Image source, Getty Images

One person who will not feature this afternoon is Robin van Persie. The Manchester United striker faces more than a fortnight out with an ankle problem, meaning he is also ruled out of the FA Cup quarter-final against former club Arsenal on 9 March.

"I do not think it is very heavy but ankle problems can take a long time," said manager Louis van Gaal. "It is not one or two weeks."

Image source, Getty Images

A win for Manchester United against Sunderland today would take Louis van Gaal's men up to fourth - but lose and they could finish the weekend in sixth.

"It is a rat race between five clubs," said the Dutchman. "Therefore you have to win your matches because the other clubs are winning theirs.

"We are not unhappy. I am pleased with the results, but not with a lot of the performances.

"If you told me at the start of the season I would be in the first four at the start of May, I would have signed for it. When I came here, that was my goal and we are still there. But, of course, it would be a big disappointment not to make it."

The Sun's back page leads on Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal putting his side's failure to challenge for the title down to the lack of a 20-goal-a-season striker.

If only he had one of Europe's leading strikers on loan or could call on England's second-highest scorer of all time. Oh.

Most of us love a bit of transfer tittle-tattle and BBC Sport's gossip column is a playground for the latest rumours from the football world and here are a few snippets:

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes 21-year-old defender Luke Garbutt, who is out of contract at the end of the season, can go on to play for England. (Liverpool Echo), external

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera, 25, says he is studying videos of former Old Trafford hero Paul Scholes in an attempt to secure a regular starting place. (Telegraph), external

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has spoken to captain Vincent Kompany, 28, about his uneven form but believes he will be inspired by recent criticism. (Guardian), external

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists they remain on target for qualification for the Champions League despite the disappointment of their Europa League exit. (Times - subscription required), external

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has moved the youth team training next to the first-team pitches so he can keep an eye on emerging players. (Birmingham Mail), external

So, let me outline a brief plan for this morning's build up to today's games. (This thing isn't just thrown together you know)

Anyway, we are going to analyse the games, take a scout around the papers and round-up some of the major stories so that you are better prepared than a Jose Mourinho side.

The teams mentioned below and left red-faced in midweek aren't in action today. But, can the ones that are involved spare some of the Premier League's blushes by showing that, while it looks like it might not be the best league around, it is the most exciting?

The games today aren't exactly sexy but let's hope looks can be deceptive. Kick-offs are at 15:00 GMT unless stated and here they are:

West Ham v Crystal Palace (12:45 GMT)

Burnley v Swansea

Man Utd v Sunderland

Newcastle v Aston Villa

Stoke v Hull

West Brom v Southampton

As usual, we're teaming up with the Danny Baker Show on BBC Radio 5 live this morning and asking for your quirky football stories.

Today: Tell us about a time a footballer or manager turned up at your house and why were they there?

Did David Beckham boot the ball over your garden fence as a teenager? Maybe Andy Carroll knocked on your door by mistake when trying to visit his mate Kevin Nolan?

Let us know your stories using #bbcfootbal, externall or on text via 81111 (UK only).

You can listen to Danny's show using the 'live coverage' tab at the top of the page.

Image source, Youtube

What Premier League teams need for encouragement is a bit of Delia Smith.

It is 10 years ago (yes, TEN YEARS!) to the day since the Norwich owner and famous telly chef took to the microphone, external at half-time to try to get her side's fans behind her team in a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City at Carrow Road.

Those immortal words were: "Where are you? Where are you? Let's be havin' you. C'mon."

Premier League teams have had more hits this week than Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith put together. (Alright, maybe not that many but you know what I mean).

Top-flight champs Manchester City were made chumps by Barcelona, Arsenal were humbled by Monaco, it was more Turkish despair than delight for Liverpool and Tottenham suffered a Fiorentina nightmare.

But at least we're the richest football league in the world!! So there.

Richard Scudamore, Greg Dyke, Manuel Pellegrini, Arsene Wenger, Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino - your boys took one hell of a beating.

BIFF

Image source, Reuters

BANG

Image source, AP

WALLOP

Image source, AP

SMASH

Image source, Reuters