3 things to watch this weekend: Jamie Vardy's absence

It's time for Leicester City to seize the day as the Premier League's title race takes yet another step towards completion this weekend. Of course, the Foxes will have do so without their cast-wearing weapon.

A weekend in which there will be only seven Premier League fixtures because of the FA Cup semi-finals, is highlighted by a lack of Jamie Vardy, the return of Rafa Benitez to Anfield, and Tottenham Hotspur's form. There are implications from the top of the standings to the bottom, and there will be no shortage of drama across the United Kingdom from Saturday to Monday.

Here are three things to watch this weekend:

Enter Leonardo Ulloa?

The last time Leicester took the pitch without Vardy in the Premier League was, well ... last season. The English forward has miraculously not only appeared in each and every one of Leicester's 34 league matches this season, but started all of them as well.

What would Leicester's season look like if Vardy wasn't around?

On Saturday, supporters will be treated to a taste of just that, as Vardy's red card against West Ham United last weekend means Leicester will welcome Swansea City on Sunday without its prolific goalscorer. Who starts in his place remains to be seen, but it's more than likely Leonardo Ulloa will be called upon.

A warm welcome at Anfield

Times are desperate at Newcastle United. Sitting in the relegation zone, the Magpies will visit Liverpool on Saturday knowing that anything less than three points doesn't bode well for its chances of top-flight survival. Victory, however, could see the Tyne-Wear club escape from the bottom three if other results go its way.

There will be, of course, another layer of emotion at Anfield, as Benitez's return to Liverpool, who he guided to Champions League glory in 2004-05, means he is sure to receive the warmest of welcomes before becoming the enemy for 90 minutes.

Just look at what happened last time Benitez, who is normally incredibly reserved, rolled through Liverpool:

For Jurgen Klopp, Benitez's visit means an opportunity to "say hello to a good, old friend."

Will Tottenham have a chance to narrow the gap?

The magnitude of Monday's fixture between Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion won't be known until Leicester's match against Swansea is done. If the Vardy-less Foxes stumble, then Spurs will, for the second week in a row, have a chance to bridge the gap between the two clubs, potentially bringing the title race to within two points.

Tottenham is looking like English football's most ruthless club, particularly after its 4-0 thrashing of Stoke City, and its players should be feeling rested given that Mauricio Pochettino urged his squad to skip the Professional Footballers' Association awards dinner on Sunday evening.