The Premier League has recently taken a small break to make way for FA Cup fixtures. But the top-flight action starts again this week, with games taking place from January 14-16. It’s Premier League midweek action at its best, and there are some very interesting fixtures that could have ramifications at both ends of the division. And there’s a huge derby to come. So strap yourself in because this could prove to be a pivotal few days for many of English football’s elite clubs at the right end and the wrong end of the Premier League table.
Arsenal vs Tottenham
The biggest fixture in the Premier League this week is the North London derby at the Emirates, Arsenal v Tottenham. Arsenal have stuttered at times this season, which is disappointing when you consider Man City have slipped up in a big way. Spurs are down in 12th and nowhere near where many expected them to be at this stage. There are reasons why both have failed to live up to expectations at times, but all of that, and form, go out of the window in this game. Arsenal are the current kings of North London, and it’s up to Spurs to knock them off their throne.
Brentford vs Manchester City
Brentford vs Manchester City has become more intriguing because of recent games both teams have been involved in. Brentford had the best home record in the league, but they’ve now lost their last three at the Gtech and counting, including a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup. There appeared to be a crisis at City, but in the wake of the news that stalwart Kyle Walker has asked to leave, they’ve won their last three in all competitions and put eight past Salford in the cup. This will be a gauge of where both teams are really at form-wise. Have City really turned the corner? Or are the problems that have plagued them for weeks still there?
Chelsea vs Bournemouth
After a stunning start to the Premier League season under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea looked like they could challenge for the title. However, they’re now four games without a win in the top flight and looking to get back to winning ways after a convincing 5-0 FA Cup triumph over Morecambe. They’re up against an in-form Bournemouth, a team that continues to impress under Andoni Iraola and that has won three from their last four away from home. This could be a game where we find out if Chelsea really do have what it takes, with Maresca consistently playing down his team’s title-challenging credentials.
West Ham vs Fulham
Since their last Premier League game, West Ham have replaced manager Julen Lopetegui with Graham Potter, and while they lost in his first game against Aston Villa in the FA Cup after being 1-0 up, the Hammers looked a different proposition than they have recently. They host Fulham at the London Stadium, a team that is hard to beat, especially away from Craven Cottage. West Ham will hope Potter can work his magic and that the manager bounce comes into play. But with Cottager’s consistent performers under Marco Silva, it’s very much a baptism of fire for West Ham’s new boss.
Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool
Liverpool have only lost one game in the Premier League this season, and that was against Nottingham Forest. The 1-0 reverse, at Anfield, remains one of the shocks of the season, but it’s potentially even more of a surprise to see Forest in the Premier League top three and only six points adrift of Liverpool, who continue to lead the way. If there’s any team that can get the upper hand over Arne Slot’s men, it’s Forest, as proven. Both teams are in excellent form in the league, which will make for an epic encounter. Liverpool will see this fixture as a chance to right a wrong, and they’ll have revenge on their mind.
Everton vs Aston Villa
Like West Ham, Everton are another team that has decided to make a change, with former manager David Moyes returning to Goodison Park to replace Sean Dyche, with the latter feeling he’d taken the club as far as he could. Both Everton and Villa are not where they expected to be in the Premier League at this stage of the campaign, with the Toffees embroiled in another relegation battle and the Villains off the pace at the right end. Moyes will be hoping for a triumphant return to his old stomping ground, but Unai Emery will be determined to get his team moving up the league and into the all-important European places.
Leicester City vs Crystal Palace
In the season’s early exchanges, both Leicester City and Crystal Palace were struggling to pick points up and something needed to change. The Foxes replaced Steve Cooper with Ruud van Nistelrooy, and after a bit of an upturn in form, they’ve now lost five Premier League games in a row. Palace have started to pick up points and are edging towards midtable. Van Nistelrooy will be hoping his team’s resounding 6-2 win in the FA Cup over Championship outfit QPR can be the spark they need to prevent six league reverses in a row. If it’s not, the outlook for the Foxes will become even more bleak, with relegation staring them in the face.
Newcastle United vs Wolves
After a bit of a sticky start to the new campaign, Newcastle United are well and truly in their groove right now, and are the form team in the league. Their recent change in fortunes has seen them climb into top-four contention, and as other teams at the top end of the division stutter, the Magpies are ready to swoop in and capitalise. Wolves hired Vitor Pereira after parting ways with Gary O’Neil, and they’ve started to improve, but they’ve drawn and lost in their last two Premier League outings and will need to catch Eddie Howe’s men on a rare bad day.
Ipswich Town vs Brighton
Out of the three teams that were promoted from the Championship, Ipswich Town look like the outfit with the best chance of survival, backed up by them taking four points from their last two Premier League games, which included a win over Chelsea. Brighton started well under Fabian Hurzeler, but they’re now the league’s draw specialists. The former need points to keep their heads above water, and the latter are tough to beat but in need of a win all the same. Based on recent results, has Kieran McKenna’s team turned the corner? Could that be the difference?
Manchester United vs Southampton
The honeymoon period for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United never really arrived, but while they recorded disappointing results and performances, they put in a solid display at Anfield, drawing 2-2 with Liverpool last time out in the league. There’s also been a lack of a honeymoon period for Ivan Juric at Southampton, and his team desperately need wins if they’re to pull off the great escape. Both teams won in the FA Cup, but a return to league action sees the pressure ramped up, and it could come down to which team wants it more on the night.
Betting on Arsenal v Tottenham at BetVictor
You can find the latest odds for Arsenal v Tottenham and all the rest of this week’s EPL matches at BetVictor. There are plenty of markets to choose from, including goals over/under, FGS, and plenty more, or you can place an outright bet on who you think will come out on top.
