Yep, there’s more Premier League football.
Matchday 20 is a bumper round of fixtures spread over four days. There are a number of matches that have the potential to have huge ramifications on how the English top-flight shapes up over the coming weeks, so here’s your preview.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
An opportunity for Luton
Luton kick things off this weekend with a home match against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Rob Edwards’ men have won consecutive matches in the Premier League and a third win on the spin would lift them out of the relegation zone, at least for a couple of hours.
The Hatters have been a handful at Kenilworth Road this term, leading against Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. They’ll fancy their chances against an inconsistent Chelsea team.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have lost three of their last five in the Premier League but have won two of their last three.
Defeat to Luton should be a huge shock, but would it be?
Can Manchester City make a statement?
Manchester City know a win against Sheffield United could take them as high as second in the Premier League depending on how other results go this weekend.
Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t been in the greatest form over recent weeks but rival teams have failed to capitalise.
City are famed for their long, unbeaten runs and a win here would make it two from two since returning from the Club World Cup.
They are up against the team currently marooned at the bottom of the Premier League table and if the hosts are in a ruthless mood, this could be a long day in Manchester for Chris Wilder’s men. They’ve kept just one clean sheet in the English top-flight this term. It would be a real shock if that figure stands at two come Saturday evening.
Jekyll and Hyde Manchester United
Manchester United might well be the most inconsistent team in the Premier League this term.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have won 10 and lost eight of their 19 matches. They’ve had to come from behind on a number of occasions to pick up maximum points and they had to repeat that trick against Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
The Red Devils trailed 2-0 but eventually claimed a 3-2 win over Villa to record just their second win in their last eight outings across all competitions.
Prior to the victory over Unai Emery’s side, United had been on a four game winless streak and this included losses to Bournemouth and West Ham.
They face Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening with nobody really knowing what to expect. In their last outing, Forest claimed a big win over Newcastle United and showcased just how dangerous they can be on the break. The Red Devils will need to be wary if they’re going to build some momentum heading into the new year.
Bouncebackability
Arsenal are winless in two. The title hopefuls lost at the Emirates to West Ham United just days after failing to convert a 1-0 lead against Liverpool into all three points.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now second in the Premier League table, two points off the pace.
They travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday looking to return to the summit. However, Fulham have the potential to cause the Gunners a number of issues.
Marco Silva’s side have already claimed a 2-2 draw with Arsenal this season and though they’re currently on a three match losing streak in the league, they have showcased their attacking potency this term. In early December, they scored 16 goals in four matches.
If Arsenal aren’t focused, there could be an upset on the cards. This is the sort of game that will really test their credentials are title hopefuls.
A new pressure for Liverpool
Liverpool went from being the hunter to the hunted. The Reds are top of the Premier League table following their 2-0 win over Burnley coupled with Arsenal’s loss to West Ham.
There’s still half of the season left to play but if Jürgen Klopp’s side just match the results of the chasing pack, they win the title. So the pressure is on.
They welcome an out-of-form Newcastle to Anfield and many expect this to be a formality for the Reds. But the Magpies will want to put in a performance for Eddie Howe. Reports suggest he’s under pressure following a three match winless run and the players will know a big showing at Anfield will give the manager some breathing space.
Manchester United did it a few weeks ago against Liverpool, there’s no reason Newcastle won’t head to Anfield thinking they can’t do similar. If they frustrate the hosts, there will be chances on the break.
The Seagulls or the Hammers
The final game of matchday 20 sees Brighton travel to West Ham.
Both teams had positive results in midweek with West Ham beating Arsenal and Brighton hitting Spurs for four.
The Hammers and the Seagulls will want to build some momentum ahead of the new year. A win for Roberto De Zerbi’s men would see them leapfrog West Ham and potentially move up to sixth, though that is dependent on other results. If David Moyes’ side pick up maximum points, they can potentially move into fifth position.
This isn’t a six pointer but there is an opportunity to dent a rival’s season with a win and that will be a huge incentive for both teams.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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