The Premier League’s festive fixture crunch reaches its final stretch this week, with eight matches on Wednesday before leaders Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday in the fourth round of games in a hectic holiday schedule.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
Arsenal welcome Liverpool after an impressive run through Christmas and New Year, which has opened a six-point lead at the top. Mikel Arteta has also been boosted by the returns of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes, providing him with more scope to rotate his squad.
Liverpool have received encouragement from Florian Wirtz, who is beginning to settle in the Premier League, though defensive frailties remain a concern against an Arsenal side likely to test them.
Other Key Matches
Manchester City are set to host Brighton after a costly draw against Sunderland and Chelsea. Aston Villa, who responded to their defeat by Arsenal with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, will host Crystal Palace, a team struggling with a thin squad.
Uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner’s future has exacerbated Palace’s issues, with the coach yet to agree to a new contract and linked to other clubs, including Manchester United.
Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge of Manchester United following the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday, starting with a short trip to struggling Burnley. Burnley have not won since the end of October, managing nine defeats and two draws in their last 11 games, presenting Fletcher with the opportunity to begin with a victory.
Chelsea have appointed Liam Rosenior as their new first-team coach, although he may not be in the dugout for the west London derby away to Fulham. Fulham has moved away from the relegation zone with three wins and two draws from their last five matches.
Seventh-placed Brentford will play eighth-placed Sunderland in a meeting of two surprise packages who have started the year in contention for European qualification. Meanwhile, Newcastle United can also join that race if Eddie Howe’s side manages to beat Leeds United. Leeds demonstrated their fighting spirit over the weekend with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United and travel to St James’ Park on an unbeaten run.
Everton will host Wolverhampton Wanderers after the visitors secured their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over West Ham. This defeat has deepened West Ham’s crisis, and they face a must-win game at home against Nottingham Forest to kick off another round in a hectic 12-day spell.