LA Galaxy coach Greg Vanney acknowledges his side are no longer the powerhouse they once were in MLS, as his out-of-form team prepare for a derby clash with Los Angeles FC this weekend.

The LA rivals will play out the latest edition of El Trafico at Dignity Health Sports Park on Sunday, with Galaxy looking to arrest a dismal start to the 2023 season.

Galaxy are winless in their first six MLS matches, with three draws and three defeats leaving them just above the foot of the Western Conference.

It almost a decade since Galaxy were the dominant force in the competition, and with LAFC's own MLS Cup success last term, they have been supplanted as the dominant force in southern California since the latter's arrival in 2018.

Vanney said: "We understand where we're at, and we understand where we're going, and we also understand the context of the situation.

"There are now 29 teams in the league that are also trying to do the same thing. This is no longer a league of 12 teams or 19 teams of which the Galaxy is the spender.

"We're in a league with a lot of very ambitious clubs and teams and, some that have [spent] are ahead of us in terms of making roster decisions who have settled their groups in."

Steve Cherundolo, meanwhile, is paying no attention to the difference in ladder position between the two sides ahead of their encounter.

Instead, the LAFC boss is expecting the usual feisty derby and hard-fought battle for points.

"It's always competitive," he said. "We will always see the best of the Galaxy. We expect much of the same on Sunday."

The pair split the win share equally in four games last term, though it was LAFC who claimed El Trafico's most crucial game in the play-offs last year.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

LA Galaxy – Riqui Puig

Former Barcelona midfielder Puig has been busy in attack, even if he has lacked the reward, having made 37 attempts to take on defenders this season.

Puig has been successful on 24 occasions. No player with 25 or more attempts this season has a higher success rate than Puig, with 64.8 per cent.

LAFC – Carlos Vela

Vela has scored 10 goals in 11 career MLS appearances against the Galaxy, the joint-best for any player against a single opponent since LAFC joined the league in 2018.

That said, he has not found the back of the net in any of his last four meetings in El Trafico, marking something of a barren run for him.

MATCH PREDICTION – LAFC WIN

Galaxy and LAFC each claimed victory in their two home matches against the other in 2022, including the latter's 3-2 win during the play-offs. Eight of the 16 MLS meetings between the sides have featured at least five goals, including each of the last two.

Galaxy have earned just three points in their first six matches this season (W0 D3 L3), matching their worst-ever record for fewest points at this stage of a season, set during the 1997 campaign.

LAFC have won their first four home matches this MLS season but have played out scoreless draws in both of their away games. Prior to those last two encounters, none of their first 77 away trips in MLS had finished without at least one goal.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

LA Galaxy - 34.5 per cent

LAFC - 38.1 per cent

Draw - 27.4 per cent

Erling Haaland matched Mohamed Salah's scoring record in a 38-game Premier League season as Manchester City swatted aside lowly Leicester City 3-1.

Free-scoring City had the game won by the 25th minute at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, with Haaland scoring twice after John Stones' stunning opener.

Subbed off at half-time, Haaland has now netted 32 league goals this season, matching Salah's haul from the 2017-18 campaign. 

Sloppy defending allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to grab a consolation for Leicester in Dean Smith's first match in charge, with the former City striker hitting the post in stoppage time as the hosts rather staggered over the line to reduce Arsenal's lead to three points.

City enjoyed 93 per cent possession in the opening five minutes and were rewarded when Stones arched a brilliant left-footed strike into the right-hand corner.

Leicester's slim chances of snatching a much-needed shock victory were further dented when Wilfred Ndidi was deemed to have handled from Jack Grealish's cross.

Haaland slammed away the resulting penalty, and had his second 12 minutes later, brilliantly collecting in Kevin De Bruyne's throughball and lifting a cute finish over Daniel Iversen.

With an eye on the midweek trip to Bayern Munich, Pep Guardiola took the chance to rest both of his goalscorers at half-time.

Rodri joined Stones and Haaland in earning a rest shortly after, with Kalvin Phillips handed a rare league appearance, although City's composure turned to complacency when Iheanacho tapped in after Harry Souttar's header was saved by Ederson.

