The English Premier League finally returned this weekend following the lengthy international break, but the best of the action is still to come, with the famous Super Sunday fixtures set to unfold later today.
Super Sunday will provide four intriguing fixtures that hold major stakes at both ends of the table, with teams battling against relegation, fighting for European qualification and involved in the title race.
Read on for Bet9ja’s biggest talking points ahead of the Super Sunday action getting underway.
Instant impact needed: De Zerbi’s Tottenham test
Tottenham Hotspur are a club in crisis, remarkably battling for their top-flight survival with just seven games remaining of the 2025/26 English Premier League season.
After Igor Tudor’s disastrous and brief spell at the helm, Tottenham made the decision to dismiss the manager and appoint Roberto De Zerbi during the international break, and the Italian will be looking to make an instant impact when they face Sunderland.
A victory would lift the spirits of the club and provide much needed belief of securing their survival in the games that remain, while another defeat would extend their winless run in the league in 2026 and further destroy the mood of the supporters.
However, Sunderland have been formidable at home this season, losing just three of their 15 home league fixtures, leaving Tottenham without a tough task.
Will the pressure continue to build on Eddie Howe?
Eddie Howe has started to come under pressure from a section of Newcastle United fans after a disappointing season to date, with the Magpies down in 12th in the table and having consistently produced uninspiring performances throughout the campaign, including losing both clashes with rivals Sunderland.
One of those defeats came in their last match before the international break, which followed a crushing 7-2 loss to Barcelona in the Champions League, two results which increased pressure on Howe’s position.
Now faced with the task of overcoming Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, another defeat and lacklustre performance could see that pressure continue to build on Howe’s role, while a win may mark the beginning of the team moving back in the right direction.
Forest vs Villa: Stakes high at both ends
Nottingham Forest take on Aston Villa in a clash that holds major stakes at both ends of the English Premier League table, with the Tricky Trees battling against relegation and the Villans fighting for Champions League qualification.
A win for Forest would significantly strengthen their chances of survival, especially depending on Tottenham Hotspur’s result against Sunderland, while Aston Villa would climb back into third place, at least before Manchester United’s game on Monday, if they take the victory.
Chelsea chase Champions League as Man City eye shock title charge
Champions League-chasing Chelsea have struggled in recent weeks, winning just one of their last six English Premier League outings, causing the Blues to fall out of the top five into sixth place.
A streak-snapping victory could be vital to their Champions League hopes, especially as Liverpool continue to stumble and show signs of weakness, but Liam Rosenior’s side face a rejuvenated Manchester City.
The title race appeared all but over as Arsenal extended their lead to nine points, but Man City comfortably beat the Gunners in the EFL Cup final before the international break, providing Pep Guardiola’s side with new-found belief.
While the gap is nine points, Man City have a game in hand and are also set to face Arsenal in the final games of the season, meaning that gap could be closed to just three points.
As a result, the Citizens will have full belief that they are still firmly in the title race, and building on back-to-back victories over the Gunners and Liverpool by defeating Chelsea will be a strong signal of their intent.
