London: Matchweek 13 in the Premier League brings a high-stakes London derby as second-placed Chelsea welcome leaders Arsenal, while Manchester City attempts to steady itself after a bruising week, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces growing scrutiny over his side’s alarming form.

Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on the back of an outstanding seven days, a 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the league, followed by a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s team sit six points clear at the top of the league and lead their European group. The Gunners also have key players Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli available again, with former Chelsea winger Madueke expected to be eager for a strong performance.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continues to surge under Enzo Maresca. Their 3-0 dismantling of Barcelona in Europe highlighted their growing confidence and pace in transition — a key factor that could shape Sunday’s derby.

An Arsenal win could stretch their lead to nine points over Chelsea and ensure at least a seven-point advantage overall, depending on Manchester City’s result against Leeds United.

City enters the weekend after back-to-back defeats — last weekend’s Premier League loss at Newcastle, followed by a 2-0 home reverse against Bayer Leverkusen. Pep Guardiola rotated heavily in midweek and expects to restore several regular starters. Leeds United, however, arrive struggling after slipping into the relegation zone following three straight losses and an intimidating fixture list ahead.

Liverpool also remains under intense focus after a disastrous week at Anfield, conceding seven goals across a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven. The run of nine defeats in 12 matches has prompted speculation over Slot’s position, with some pundits questioning how long the club will persist with him. A revitalised West Ham United under Nuno Espírito Santo — now out of the relegation zone — will pose a stiff test.

Manchester United are reeling too, after a humiliating defeat to 10-man Everton on Monday. The performance has again put pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, and an away trip to fifth-placed Crystal Palace offers little comfort. United need wins in such fixtures to keep their European hopes alive.

Aston Villa, up to fourth, look to deepen the woes of winless Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Midlands derby. Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is also under early pressure after a meek loss to Arsenal and a heavy 5-0 midweek defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, making victory against Fulham essential.

Elsewhere, Brentford will fancy their chances of climbing the table against a struggling Burnley side on a three-match losing streak. Sunderland host Bournemouth with both clubs seeking to reverse their recent dip, Nottingham Forest — transformed since Sean Dyche’s arrival — take on Brighton, and Everton welcome Newcastle United in what promises to be a tight contest.