James Maddison missed a golden chance to set up a grandstand finish when he failed to beat Ederson, before Iheanacho struck the woodwork between two hopeful penalty appeals, albeit Leicester's resurgence was too little, too late.

What does it mean? Almost too easy for City

Guardiola will not have been happy with his side’s display in the second half, albeit the stuttering nature of their performance can in large part be put down to the amount of changes made.

The first half was a different matter altogether. City purred, having eight shots, scoring with all three they got on target and registering 1.9 expected goals to Leicester's 0.22.

Leicester's new interim boss Smith, meanwhile, will target matches elsewhere as he looks to drag the Foxes out of danger, though his team had their chances to make a fight of it late on.

Another record tumbles

Haaland's goal tally for the season now stands at 47. The British single-season record stands at 63, scored by Everton legend Dixie Dean back in the 1920s, and you would not bet against the 22-year-old surpassing it.

His next top-flight goal will see him set a record for the most scored in a 38-game Premier League campaign, while he is only two short of the outright competition record, which is shared by Alan Shearer and Andrew Cole.

Ton up for De Bruyne

De Bruyne was the creator of Haaland's second goal, nipping in ahead of the lacklustre Ndidi to steal the ball in midfield before playing a perfect pass through to City's superstar striker.

It brought up De Bruyne's 100th Premier League assist for City, while it was the eighth time the Belgium international has teed up Haaland in the competition.

What's next?

City travel to Bavaria for that game against Bayern, while Leicester face Wolves next Saturday.

Napoli dropped rare points in their quest for the Serie A title as Luciano Spalletti's leaders were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Hellas Verona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

With Spalletti managing his squad ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Milan, fit-again striker Victor Osimhen began on the bench alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. 

Napoli lacked inspiration in a low-key affair and went closest after the late introduction of their star duo, Osimhen rattling the crossbar with a terrific volley.

While Napoli's first Scudetto since 1990 appears a formality with their lead at the summit standing at 14 points, Spalletti will demand far better with their European dreams on the line next time out.

Napoli thought they had the lead when Matteo Politano's drive deflected in after 20 minutes, but the goal was ruled out due to the offside Mathias Olivera interfering with the play.

Alex Meret was forced to push a rasping long-range strike from Kevin Lasagna away as the break approached, with the depleted hosts struggling to create during a flat opening period.

Napoli skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo nodded narrowly wide from Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's cross 56 minutes in, before Giacomo Raspadori sent a prodded effort off-target.

Spalletti introduced Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen – the latter for his first club appearance in almost a month – as Napoli grew more desperate, but the relegation-threatened visitors continued to stand firm.

Osimhen almost enjoyed a dream return when he struck a fierce volley from the edge of the area with eight minutes left, but his strike crashed off the woodwork and away as Verona held on – even missing a glorious chance to snatch the win when Cyril Ngonge shot wide from a rapid break.

Dango Ouattara's dramatic late strike snatched a 3-2 win for Bournemouth over Tottenham in a Premier League thriller on Saturday.

Arnaut Danjuma looked to have salvaged a point for Spurs with an 89th-minute equaliser after goals from Matias Vina and Dominic Solanke put the Cherries in front following Son Heung-min's opener.

But Ouattara had the final say with a superbly composed finish in the fifth minute of stoppage time to hand Gary O'Neil's side three precious points in their battle to stay in the top flight.

Defeat is the latest setback for Spurs in their quest to qualify for the Champions League, with key clashes against rivals Newcastle United and Manchester United to come.

Julio Enciso hit a sensational winner as Brighton and Hove Albion boosted their European qualification hopes with a 2-1 victory at Chelsea in the Premier League.

Paraguayan teenager Enciso's 30-yard strike in the 69th minute completed a turnaround as the Seagulls claimed their first league win at Stamford Bridge and moved within four points of fifth-placed Tottenham.

The hosts had led through Conor Gallagher's wickedly deflected effort, but that was cancelled out by substitute Danny Welbeck before half-time.

Despite ending a three-game scoreless streak, Chelsea remain 11th in the table under caretaker boss Frank Lampard and are now without a win in six matches.

Brighton carried the greater threat early on. Alexis Mac Allister twice shot wide from close range, while Evan Ferguson's 20-yard effort rattled the crossbar.

