Top-four battle heats up for Premier League’s big spenders

Not so merry Mahrez

Leicester were hampered at Goodison Park by the absence of Riyad Mahrez, who reportedly handed in a transfer request due to City’s interest in a bid to force his way out of the club.

Mahrez also submitted a transfer request at the end of last season, but Foxes boss Claude Puel believes the Algerian can be cheered up in time to face Swansea on Saturday.

“All the players and staff will help him to come back with a smile and to enjoy his football,” said the Frenchman.

Chopping City down to size

City’s chase of Mahrez began after Leroy Sane was ruled out for at least six weeks with ankle ligament damage.

Pep Guardiola’s call for referees to protect players from dangerous challenges fell on deaf ears as Kevin De Bruyne and Brahim Diaz escaped from lunges by James McLean and Matt Phillips in Wednesday’s routine 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion as City moved 15 points clear at the top.

Fantasy football alert! ?@Laporte is now available in the @OfficialFPL! #WelcomeAymeric pic.twitter.com/ddwqfSlPO7

— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 31, 2018

“I think, as the coach says, the referees have to do their job and if it’s a red card they have to give the red card,” said City midfielder Bernardo Silva. “They are not doing that over the last few months.”

City could be in for another bruising encounter when they travel to face a Burnley side seeking their first win of the year.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Burnley v Manchester City (1230 GMT), Bournemouth v Stoke, Brighton v West Ham, Leicester v Swansea, Manchester United v Huddersfield, West Brom v Southampton, Arsenal v Everton (1730 GMT)

Sunday

Crystal Palace v Newcastle United (1415 GMT), Liverpool v Tottenham (1630 GMT)

Monday

Watford v Chelsea (2000)