Premier League: 10 things to look out for this weekend

Guardian Sport

by Guardian sport

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Premier League weekend promises plenty of drama as teams jostle for positions in the table and key competitions. With fixtures ranging from high-stakes battles for Champions League qualification to fights against relegation, fans can expect excitement across the board. Aston Villa, currently third in the league, faces Leeds United in a clash that could prove pivotal in their quest for Champions League spots and the Europa League title. Meanwhile, other matches include Brentford vs. Brighton, Chelsea vs. Burnley, and West Ham vs. Bournemouth, each with unique storylines and stakes. Aston Villa, under manager Unai Emery, has shown inconsistency in high-pressure games. Despite an ugly win over Brighton, they have struggled to deliver under the spotlight, losing to 10-man Brentford and Everton recently. Their FA Cup exit to Newcastle further highlighted their issues under pressure. Now, with Marco Bizot’s controversial moment against Crystal Palace fresh in fans’ minds, Villa’s performance against Leeds will be crucial. The match presents an opportunity for them to regain momentum, but questions remain about whether they can handle the burden of expectation. Leeds United, fighting a rearguard action against relegation, face a tough test against Villa. Under new manager Jérémy Doku, they are looking to build consistency after a shaky start to the season. A win would be vital for their survival hopes, while a loss could deepen their struggles. Meanwhile, Brentford and Brighton’s clash sees two mid-table sides locked in a battle for European qualification. Brentford, buoyed by their resilient 1-0 victory over Villa despite playing with 10 men, will aim to extend their unbeaten streak. Brighton, on the other hand, look to recover from a narrow defeat at Anfield and build momentum ahead of their Europa League tie. Chelsea’s encounter with Burnley could be overshadowed by speculation surrounding Erling Haaland’s future.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/20/2026