After weathering the early storm, Chelsea broke through in the 13th minute following a sweeping move that saw Mykhailo Mudryk feed Gallagher, whose first-time shot looped in via Lewis Dunk.

The visitors threatened to level with Kepa Arrizabalaga producing smart reflex saves to thwart Ferguson and Kaoru Mitoma. But the equaliser eventually arrived three minutes before the break when Welbeck headed in a deep cross from Pascal Gross.

Chelsea almost regained their advantage in stoppage time, but the woodwork kept out Christian Pulisic's fierce header.

Brighton were the more positive of the two sides again after the break. They almost nudged ahead on the hour mark, with the persistent Enciso hitting the post before Welbeck sent the rebound over, while Mudryk called Robert Sanchez into action at the other end.

But the Seagulls edged their noses ahead in emphatic fashion with what proved to be the winning goal, Enciso unleashing a thunderbolt that left Kepa grasping at thin air.

Bayern Munich's eventful week took another turn on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 Bundesliga draw at home by lowly Hoffenheim.  

Thomas Tuchel's side suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City in midweek, with more headlines made after the match when Sadio Mane allegedly punched team-mate Leroy Sane in the dressing room, leading to a fine and suspension for the Senegal international.

There were no signs of disharmony in the early stages at the Allianz Arena, though, as Benjamin Pavard put Bayern ahead with a simple finish.

Yet Andrej Kramaric's 71st-minute free-kick restored parity and, with Pavard having a would-be-winner disallowed for offside, though Borussia Dortmund's failure to beat Stuttgart ensured the defending champions retained a two-point lead.

Bayern's early dominance was rewarded in the 17th minute when Pavard controlled Kingsley Coman's skewed shot and poked past Oliver Baumann from eight yards.

The hosts continued to look comfortable after that, yet the only chance of note they created before the interval was Serge Ganbry's powerful drive from outside the penalty area that fizzed past Baumann's right-hand post. 

Coman tested Baumann from distance soon after the restart, while the Hoffenheim goalkeeper tipped Joao Cancelo's strike around the upright shortly after the hour mark. 

Baumann's excellence set the stage for Kramaric to steal a point for the visitors, the Croatia international's 25-yard free-kick proving too precise for Yann Sommer to keep out.

Pavard thought he had restored Bayern's lead moments later, yet his back-post finish was ruled out, as Bayern's indifferent start to life under Tuchel continued.

A weakened Milan side were held to a 1-1 draw in Serie A by Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

With their focus clearly on the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie with Napoli, Stefano Pioli's side made 10 changes and fell behind to a Nicola Sansone strike inside the opening minute.

The early goal sparked some life into Milan's understudies, with Tomasso Pobega's fierce strike levelling the scores before the break.

Neither side could find a winning goal in the second half, with honours even and a result Bologna will be happier with.

Milan heavily rotated from the opening leg win against Napoli, only Mike Maignan retaining his spot between the posts, and he was picking the ball out the back of the net after just 33 seconds when Sansone met Stefan Posch's low cross and smashed home.

The visitors responded strongly, dominating possession, with Ante Rebic heading straight at Lukasz Skorupski before the Bologna shot stopper was forced into a diving save from Alessandro Florenzi's curling free-kick.

Milan's equaliser came five minutes before the break, Bologna unable to clear their lines properly and Pobega unleashing a fierce shot that cannoned off the inside of the left-hand post and into the back of the net.

A much quieter second half saw limited clear-cut opportunities for both sides, with Milan's attempts to pepper Skorupski's goal seeing a number of efforts fail to provide any sort of threat to the Polish keeper.

Rebic came closest to an equaliser, though not through skill as the chance instead saw an attempted clearance strike his head but fly wide of the mark, much to the relief of the home side.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said he was "not really looking for positives" but instead "for a response" after his side's 3-0 loss at Aston Villa.

OIlie Watkins continued his superb form for Villa as Unai Emery's team claimed a fifth straight Premier League win on Saturday.

Third-placed Newcastle were second-best throughout at Villa Park, with Villa leading the way in shots (15 to eight), attempts on target (six to two) and expected goals (1.87 to 0.57). Indeed, the hosts also hit the woodwork twice and had a goal disallowed.

