LONDON, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Although Arsenal and Manchester City can leave their struggles for the Premier League title behind them on Sunday as they battle it out in the Carabao Cup final, there are still eight league games over the weekend with the European places and the struggle to avoid dropping into the Championship very much in the spotlight.

Manchester United's win at home to Aston Villa last weekend put Michael Carrick's side in an excellent position to finish in third place, but to consolidate that Carrick's side has a difficult visit to Bournemouth.

Bournemouth is unbeaten in its last 10 league games, although the team coached by Andoni Iraola has drawn four of its last five, with the match given extra interest by the fact Iraola has been mentioned as a possible long-term replacement for Manchester United if the club decides against giving Carrick the coaching job on a permanent basis.

Aston Villa remains fourth in the standings, but Unai Emery's side is showing signs of tiredness after three consecutive league defeats and has a tough game at home to West Ham United.

West Ham's draw at home to Manchester City last weekend left it in the relegation zone, but drew Nuno Espiritu Santo's side level on points with Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest, boosted by progress into the Europa League quarterfinals on Thursday, faces a potentially decisive game away to Tottenham who goes into the weekend with just one point more, but after a more positive week under coach Igor Tudor.

Tudor looked set for the sack before last weekend's 1-1 draw away to Liverpool, but that point and a battling (albeit ultimately futile) 3-2 win at home to Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, imply the team has turned a corner and Sunday will show if that is the case.

Liverpool is currently fifth and travels to play an improving Brighton side with three wins in its last four games. Liverpool cruised into the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Wednesday but has dropped points to late goals in its last two league games and has only won once in its last five visits to the Amex Stadium.

Pressure is starting to build on Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior after last weekend's defeat to Newcastle and a 3-0 Champions League thrashing at home to Paris Saint Germain.

Rosenior needs his side to show far more concentration in defense for a tough visit to Everton, who will be happy to surrender possession and sit deep.

Chelsea can expect a hostile reception after it was only handed a fine and a temporary academy transfer ban for breeches of regulation much worse than those which saw Everton docked six points last season.

A slip up from Chelsea could see Brentford challenge for a European place, although Keith Andrews' impressive side has a tough visit to play Leeds United that is also involved in a struggle against relegation.

Leeds will have to keep a tight reign on Brentford striker Igor Thiago if it is to take three vital points.

Finally, Newcastle United has to put its 7-2 defeat to Barcelona behind it quickly ahead of Sunday's game at home to Sunderland as local pride is at stake in the Tyne-Wear derby, which is arguably the fiercest and most passionate local rivalry in the English game. ■