Premier League: 5 talking points ahead of this gameweek

Top flight football will make its return to screens worldwide this coming weekend, following a busy few days of domestic cup action.

The Premier League enters its 23rd gameweek and makes only its second appearance of 2018, giving those who started the year off on a positive note an opportunity to continue their good form and those who got off on the wrong foot, a second chance to make amends.

There are sure to be many talking points following the conclusion of the round, though, even before it all kicks off, there is plenty for fans and pundits to discuss.

Here are five talking points likely to be on everyone's mind.

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#5 Will Manchester City's unbeaten streak come to an end?

'When will they lose?'

This is the number one question on everyone's mind in English football right now. The Citizens have an astounding record of 20 wins out of 22 games this season. They've drawn 2 and they put their near-perfect record on the line when they travel to Anfield this Sunday to face Liverpool.

The Reds may have lost star midfielder Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in midweek but still boast a strong team and history puts them in a strong position to beat City this weekend - Liverpool haven't lost to the Sky Blues at home in 15 years.

A 5-0 win in their previous encounter at the Etihad will be a good source of encouragement for Pep Guardiola and he will expect his side to look beyond records and simply get the job done. However, Liverpool, eager to uphold their own Anfield traditions, will be playing only for the win.

#4 Relegation battle continues

Carlos Carvalhal faces the tough task of keeping Swansea City up

With just two points separating the 13th and the 18th placed teams on the league table, it's fair to say that this season's relegation battle has more than a few unlucky customers. It also means that all eight teams remain under pressure to get the best results to remain in a position of safety.

Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion will undoubtedly feel the pressure as they occupy the 20th and the 19th place respectively and require at least two wins and favourable results to escape the danger zone.

Swansea and West Brom face Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, respectively, with only 3 points on their minds. Meanwhile, the teams above them will know that the only way to avoid being dragged into the red-zone is to achieve a victory.

#3 Will Alexis Sánchez still be an Arsenal player?

Arsenal could reportedly lose Sánchez to a rival club this month

Arsenal may be turning their focus onto a tricky encounter away at Bournemouth on Sunday. However, speculation linking star man Alexis Sánchez with a move to one of the club's rivals just won't go away.

It's been recently revealed that the two Manchester clubs are locking horns for the striker's signature and should the Gunners allow him to leave, he could be spoilt for choice with both clubs interested.

The questions, though, remain as to when a move will materialize. Will it happen before the Chilean's side's trip to Bournemouth and if so, would it disturb Arsenal's focus ahead of the match?

#2 Winless runs that must come to an end

Burnley's Sean Dyche seeks his side's first win in five matches

There are currently three teams - Burnley, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion - that carry the unwanted record of having no wins in the last five or more Premier League games.

Burnley are an exact five games without a win while Southampton will be looking to avoid making it no wins in ten. West Brom haven't won a single league game since August.

All three sides will be out to put their fruitless runs to bed, as Burnley and the Saints face respective away trips to Crystal Palace and Watford and West Brom host Brighton at the Hawthorns.

There is no easy fixture the English top flight, meaning a great sense of relief will surely be felt if they end their winless runs.

#1 Kane vs Salah: Who will come out on top?

18 goals make Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane the league's top scorer

It may not be given too much media coverage, considering it isn't a battle of equals but there is certainly an individual goal-scoring face-off between Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah. The Tottenham Hotspur striker is the league's top scorer, with 18 goals and hot on his heels with 17 goals, is the Liverpool winger.

Salah has been magical for Liverpool this season.

Both the forwards are fit to feature for their respective clubs this weekend as Spurs tackle Everton and Liverpool clash with Manchester City and both will be key to their side's chances of coming away with a win, as it has been their goals that have carried their respective sides.

One can certainly put their money on both strikers scoring in their games, with the big question being who will come out on top on with more goals and top the goal-scoring charts?