UCL battle in the Premier League: Man Utd and Liverpool desperately need to win

Sunday in the Premier League brings drama across the table: a battle for the UEFA Champions League places, a scramble for European spots, and a tense fight to avoid the drop.

The headline clash takes place at Old Trafford, where Manchester United and Aston Villa - third and fourth with 51 points each - face off in what feels like a direct shootout for a Champions League berth (5 pm).

Villa spent much of the season in third and even flirted with the title race alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, but injuries to key players slowed their momentum, allowing United to close the gap.

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Since taking charge, Michael Carrick has sparked a revival at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have taken 19 of the last 24 points since mid-January, putting themselves firmly in the hunt with nine matches left to play.

Carrick, however, insists there is no room for long-term calculations, even with the possibility that fifth place could still secure Champions League football depending on European results and the final country coefficient.

"You go game by game and try to win," Carrick said. "You can't play for fourth or fifth. You enter every match asking: what can we do to win today?"

Villa boss Unai Emery welcomes back captain John McGinn, though midfielders Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans remain sidelined. The Spaniard knows exactly how dangerous United have become under Carrick.

"They look more relaxed and confident," Emery said. "They're well organised and improving every week."

Villa already beat United 2-1 at Villa Park earlier this season and will attempt something they have not achieved in 71 years - a league double over the Red Devils.

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Later on, attention shifts to Anfield, where Liverpool host a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side.

For Liverpool, the equation is simple: win and move closer to the Champions League. For Spurs, the mission is more urgent - survival!

There is also a slice of history on the line: victory would mark Liverpool's 1,500th league win at Anfield.

Manager Arne Slot insists expectations remain sky-high regardless of the opponent.

"Even if Tottenham were top of the table, people would still expect us to win here," Slot said. "That's what Liverpool's history demands."

Both sides arrive slightly bruised from midweek European setbacks: Spurs after a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid, Liverpool following a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray, with return legs looming next week.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 30

Saturday

Burnley - Bournemouth 0-0

Sunderland - Brighton 0-1 (0-0)

/Minteh 58/

Arsenal - Everton 2-0 (0-0)

/Gyokeres 89, Dowman 90+7/

Chelsea - Newcastle 0-1 (0-1)

/Gordon 18/

West Ham - Manchester City 1-1 (1-1)

/Mavropanos 35 - Silva 31/

Sunday

17.00: (2.50) Crystal Palace (3.25) Leeds (2.90)

17.00: (1.80) Man.Utd. (4.00) Aston Villa (4.50)

17.00: (2.25) Nott.Forest (3.50) Fulham (3.40)

19.30: (1.33) Liverpool (5.50) Tottenham (8.50)

Monday

23.00: (1.60) Brentford (3.90) Wolverhampton (5.80)

***odds are subject to change***