The battle to finish in the top four reaches a head on Sunday when Newcastle United host Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle slipped to fourth place last weekend following a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa, but fifth-placed Tottenham then slipped up by losing 3-2 at home to Bournemouth.
Newcastle have 56 points from 30 games with Spurs three points worse off having played a game more.
Victory for Newcastle would be a huge step in their bid to return to the Champions League after a two-decade absence.
The fight for survival at the other end of the table continues with second-bottom, Leicester City, in desperate need of a home victory against mid-table, Wolverhampton Wanderers, after a dreadful run of eight defeats in nine league games.
Leicester, who appointed Dean Smith as interim manager last week, have 25 points from 31 games, with Southampton on 23 points and in danger of being marooned.
Third-bottom, Nottingham Forest (27 points), who are without a win in 10 league games, visit Liverpool today.
Everton, hovering just above the drop zone on goal difference, are at a Crystal Palace side seeking a fourth straight win since Roy Hodgson returned as interim manager.
Leeds United, who are two points above the relegation zone, travel to Fulham. –AFP