It snapped a five-game winning streak for Newcastle, who suffered their heaviest defeat in the league since losing 5-0 to Manchester City in May of last year.

With a home game against top-four rivals Tottenham next up, Howe wants a reaction.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Howe said: "We were off our best levels right from the start. Aston Villa are a good team and we never got going.

"We've been consistently excellent this season, this is the first dip we've had; it can happen and we have to react.

"We were just off it in every respect. We've got a massive game next week. I'm not really looking for positives, I'm looking for a response."

Villa, meanwhile, have won five Premier League games on the bounce for the first time since the 1997-98 campaign.

The win moved them onto 50 points from 31 games, which is the earliest they have reached this total since the 2009-10 season, when they finished sixth, the position they will occupy for at least another week, just six points off the Champions League places.

Watkins was again their main man, netting a second-half double after teeing up Jacob Ramsey's opener. Since the restart following the World Cup, the former Brentford striker has been involved in more Premier League goals than any other player (15).

"We are on a great run at the moment we are playing good football," Watkins told BT Sport.

"Newcastle are a great side so it shows the levels we are at. We are enjoying it at the moment.

"[We are] trusting team-mates in tight areas and if we make mistakes we go again. Real togetherness in the team and looking forward to games to come."

Liverpool have "nothing to lose" as they look to end a dire run of form against Premier League strugglers Leeds United at Elland Road, so says Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds travel to Yorkshire having gone five games without a win across all competitions (D2 L3), a run which saw Klopp's men begin the weekend 12 points adrift of the top four.

Green shoots of recovery were visible as Liverpool fought back from 2-0 down to salvage a draw against leaders Arsenal last time out, but Klopp knows the Reds must make changes to get back to their best.

"We have nothing to lose really. We are in a position where we don't want to be in the table, that means we have to act a little bit like this," he said.

"We had a long training week and now we have to make sure that we do the right stuff and bring it on the pitch. All the things are on the table, everything is clear.

"Our home record is not as bad as the away record but we play away. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the game and it's a tough one."

Leeds looked to be pulling clear of danger prior to last week's 5-1 defeat to Crystal Palace, when Javi Gracia's side capitulated after Patrick Bamford gave them a first-half lead.

"We know how difficult it will be, the next game against Liverpool," Gracia said.

"They are a very good team. In this moment we have no time to think about whether it is better or worse to play against this team or another.

"What I can tell you is that all of the players have worked hard this week and tried to pay attention to the little details.

"They worked very well this week and I am sure we will learn from our mistakes."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Leeds United – Patrick Bamford

Bamford scored his 50th goal for Leeds in all competitions during last week's 5-1 defeat to Palace, becoming the first player to hit that figure for the club since Ross McCormack in 2014.

He is looking to score in consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since May 2021 as Leeds bid to pull away from the relegation zone.

Liverpool – Roberto Firmino

Having netted Liverpool's equaliser against Arsenal last time out, Firmino has averaged a goal or assist every 87 minutes in the Premier League this season (nine goals, four assists in 1,129 minutes).

Of all players to play at least 500 minutes in the competition this term, only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (one every 62 mins) boasts a better such ratio.

MATCH PREDICTION – LIVERPOOL WIN

After claiming a memorable 2-1 win at Anfield in October, Leeds are chasing just their second Premier League double over Liverpool, previously achieving that feat in the 2000-01 campaign under David O'Leary.

While Liverpool are averaging just 0.87 points-per-game away from home in the Premier League this season – their lowest in a single campaign since 1992-93 (0.76) – the Reds have not lost on any of their last five league trips to Elland Road (W3 D2), last tasting defeat there in November 2000.

Leeds will have to tighten up to have any chance of a result, having shipped 10 goals in their three league games in April – the most in the top flight – and kept just five clean sheets in their last 35 league matches.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Leeds United – 15.9 per cent

Liverpool – 61.2 per cent    

Draw – 22.9 per cent

Frank Lampard jumped to Mason Mount's defence, insisting the Chelsea midfielder is "already a top player" despite a frustrating season.

The England international enjoyed a thoroughly productive 2021-22 campaign with the Blues, scoring 13 goals and providing 16 assists under Thomas Tuchel.

