For the first time since August, there is a different team atop the Premier League table. Manchester City’s win at the Emirates leapt the club over Arsenal to usurp first in the league. The two clubs are level on points, but City now holds a 10-goal advantage in the differential category. That being said, the Gunners do have a game in hand over City. However, Mikel Arteta’s side has just one point from its last three league games.
However, while the midweek talk surrounded the top of the table, the highlight fixture this weekend might just be at the bottom. Everton hosts Leeds United in a game with massive implications on the relegation battle for this season. After 22 games, Leeds holds a one-point edge on Everton, while the Toffees sit in the relegation zone. A Leeds win opens up a buffer on the drop, with Bournemouth and Southampton both on the road. An Everton win gets the club out of the drop zone for the first time since the new year.
Another key game this weekend is a battle of underdogs in the table. Fulham and Brighton, seventh and sixth in the table, respectively, are in a better position than clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool. European qualification is well within reach for both. Three points against one of those principal rivals would go a long way towards the end of the campaign.
Of course, the highlight game based on name alone is the Newcastle game against Liverpool. These two played out a phenomenal game earlier in the season at Anfield, with Liverpool winning at the death. However, Liverpool’s is still finding its footing after a brutal run of form. Newcastle’s defensive record may make that a little more challenging.
NBC coverage this weekend
Rebecca Lowe is behind the desk on both Saturday and Sunday, taking up a familiar spot alongside Robbie Earle and Tim Howard. The crew has pregame and postgame coverage for every single game at the weekend.
However, during the games, be sure to check out GOAL RUSH if you do not have a side in a game. The whiparound show follows one game, but dips into the others in the same kickoff window to show goals and other major moments. Goal Rush is only available on Peacock during the 10 a.m. kickoff window. There are six games at that time.
Also, in terms of 4K games this weekend, those are Newcastle against Liverpool on Saturday, and Sunday morning’s United-Leicester clash.
EPL commentators on NBC: Matchday 24
Saturday, Feb. 18
7:30 a.m. — Aston Villa vs. Arsenal. USA Network, Universo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Jim Proudfoot and Andy Townsend.
10 a.m. — Everton vs. Leeds United. USA Network, Universo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — David Stowell and Leon Osman.
10 a.m. — Nottingham Forest vs. Manchester City. Peacock Premium — Pien Meulensteen and Michael Brown.
10 a.m. — Brentford vs. Crystal Palace. Peacock Premium — Rob Palmer and Efan Ekoku.
10 a.m. — Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Fulham. Peacock Premium — Gary Taphouse and Tony Gale.
10 a.m. — Chelsea vs. Southampton. Peacock Premium — Tony Jones and Matt Upson.
10 a.m. — Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Bournemouth. Peacock Premium — Ian Crocker and Dave Edwards.
12:30 p.m. — Newcastle vs. Liverpool. NBC, Universo, Peacock Premium, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — IN 4K. — Peter Drury and Lee Dixon.
Sunday, Feb. 19
9 a.m. — Manchester United vs. Leicester City. USA Network, Telemundo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — IN 4K. — Steve Wilson and Jim Beglin.
11:30 a.m. — Tottenham vs. West Ham United. USA Network, Telemundo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Peter Drury and Graeme Le Saux.
