Vardy eyeing 12th

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy can make history for the second weekend running when the Premier League's early-season over-achievers visit slip-sliding Swansea City on Saturday.

Vardy's goal in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United saw him set a new Premier League record of scoring in 11 consecutive matches, eclipsing the mark set by United old boy Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2003.

Should he score at Swansea, Vardy will equal an even more historic mark: Jimmy Dunne's English top-flight record from 1931-32 of scoring in 12 successive games for Sheffield United.

But the England striker has played down the significance of the new milestone, telling Sky Sports: "I just have my eyes on helping Leicester get three points at the weekend.

"If someone else gets the winning goal, then I am more than happy."

While Leicester go into the weekend level on points with leaders Manchester City, Swansea are just four points above the relegation zone following a run of one win in 10 matches.

Manchester City have an opportunity to put pressure on the chasing pack as they visit Stoke City, their fellow League Cup semi-finalists, in the Saturday lunchtime fixture.

With progress assured in both the League Cup and the Champions League, Manuel Pellegrini's side can plough all their resources into the league campaign ahead of a sequence of six matches in 24 days.

"Now it is the most difficult time in the league with games coming thick and fast, one after the other," said City forward Raheem Sterling.

"We basically have to take it slow, win game after game and get a good run going."

Third-place Manchester United could be forgiven for having their thoughts elsewhere as they gear up for Saturday's home game against West Ham United.

On Tuesday they visit Wolfsburg for a match they are likely to have to win to secure a place in the Champions League last 16, leaving manager Louis van Gaal with a dilemma over who to select for the visit of West Ham.

But injuries have already forced his hand, with Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jesse Lingard and Ander Herrera all doubtful, while Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia are long-term absentees.

Another manager ruing a long injury list is Arsenal's Arsene Wenger, who will be without star forward Alexis Sanchez and midfielder Santi Cazorla -- to name but two players -- for the home game with Sunderland.

FIXTURES
Saturday 
(1500 GMT unless otherwise stated):
Arsenal v Sunderland, Chelsea v Bournemouth (1730), Manchester United v West Ham United, Southampton v Aston Villa, Stoke City v Manchester City (1245 GMT), Swansea City v Leicester City, Watford v Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday 
Newcastle United v Liverpool (1600 GMT)
Monday 
Everton v Crystal Palace (2000 GMT)