Premier League Questions: Can Manchester City close the gap on leaders Chelsea? Is Arsenal's season on the verge of collapse?

With another huge round of Premier League contests ahead of us, we ponder 10 questions that will be answered by the end of Sunday...

Can Manchester City pass a real test of their title credentials to close gap on Chelsea?

With league leaders Chelsea competing in the Capital One Cup final, Manchester City have a real chance to close the gap at the top of the Premier League to just two points with victory at Liverpool.

Despite suffering their own European heartache at the hands of Barcelona, Manuel Pellegrini will hope the Reds are still reeling from their Europa League exit, with Dejan Lovren’s penalty costing the Merseysiders dear against Besiktas.

City will be hoping for a repeat of the impressive display they mustered against Liverpool last time out, with the champions earning a 3-1 win at the Etihad in August.

The omens are certainly on City’s side. Liverpool have won just two of the last 12 Premier League meetings against the men from the blue half of Manchester, but the Reds are a different proposition now, having not lost a league match since mid-December. It is certainly finely poised.

Is Arsenal’s season on the verge of collapse?

It seemed like the dream Champions League draw, but previously unfancied Monaco punished a severely lacklustre Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, and once again reignited the ill-feeling around the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger’s position had looked untenable earlier in the season but a return to form had appeased the Gunners faithful, albeit briefly.

Everton represent somewhat of a common foe for the Gunners. Wenger’s men have gone five matches without victory against the Toffees ahead of their meeting in north London on Sunday.

And another defeat could trigger ugly scenes at the Emirates, and leave the Gunners with a mountain to climb to snatch another top four finish.

Will Sunderland suffer a Manchester United backlash? Can United finally hit top form?

It all promised so much, but has any real progress been made at Old Trafford under Dutch supremo Louis van Gaal?

Without running the risk of an angry dossier being produced, United have flattered to deceive, but with a plethora of talent amongst their ranks, surely United will find top form sooner rather than later.

One win in nine, an open letter to fans pleading for support and a severe lack of goals - it is not going well on Wearside.

And if United click into gear on Saturday, Sunderland could be rolled over, and their relegation worries heightened yet further.

Will Tim Sherwood inspire Aston villa to pose more of an attacking threat? Can he get Christian Benteke firing?

Last week was technically Tim Sherwood's first game in charge of Aston Villa, and he was unable to instigate a change of fortunes, as prolfligacy in front of goal and error prone defending once again cost Villa dear against Stoke.

However, the former Tottenham boss didn’t really have time to exert his influence over his new side last time out, but has now had a full week to try to instil his more attacking philosophy.

Newcastle are a tough opponent on their own turf, but a humiliation at the hands of Manchester City last weekend may still be lingering in players minds, and Villa will be looking to capitalise.

Can Burnley make the headlines for the right reasons? Does Sean Dyche deserve more praise?

Burnley have never had to deal with such furore before, but in the aftermath of Jose Mourinho’s comments on last week’s clash at Stamford Bridge, the spotlight has been firmly fixed on the Lancashire side this week.

Boss Sean Dyche has won many plaudits for the way he responded to Mourinho's criticism of Ashley Barnes' tackle, but on a minimalist budget, the fact Burnley are still in with a fighting chance of staying up deserves more recognition.

With QPR not playing, avoiding defeat against a rejuvenated Swansea will see the Clarets move out of the bottom three.

Can West Ham turn their form around? Is European qualification slipping away from the Hammers?

Sam Allardyce has made of habit of proving the naysayers wrong throughout his time at West Ham.

However, just one win in nine league matches has seen the doubters rear their heads once again, with the less forgiving Hammers fans voicing their discontent.

London derbies do not represent happy hunting grounds for Saturday’s visitors Crystal Palace. Pardew’s men have won just one of their last eight capital clashes, but their record against the Hammers is much better.

European qualification is still a possibility for the Hammers, but they need to get back to winning ways, and fast.

Can Tony Pulis mastermind another well organised West Brom showing? Can Brown Ideye continue his fine form?

Don’t expect a great deal of goals at the Hawthorns on Saturday when West Brom welcome Southampton to the West Midlands.

Since Tony Pulis took over, the Baggies have lost just once in the Premier League, keeping four clean sheets in the process.

And with the Saints struggling in front of goal, notching just once in their last four league encounters, Baggies hitman Brown Ideye will be hoping to continue his resurgence on Saturday and bag the hosts another win.

Can Hull continue their return to form? Can newboy Dame N’Doye make it three in three?

What a week it was for Steve Bruce and Hull City.

It all started with a surprise draw at Manchester City, then two wins followed to steer the Tigers clear of the drop zone and ease the pressure on Bruce.

Key to amassing seven points in eight days is the new arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow Dame N’Doye.

The Senegalese striker had to take a big pay cut to join Hull, and further goals against notoriously inconsistent Stoke could bring an even broader smile to Bruce’s face.