We have a reduced schedule this weekend with matchday 21 being split over the next two weeks. There are five matches to be played across Friday, Saturday and Sunday though, so it is still a football-filled weekend if you’re a fan of the Premier League. With that in mind, let’s have a look at what to expect.
By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert
A six-pointer at Turf Moor
Burnley host Luton Town on Friday night needing to avoid defeat.
Vincent Kompany’s men can move to within a point of the visitors with a win, something they have only managed once at home all season. Burnley rank bottom of the table when focusing on home form having taken three points from a possible 30.
In their last Premier League outing, they lost 3-2 to Aston Villa having conceded a last-minute penalty. However, the scoreline made the game seem much closer than it was. Unai Emery’s side deserved the win.
If they are to stand a chance against Luton, they are going to have to work on their defensive unit. Burnley are one of only two teams to have conceded 40 or more goals in the league this season.
The Hatters have been in decent form over recent weeks. They have won two of their last three and though they suffered a loss to Chelsea over the festive period, Rob Edwards’ side actually deserved to win that game. They had more of the ball, a higher Expected Goals haul and more big chances. A win on Friday evening would lift them out of the relegation zone.
Derby day at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea welcome near-neighbours Fulham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon knowing a win would take them up to eighth in the Premier League table. They are surprisingly going under the radar in recent weeks and victory against Marco Silva’s men would be their third on the bounce in the English top-flight.
As ever though, Mauricio Pochettino’s men are inconsistent. They lost mid-week in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough. Cole Palmer had a game to forget after missing a number of chances, so expect him to perform this weekend.
Fulham would move to within a point of Chelsea if they won at Stamford Bridge. If we’re being honest, the Cottagers have been fairly erratic this season. They’ll win a few and then go on a barren stretch. They beat Arsenal in their last Premier League match and did take the lead against Liverpool at Anfield in the Carabao Cup, only to lose 2-1 in the first-leg of the other semi-final that took place during the week.
You never really know what you are going to get and this is what makes this match-up such an intriguing one. Both teams can be devastating. Both can be frustrating. This could easily be 0-0 or 4-4.
Pressure at St James’ Park
Newcastle have won just two of their previous nine matches across all competitions. They did, however, have a confidence-boosting victory over Sunderland in their last outing to knock their rivals out of the FA Cup.
Despite this, Eddie Howe is still going to be under pressure. If results go against them this weekend, they will head into their mini-winter break in 11th position.
A positive result can’t be expected against Manchester City, but a positive performance is the bare minimum right now.
If City pick up maximum points, Pep Guardiola’s side move into second position in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Liverpool. It is a remarkable situation to find themselves in after an inconsistent season marred by injuries to big players.
Last season, these two sides played out a spectacular 3-3 draw. In the match earlier this season, City edged it with a 1-0 win.
A big weekend for Aston Villa
Aston Villa could move to top spot in the Premier League with a win over Everton on Sunday.
Emery’s side have had a bit of a difficult couple of weeks. They dropped points to Sheffield United, lost 3-2 to Manchester United despite taking a 2-0 lead and needed a last-minute winner against Burnley.
And this has the potential to be another tricky game for the Villans.
The Toffees could start the game in the relegation zone. They are going to be heavily reliant on a raucous home crowd to be the 12th man. Since their four-game winning streak in early December, Everton are winless in five across all competitions. This could be a momentum shifter for the hosts if they get it right.
Old Trafford woes for Manchester United
Manchester United play host to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Erik Ten Hag’s side have an awful home record this season having lost four of their 10 matches in the Premier League at Old Trafford.
Spurs have one of the best away records in the English top-flight having taken 18 points from 10 matches. Only Manchester City and Liverpool (19) have won more on the road. Ange Postecoglou’s men are going to fancy their chances against the Red Devils and who can blame them.
United are the lowest scorers in the top 10 (22 goals) while only Liverpool, Aston Villa and Manchester City have more goals than Spurs (42).
A win for Tottenham would see them finish the weekend ahead of rivals Arsenal.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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