Another weekend of Premier League football kicks off at 3pm on Saturday afternoon, and there are a number of intriguing storylines at both ends of the table.
Below, Sports Mole picks out three individuals who will be receiving extra attention from fans and pundits when their respective sides return to action.
1. Harry Redknapp
Returning to Loftus Road on Saturday will be a welcome relief for Harry Redknapp and Queens Park Rangers, who suffered a 10th successive away defeat in the Premier League against Burnley last weekend. It was another disappointing trip for QPR, and it could prove to be a turning point in the club's season as they look to protect their top-flight status.
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Just days after the loss reports suggested that the pressure on Redknapp had risen, with some club directors rumoured to have instructed owner Tony Fernandes to dismiss the manager as soon as possible. Redknapp could be the man who keeps QPR up and he might be at the club for a bit longer yet, but in football, there's rarely smoke without fire. If the reports are true, a poor result against Manchester United on Saturday could see QPR begin the search for a new manager. A shock win could mean the opposite.
If Redknapp can inspire his players to produce another impressive home performance, Redknapp will be buying time at a crucial stage of the season, and it could be the kind of result which gives QPR a vital boost in their battle to avoid the drop. They currently sit 19th and could be bottom by the end of the weekend. It's a big weekend for Redknapp.
2. Sergio Aguero
There's little doubt that Sergio Aguero is one the Premier League's best players, if not the best, and Manchester City missed him while he was out for a month with a knee injury. Their results were good in his absence, but the fact is that the champions just are not as good without him in the side. He returned last week as a second-half substitute in a 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison Park, and he could be thrown back into the starting lineup this weekend as City look to chip away at Chelsea's two-point lead at the top of the table.
Manuel Pellegrini would be forgiven if he decided against starting Aguero against Arsenal, despite it being such a big game for both sides. His fitness is crucial for City if they are to achieve their goals this season, but it would be a surprise to see him left on the bench for Sunday's game at the Etihad Stadium. Aguero is City's talisman. When they need a match-turning moment, they turn to Aguero. We all remember how City won the title in 2012. Unlike his colleagues on this list, Aguero doesn't head into this game under any extra pressure, but all eyes will certainly be on him when the first whistle is blown.
3. Christian Benteke
Before Christian Benteke returned from an Achilles injury, Aston Villa's lack of goals was concerning but understandable. The Belgian has been back long enough to find full fitness, but the fact is that we still haven't seen the best of him in a Villa shirt this season. As a result, Paul Lambert's side are struggling. For a couple of years goals have been the problem for Villa, and their lack of a clinical edge is clear for all to see once again. In 21 Premier League games this season, Villa have only managed to find the net on 11 occasions. That simply isn't good enough, and they are perhaps slightly fortunate to be sitting in 13th spot. However, they are just three points clear of the bottom three and another long battle to avoid relegation could be on the cards.
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If Villa are to steer clear of the relegation zone, Benteke will be key. That statement won't come as a surprise to anyone. On his day, the 24-year-old is capable of terrorising any Premier League defence. Two goals in 11 appearances isn't a good enough record for a player of his quality, although he perhaps deserves some sympathy after battling a serious injury. Villa's lack of creativity is also to blame. Players like Tom Cleverley, Joe Cole, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann need to create more chances for Benteke, who has looked a frustrated figure in recent matches.
Villa haven't scored in any of their previous five games, and they will look to end that run against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon. The fans are right to point out that there is more than one problem in the squad, but it's the lack of goals which will continue to dominate headlines. Benteke's importance to the club is greater than ever.
Callum Mulvihill