However, inconsistent form and injury problems have prevented the 24-year-old kicking on this term, netting just three times while registering six assists in 33 appearances.

But Lampard is fully behind Mount, who he took on loan to Derby County during the 2018-19 season before handing his Chelsea debut the following campaign.

And the Blues' caretaker boss cannot understand the criticism aimed at the academy graduate.

"I'm not going to tell anyone about what opinion they should have on football," Lampard said ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.

"But if anyone thinks Mason Mount is not already a top-level player then I'm not sure what they're seeing in my opinion.

"Form is one thing people can debate. These players are getting debated more with social media than they did in my career.

"But from working with Mason - you can ask myself, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter - he's clearly a top player."

Lampard added: "He's had his comeback from a small injury problem. It may be a little process over the next game or two to get Mason where we really want him to be, but he's a top player and has a big affiliation with the club.

"One thing I know about Mason is that a top player should have a real hunger to succeed and do well for Chelsea. He's had that since the first day I took him to Derby.

"It's simple for me. He's still a young player. He'll go even further, but he's already a top player."

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have enjoyed "incredible" success in keeping Erling Haaland fit, claiming his occasional early withdrawals of the striker have been justified.

Haaland sustained several injuries during his prolific two-year spell at Borussia Dortmund, netting 22 goals despite only starting 21 Bundesliga games in his final season with BVB.   

However, only Ederson (2,610) and Rodri (2,407) have played more Premier League minutes for City than Haaland this term (2,187) as Guardiola's men bid for a fifth title in six seasons. 

Haaland has averaged a goal every 72.9 minutes in his first Premier League campaign, and Guardiola says City have a host of medical professionals to thank for his continued availability.

"I don't know what he did in Dortmund but we take care of him 24 hours – we have incredible doctors and physios. They are behind him every second of the day," Guardiola said.

"It's difficult to understand why you would spend a lot of money [on players] and then leave them, but I don't know what the other clubs do.

"With this demanding schedule of games every three or four days we have to take care of them with nutrition, rest, sleep, food.

"For the training, how many minutes – there is data. Sometimes they cannot train more than 10 or 15 minutes."

Guardiola has been criticised for denying Haaland the opportunity to further his goalscoring exploits by substituting him early in some games – most notably when the Norwegian had helped himself to five goals within 57 minutes of a 7-0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

The City boss maintains those decisions are taken with the player's condition in mind and believes they have been justified.

"People say, 'Why was he subbed against Leipzig when he'd scored all the goals?' But then he was injured after the Burnley game," Guardiola said.

"He could not play with us against Liverpool or for Norway. We know we have to keep a watch because he's so big. Physios, massage, back, shoulders, tendons... everything.

"He works so much inside the training centre, much more than on the pitch. Today in modern football, players train more behind the scenes than on the pitch."

Haaland has scored 30 Premier League goals ahead of Saturday's game against Leicester City, with only Andrew Cole enjoying a more prolific debut campaign in the competition (34 in 1993-94).

Christophe Galtier is in need of a lift from his Paris Saint-Germain players when they face Lens in a huge Ligue 1 clash on Saturday following such a turbulent week.

It emerged on Friday that Galtier has initiated legal proceedings after the PSG head coach was accused of making racist comments about players during his time as Nice boss.

Galtier, who denies the allegations, has been faced with calls for him to resign just over nine months after he took charge.

The 56-year-old has expressed his gratitude for the support he has received as leaders PSG prepare to face second-placed Lens on Saturday, when a victory at Parc des Princes would put them nine points clear.

Stats Perform pick out the standout Opta data for the big showdown in the French capital.

PSG must focus to gain revenge over Lens 

Lens beat the champions 3-1 at home on New Year's Day courtesy of goals from Przemyslaw Frankowski, Lois Openda and Alexis Claude Maurice.

Les Sang et Or are unbeaten in three matches against PSG, who responded to back-to-back home defeats at the hands of Rennes and Lyon by winning 2-0 at Nice last time out.

Lens are the only team the Parisian giants have not beaten in Ligue 1 since the start of last season.

PSG will be looking to avoid losing three consecutive home matches in the French top flight for the first time since April 2021.

