LONDON, March 8 -- The round of Premier League this weekend could well see the battle to win the Champions League have an influence over the title race as Manchester City and Liverpool both face home matches days before key European ties.

Premier League leaders Manchester City are at home to Watford and will expect all three points, although City coach Pep Guardiola will be aware that just four days later their European future is on the line when Schakle 04 visit the Ethiad Stadium.

Kevin de Bruyne is still out for City, along with Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte, while John Stones is unlikely to be risked given that Nicolas Otamendi is suspended in midweek.

Liverpool could kick off Sunday's home game against Burnley four points behind Manchester City and coach Jurgen Klopp can't be happy that his side's game has been scheduled for Sunday when they have a Champions League visit to play Bayern Munich the following week.

Liverpool's title campaign has slipped in recent week, with last weekend's draw against local rivals Everton again provoking doubts over their mentality as they look to win their first league title in 30 years.

Speaking to the press on Friday, Klopp preferred to focus on the Burnley game: "we want to be in a position to fight for the top spot in the league and we are still in it and that's all we need to be positive, to be optimistic, to be excited about the challenge. Our only problem this weekend is Burnley, actually, and that's enough," he said.

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