Everton217683131027
12Bournemouth2183103140-927
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton217592429-526
14Crystal Palace2164111926-722
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2146111529-1418
16Burnley2153132142-2118
17Cardiff CityCardiff2153131941-2218
18Southampton2137112138-1716
19Fulham2135131947-2814
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2124151337-2410

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