With the Premier League season entering its final stretch, this is a week that could define both the title race and several Fantasy squads.

Arsenal can go one step closer as they host relegated Burnley. Bukayo Saka and the Gunners defence should rack up plenty of points

Beware that this gameweek starts tonight and there are also no Saturday matches with the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Chelsea taking place. Those two clubs play Bournemouth and Tottenham respectively on Tuesday.

In the RG Fantasy League, Jake Fisher's Bermuda Blue Army remains at the head of the table by 17 points over M Louise Payne.

Friday

Aston Villa v Liverpool (8pm)

Fourth-place Liverpool travel to fifth-place Villa with both hoping to tie down Champions League qualification. Ollie Watkins has three goals and an assist in his past four games and is worth considering.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Mohamed Salah are reportedly in contention after injury

Prediction: 1-1

Sunday

Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (11.30am)

United have been one of the better sides in the division over the final months and Bruno Fernandes is a consistent points scorer going into the last gameweek. Forest are now safe from relegation and after also being knocked out in the Europa League semi-final, they may down tools.

The fitness of United’s Benjamin Sesko and Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is worth monitoring.

Prediction: 2-0

Brentford v Crystal Palace (11am)

Palace come into this off the back of a heavy midweek defeat to City and rotation remains a concern ahead of their Europa Conference League final.

Brentford at home are a difficult proposition and only five players have more points in this competition than Igor Thiago, who is an attractive proposition here. Unless you know Palace’s team sheet now, it might be wise to avoid some of their top assets who may be rested.

Prediction: 2-1

Everton v Sunderland (11am)

Everton's slim European hopes rest on other teams dropping points but they will want a positive end to the season in front of their own supporters. Sunderland have little left to play for and neither side offers compelling Fantasy options, although Everton’s forwards are worth a look in a favourable home fixture.

Prediction: 2-0

Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion (11am)

Brighton have lost just one of their last seven games and Jack Hinshelwood continues to offer excellent value in midfield. Leeds have shown fight all season and do not look the type of team to coast the final two game. Danny Welbeck remains a reliable FPL option for those without him, and this fixture looks kind enough to back Brighton's attackers.

Prediction: 1-2

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Fulham (11am)

Fulham are heavy favourites against a Wolves side that have had a wretched campaign. With nothing to play for, Wolves offer little FPL interest and Fulham’s players are hardly prolific in any department

Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle United v West Ham United (4.30pm)

Newcastle safe in mid-table and probably nothing short of a win will be good enough for relegation-threatened West Ham.

Anthony Gordon's fitness remains the key variable and if he starts, he is worth consideration given West Ham’s defensive frailties.

West Ham also need goals if they are to survive and a lot rides on Jarrod Bowen’s ability to find the back of the net

Prediction: 2-1

Monday

Arsenal v Burnley (8pm)

The standout fixture of the week from an FPL perspective. Arsenal need a win to keep the title in their hands and face one of the division’s worst sides.

Bukayo Saka is the premium pick if fit and available, while Viktor Gyökeres has been exceptional leading the line. The Gunners’ defensive assets — William Saliba, Gabriel and David Raya — are almost certain to keep clean sheets and your captain should come from Arsenal this week

Prediction: 3-0

Tuesday

Bournemouth v Manchester City (3.30pm)

City, who could be five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand by the time of this game, simply must win.

The temptation is to include Erling Haaland, but Bournemouth have been on an incredible unbeaten run and have an outside chance of a Champions League spot. Defender Marcos Senesi has been their best asset all season but a clean sheet may be unlikely here.

Prediction: 1-1

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (3.15pm)

There could be a lot riding on this with Tottenham still not safe from relegation and Chelsea chasing down a European competition spot. Chelsea have been poor of late and Spurs have at least steadied the ship. Neither side offers much in the way of reliable FPL returns, although Tottenham may need goals.

Prediction: 1-1