Lens on a roll

With four consecutive Ligue 1 victories, Lens will arrive at Parc des Princes riding on the crest of a wave and knowing they must continue their excellent run to stay in the hunt for the title.

A tally of 63 points from 30 games this season is their best to date in the competition.

This is Franck Haise's side's longest winning run in Ligue 1 this season, and a double over PSG will have Galtier's men looking over their shoulders.

Mbappe on the brink of making more history

Kylian Mbappe will become PSG's leading all-time goalscorer in Ligue 1 if he finds the back of the net this weekend.

Level with Edinson Cavani on 138 goals, the France forward will also become the leading scorer for a Ligue 1 club in the 21st century with his next strike.

PSG's record goalscorer has not netted against Lens in three games against them, so this would be a great time for him to set that record straight.

Messi to emulate Mbappe and Hazard?

With 14 goals and as many assists in Ligue 1 this season, Lionel Messi continues to deliver time and again.

The Argentina captain could become the third player to score at least 15 goals and provide 15 assists in a Ligue 1 season since Opta starting records began (2006-07) after Eden Hazard in 2011-12 (20 and 16) and Mbappe in 2021-22 (28 and 17).

The 2023 NBA playoffs are here and promise to be as thrilling as ever.

There are narratives all over the place ready to be written, with the Golden State Warriors trying to retain their championship, the Los Angeles Lakers coming from 2-10 to potentially win it all, and the Boston Celtics looking to make up for last season's Finals heartbreak.

Between now and the start of the Finals in June, who knows how many shock results, big performances and memorable moments basketball fans will be treated to.

The final two places will be decided on Friday with the last two play-in games determining who will face top seeds the Milwaukee Bucks and the Denver Nuggets, while the first round gets underway straight away on Saturday.

Stats Perform takes a look at the six confirmed series so far, starting with arguably the most intriguing of them all.

Western Conference:

Phoenix Suns (4) v Los Angeles Clippers (5)

After an outstanding 2021-22 campaign in which they finished as the top seed in the West with a record of 64-18, the Suns began this season with a 6-1 run.

However, by the end of their first game of 2023, Phoenix had already lost as many as they did in the entirety of the previous regular season and only managed a record of 45-37 in the end to finish as a fourth seed.

Adding Kevin Durant in February gave them a much-needed boost, though, and his link-up with Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, DeAndre Ayton and Chris Paul feels like it could lead to something special in the postseason. Durant is 8-0 as a Net.

They will be up against a Clippers team who have had stumbles during the season but went 11-5 heading into the playoffs.

Kawhi Leonard's return from injury in November was huge for Ty Lue's team, with he and Paul George both averaging 23.8 points per game for the season.

The teams split their four meetings during the regular season, albeit including a Clippers victory in their final game when the Suns rested their starters.

Sacramento Kings (3) v Golden State Warriors (6)

It feels like the Kings quietly went about their business this season, amassing 48 wins, more than half of which (25) came on the road.

That could not really be further removed from the Warriors' experience, which saw only 11 of their 44 victories come as the away team.

However, after starting 7-29 on the road this season, Golden State won four of their final five. That included a 56-point victory at the Portland Trail Blazers on April 9, tied for the second-largest road win by any team in NBA history (Pacers at Thunder in May 2021 – 57).

De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis will lead the way for Sacramento, but a certain Stephen Curry will be expected to shine again in the postseason as he has done so often in the past.

Since 2013-14, Curry has gone 27-2 against the Kings, the second-best record by any player against a single opponent (min. 20 games) during that span (Norman Powell, 19-1 vs Nets). Curry has averaged 26.7 points, 7.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds over those games.

Golden State were 3-1 against the Kings this season, with Curry (25 points) and Klay Thompson (29) doing much of the damage in their victory in the penultimate game of the campaign against shorthanded opponents.

Memphis Grizzlies (2) v Los Angeles Lakers (7)

As LeBron James recently said, the Lakers were given just a 0.3 per cent chance of making the playoffs by analysts when they started the year 2-10.

As it turned out, they nearly reached the postseason without even needing the play-in tournament, but a fairly routine win against the Minnesota Timberwolves got them to the dance.

