Thursday’s A23 Derby between Crystal Palace and Brighton signalled the start of the Premier League festive period with another six fixtures to enjoy on Saturday.
While Europe’s top divisions opt for a breather to enjoy the festivities, England’s top flight has remained intent on upholding tradition, especially after last season’s Christmas schedule was hampered by the 2022 World Cup.
It’s bound to be an exciting period for any Premier League lover, and in a historic side note, Rebecca Welch is set to become the first ever female referee in the division when she takes charge of Fulham’s clash against Burnley this weekend.
Here are guides to Saturday’s six Premier League fixtures, including the top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Arsenal.
Saturday’s action kicks off in east London as West Ham host Manchester United at lunchtime.
David Moyes will be hoping his rotation in midweek pays off after they were swatted aside amid a dire performance at Anfield in the Carabao Cup. The Hammers have climbed up to eighth in the Premier League table having won three of their last five matches, with Mohammed Kudus quickly showing why he was so desired in the summer.
United will have to contain Kudus this weekend but they’ll feel emboldened after earning a point at Liverpool last time out. Erik ten Hag’s side exceeded expectations last Sunday but will have to play more of a possession game here as they attempt to break down West Ham’s stubborn resistance.
Ten Hag will be aided by Bruno Fernandes’ return from suspension.
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discovery+, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 1 |
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Tottenham are back on track following a wretched five-game winless run and head into Saturday’s game having won their previous two.
However, Ange Postecoglou’s injury list remains extensive and they’ll be without the suspended Destiny Udogie and Yves Bissouma for Everton’s visit.
The Toffees’ set-piece prowess and physical approach without possession renders them a tough opponent for the Lilywhites and Sean Dyche’s side have been superb away from home as of late. Everton have won their last four in the Premier League but their recent record against Spurs is wretched.
This should be an intriguing watch.
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The Nuno Espirito Santo era gets underway at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest host Bournemouth.
Steve Cooper received his marching orders in the wake of Forest’s defeat at home to Spurs last time out and Nuno has his work cut out if he’s to endear himself to the club’s faithful as his predecessor did.
Forest have sunk to 17th, having failed to win since 5 November, and Saturday is another tricky test. The Andoni Iraola era started rather underwhelmingly but the Cherries are now one of the form teams in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have climbed up to 14th having won four of their last five.
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Raul Jimenez ruined Fulham’s chances of scoring an upset at St James’ Park last weekend. The Cottagers had won their previous two games convincingly before they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Nevertheless, Marco Silva’s overachievers gained a Carabao Cup semi-final berth on Tuesday after beating Everton on penalties.
The sun is shining brightly on Craven Cottage and Burnley are next to enter the cauldron. Vincent Kompany’s side are 19th in the table having won just two games all season. They’re already six points adrift of safety and 13 worse off than their mid-table opponents.
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It’s bound to be an emotional Kenilworth Road given what happened to Luton skipper Tom Lockyer at Bournemouth last weekend. Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at the Vitality which resulted in the contest being abandoned. The defender, however, has since been discharged from hospital which should serve as a huge boost for the Hatters as Newcastle come to town.
The Magpies are running on fumes and haven’t won an away game in the Premier League since their 8-0 mauling of Sheffield United in September.
They were cruelly denied a Carabao Cup semi-final berth on Tuesday after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser before losing to Chelsea on penalties.
This is another tough away fixture for Eddie Howe’s men.
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Saturday’s slate of action concludes with a potential thriller at Anfield. These two sides played out a classic at the backend of last season as Liverpool rallied from 2-0 down to hinder Arsenal’s title charge.
The Gunners went into Gameweek 18 at the top of the tree after usurping the Reds at the summit last weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side are primed for another deep title run, but so are Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Anfield will be rocking after Klopp’s recent rallying cry and Liverpool haven’t been beaten on home soil in well over a year. Arsenal themselves haven’t won at Anfield since 2012.
While Saturday’s clash won’t decide the title race, it’ll set the tone for the second half of the season.
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