Premier League preview & predictions: Gameweek 17
Manchester United can put the pressure on Liverpool this weekend | Pool/Getty Images
With the 2020/21 season in full swing, the Premier League begins a brand new calendar year this weekend, with games on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
The results of these 10 games could be quite significant because after this round there will be no more until 12 January as a result of the pause for the FA Cup third round next weekend. That means the positions in the league table will be locked in for over a week, and the pressure will build by the time the action resumes later this month.
Southamptons s Danny Ings will take on his former employers in Liverpool | Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Monday night will see Southampton host the champions Liverpool in their first match of the year as both sides look to recapture their early season form.
The festive period brought very little gifts for Monday s hosts as they find themselves in 9th going into the new year after a strong start to proceedings. The Saints have failed to win in their last four, only scoring once in the process.
It s been a similar dismal showing over Christmas for the red half of Merseyside (by their high standards) as recent dropped points has invited pressure from bitter rivals Manchester United at the summit. Liverpool will hope to take all three points as Jurgen Klopp s men look to maintain a cushion in first place.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa preview: How to watch on tv, live stream, kick off time & team news
Marcus Rashford celebrates his late winner against Wolves | Michael Regan/Getty Images
Friday evening sees the New Year kick off with Manchester United hosting Aston Villa at Old Trafford in what is expected to be a cracker of a contest.
United capitalised on dropped points by teams around them to move up to second, courtesy of a very late winner against Wolves on Tuesday night. United could go top with a win over Villa, while the Villans could move up into third if they win the game.
Premier League preview & predictions: Gameweek 16
A big game at Turf Moor awaits | Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
It s been less than 24 hours since gameweek 15 finished with Wolves 1-1 draw against Tottenham at Molineux, but there s no rest for the wicked as the Premier League games continue to come thick and fast.
The festive period is known for being tough on the legs, but it s also a great time to build up momentum if you re a frontrunner at the top of the table, a side looking to break into the European qualification spots or a team desperately trying to claw away from trouble.
Arsenal vs Chelsea Preview: Where to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time, Team News
It s a London derby on Boxing Day between Arsenal and Chelsea | ADAM DAVY/Getty Images
Arsenal host London rivals Chelsea on Boxing Day at the Emirates Stadium in a Premier League clash that could make or break their season.
The Gunners come into the game in 15th place in the table, having won just once in their last ten league games. They were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in midweek too, getting swept aside by Manchester City in a 4-1 defeat.
Chelsea are fifth in the Premier League after returning to the win column against West Ham following back to back defeats to Wolves and Everton.