Preview: Europe a factor in Premier League weekend games

LONDON, March 8 (Xinhua) -- The round of Premier League this weekend could well see the battle to win the Champions League have an influence over the title race as Manchester City and Liverpool both face home matches days before key European ties.

Premier League leaders Manchester City are at home to Watford and will expect all three points, although City coach Pep Guardiola will be aware that just four days later their European future is on the line when Schakle 04 visit the Ethiad Stadium.

Kevin de Bruyne is still out for City, along with Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte, while John Stones is unlikely to be risked given that Nicolas Otamendi is suspended in midweek.

Liverpool could kick off Sunday's home game against Burnley four points behind Manchester City and coach Jurgen Klopp can't be happy that his side's game has been scheduled for Sunday when they have a Champions League visit to play Bayern Munich the following week.

Liverpool's title campaign has slipped in recent week, with last weekend's draw against local rivals Everton again provoking doubts over their mentality as they look to win their first League title in 30 years.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Klopp preferred to focus on the Burnley game: "we want to be in a position to fight for the top spot in the League and we are still in it and that's all we need to be positive, to be optimistic, to be excited about the challenge. Our only problem this weekend is Burnley, actually, and that's enough," he said.

Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino will start a two-game ban for a post-game argument with referee Mike Dean, when Spurs visit his former club Southampton on Saturday.

Spurs reached the last eight of the Champions League in midweek, but need to pick up their domestic form after taking just one point from the last nine available, a run which coincides with Harry Kane's return to fitness.

Arguably the most interesting clash of the weekend sees fifth placed Arsenal entertain fourth placed Manchester United in 90 minutes which could be vital to see who eventually qualify for next season's Champions League.

United travel to London after their incredible Champions League win over Paris Saint Germain and unbeaten in the League since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over from Jose Mourinho.

Solskjaer told the press on Friday that Antony Martial will be back from injury, as will Nemanja Matic and possibly Ander Herrera, but he will also be aware that his side has a much tougher run into the end of the season than Sunday's rivals.

Things have picked up at Chelsea over the past two weeks as highlighted by Thursday's 3-0 Europa League win over Dynamo Kiev, and Maurizio Sarri will expect three points against Wolves, who beat Chelsea in their first meeting of the season.

Elsewhere Brendan Rodgers makes his home debut as Leicester City coach at home to Fulham, where Scott Parker is in charge for his second match. The game comes after Rodgers' home in Scotland was burgled with his wife and daughter still inside, something he described as "horrendous".

Expect bad-feeling as Brighton visit Crystal Palace; a game between two sides with a long-standing rivalry which dates back to 1974.

Cardiff need to end a run of three defeats which has seen them ship 10 goals when they entertain West Ham, but will be without the influential Sol Bamba with a serious knee injury.

Finally bottom of the table, Huddersfield play at home to Bournemouth, while Newcastle entertain Everton.