James has been outstanding again this season, averaging 28.9 points, and will be eager to produce fireworks now that he and the Lakers are back in the postseason.

On the other side, Ja Morant seems to have put recent problems behind him and looks ready to lead the Grizzlies.

His 26.2 points have been ably supported by Desmond Bane (21.5) and Jaren Jackson Jr. (18.6), though they will miss the presence of the injured Steven Adams, who averaged 11.5 rebounds this season.

The Lakers went 2-1 against the Grizzlies this season, although the home team won on each occasion.

Eastern Conference:

Cleveland Cavaliers (4) v New York Knicks (5)

It was a strong year for Cleveland, winning 51 games in the regular season, although they had a losing record on the road (20-21).

Donovan Mitchell (28.3 points) has been sensational for the Cavaliers, who could hold a significant advantage throughout the playoffs as they boasted a perfect 7-0 record for games that went into overtime during the season.

The Knicks are looking for their first playoff series win in 10 years in what is only their second postseason appearance in that time.

Coach Tom Thibodeau has Julius Randle (25.1) and Jalen Brunson (24.0) to thank for guiding his team to a comfortable playoff place, with Randle also averaging 10.0 rebounds.

New York's starters are averaging 86.5 points this season, the most by any starting unit (Cleveland rank fifth at 83.5). That accounts for 74.6 per cent of the team's scoring, which is the highest rate by a Knicks squad since 2010-11 (74.7).

The Knicks were 3-1 against the Cavs this season, including their last one at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse just two weeks ago.

Philadelphia 76ers (3) v Brooklyn Nets (6)

Ever since he went to Philadelphia, it has felt like James Harden has been the story heading into any clashes between these two.

It feels like there is so much more to it now, though, especially since the Nets also lost Durant and Kyrie Irving.

No longer a team of stars, the Nets are reinventing themselves as just a team, and it will be interesting to see how they manage the postseason. The Nets finished the season 10-4 in games decided by three or fewer points, tied with the Knicks for the best record in the league (min. 10 one-possession games).

Harden and Tyrese Maxey have provided capable support to Joel Embiid, who has been his usual impressive self, with an average of 33.1 points, the most in the entire league.

The Sixers certainly have the momentum going into this series, winning all four of their meetings this season, including in the final game. It was the first time one of the teams swept the season series since Philadelphia won all four matchups against the New Jersey Nets in 2010-11.

Boston Celtics (2) v Atlanta Hawks (7)

Few expected the Celtics to make the Finals last year, and even fewer thought they would take a 2-1 lead against the Warriors.

It all went south from there, though, ultimately losing 4-2, but their response this season has been impressive again.

Boston started 21-5, and although that levelled out towards the middle of the regular season, they put together some more impressive runs to finish 57-25.

Jayson Tatum's average of 30.1 made him briefly a contender for MVP, while Jaylen Brown (26.6) and Marcus Smart are expected to be fit again during the first round.

Trae Young led the Hawks through their play-in clash with the Miami Heat, and he and they will now need to step up again.

Young has scored 30 or more points in four straight road games against the Celtics. Since the NBA-ABA merger, just four players have scored 30-plus points in five straight games in Boston (including playoffs): Dominique Wilkins, Michael Jordan, Curry and James.

The Celtics won all three regular season meetings, including in their final games before the postseason, although both fielded weakened teams.

Mikel Arteta hopes Arsenal are reeling from giving up a two-goal lead against Liverpool as the Gunners manager outlined the importance of luck in the Premier League title race.

Arsenal hold a six-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table, although Pep Guardiola's team have a game in hand.

The Gunners led 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday, but a thrilling match ultimately finished 2-2, with Aaron Ramsdale having to deny Liverpool a late winner.

Reflecting on that draw ahead of a trip across the capital to face West Ham, Arteta said: "When you concede in the last few minutes, you have to be upset.

"We wanted to win the game, but as well we have to be realistic. We have to accept that we had an exceptional period in the first half where we should have killed the game, but the reality is in the second half we had some really tough moments where we had to dig in. We could have conceded a few goals as well – that was the game."

Asked about the importance of luck when it comes to the run-in, Arteta added: "You need luck in the right moments. Why that luck comes is really important, how you think about it and what's going to happen. It’s another part of this sport; sometimes it’s about inches and those inches need to go your way."

West Ham have been fighting at the wrong end of the table this season, though two wins from their last three league games have moved them onto 30 points.

David Moyes managed Arteta during his time at Everton, and the Scot is thrilled to see his former player thriving as a boss.

"They've got a great chance [of winning the title]," said Moyes. "Will they win the league, I don't know, because they have good competition in Man City, but they have been playing some brilliant football."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli has been involved in four goals in his four Premier League starts for Arsenal against West Ham (three goals, one assist), netting his first goal in the competition in this fixture in December 2019. Against no side has the Brazil international been involved in more league goals for the Gunners.

West Ham – Declan Rice

A reported transfer target for Arsenal, Rice remains an integral part of West Ham's team and their chances of survival. The midfielder will be crucial if the Hammers are to keep Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard quiet on Sunday.

MATCH PREDICTION – ARSENAL WIN

Arsenal have won all five of their away London derbies in the Premier League this season, by an aggregate score of 11-0. Only twice before have they won six consecutive league derbies on the road, doing so in February 1989 and March 2014.

The Gunners have won eight Premier League games against West Ham after conceding the first goal, including a 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Emirates Stadium in December.

Arsenal have only lost three of their 26 Premier League visits to West Ham (W14 D9) and have won nine of their last 14 away games against the Hammers (D4 L1).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

West Ham win – 28.8 per cent

Arsenal – 42.8 per cent

Draw – 28.4 per cent

Dean Smith is hoping James Maddison can replicate Jack Grealish and ensure Leicester City avoid relegation.

Smith, appointed as Leicester's interim manager this week, faces his former Aston Villa charge Grealish when the Foxes take on Manchester City on Saturday.

Leicester sit 19th, with Smith tasked with keeping them in the league. He managed to stave off relegation with Villa in the 2019-20 season, with Maddison's England team-mate Grealish playing a key role.

Maddison was at fault as Leicester lost 1-0 to Bournemouth last week, but with nine goals and six assists to his name in the league this term, is the Foxes' key player.

Smith said: "James is an excellent footballer. He held his hands up after making a mistake but the first thing I asked him was why he was coming so deep to get the ball.

"The second thing I asked was why we had given him the ball when there was no forward pass for him to play.

"He will learn and get better but he is our second-top goalscorer this season. He can be a big player but we have to get him into areas where he can hurt the opposition, similar to what we did with Jack at Villa."

City are six points behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand, but Pep Guardiola knows his team cannot afford a slip-up.

Guardiola said: "Everybody knows that if we lose it is over. That is the best way to compete. In every football action, the players are feeling that they have to win a due or win an action because if not, they will lose.

"That is where you have the best [opportunity]. I have doubts about whether experience counts a lot for next time."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester City – Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne has assisted seven goals for Erling Haaland in the Premier League this season, the most by one City player for another in a single campaign. The Belgium international's next assist will be his 100th for the club in the competition.

Leicester City – James Maddison

Maddison has scored in this exact fixture in each of the last two campaigns; only two visiting players have scored a Premier League goal at the Etihad Stadium in three consecutive seasons – Collins John (2004-05 to 2006-07) and Tim Cahill (2008-09 to 2010-11).

MATCH PREDICTION – MANCHESTER CITY WIN

Having lost seven of their last eight Premier League games (D1), Leicester have now been beaten in 19 league matches overall this term. Not since 2001-02 (20) have the Foxes lost 20+ league matches in one season, while should they lose against City, it will be the joint-second earliest they have ever hit 20 defeats in a Football League campaign (31st match, level with 1914-15), after only 1980-81 (30th).

Since losing 1-0 at Spurs in February, City have won seven of their last eight Premier League games (D1), including each of the last five in a row. They have scored 22 goals and conceded just six in this run, opening the scoring on seven occasions.

City have won 10 of their last 12 Premier League games against Leicester City (L2), winning the last four in a row since a 5-2 home defeat in September 2020.

OPTA PREDICTION

Manchester City – 75.1 per cent

Leicester City – 8.5 per cent

Draw – 16.4 per cent