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No rest for the weary – as Matchday 18 fades into memory, Matchday 19 is here to steal the spotlight.
Boxing Day delivered its share of drama, with Chelsea and Manchester United suffering defeats and Manchester City managing only a draw.
However, the fixtures that followed left much to be desired.
Now, with the New Year fast approaching, the stage is set for high-stakes battles at both ends of the Premier League table.
PUNCH Online reports that six fixtures are scheduled for today (Sunday), three matches will be played tomorrow (Monday), and the final one will take place on Wednesday.
Premier League
From title races to relegation dogfights, this round of matches could significantly reshape the Premier League standings.
Let’s dive into what promises to be an exciting weekend of football.
What to Expect:
Can Manchester City Stop the Bleeding?
Manchester City’s alarming slump shows no signs of abating. In their last five league outings, the reigning champions have managed just one win – the same tally as Leicester City. Fittingly, it’s the Foxes they face next at the King Power Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Guardiola’s men stumbled again on Boxing Day, drawing 1-1 with Everton at the Etihad. A Bernardo Silva opener wasn’t enough as Erling Haaland missed a crucial penalty. City now sit 14 points off the top, having played an extra game.
Leicester, meanwhile, are struggling under Ruud van Nistelrooy. After earning four points from his first two matches, the Foxes have conceded 10 goals in three consecutive losses. A win here wouldn’t just shock the champions – it could lift Leicester out of the relegation zone.
Prediction: Expect fireworks in this clash of struggling giants.
Liverpool Eye Top Spot, but Can West Ham Play Spoiler?
West Ham are quietly turning their season around under Julen Lopetegui, going unbeaten in four and pocketing eight points. But hosting Liverpool is a different challenge altogether.
The Hammers are plagued by suspensions and injuries, including Tomáš Souček, Guido Rodríguez, and Lukasz Fabiański, among others.
Liverpool are also dealing with absences, with Konaté and Bradley sidelined, and Szoboszlai suspended. Yet with Mohamed Salah leading the charge – 27 goal involvements in 17 matches – Klopp’s side remains a formidable force.
Salah has haunted West Ham over the years, netting 10 goals against them. However, he’s scored just once in his last six games against the Hammers. Will the Egyptian King reign again, or can West Ham derail Liverpool’s title ambitions?
The Isak Express Keeps Rolling
Newcastle are on fire. Three straight wins, 11 goals scored, and none conceded. On Monday night, they travel to Old Trafford, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory.
Alexander Isak has been Newcastle’s star man, scoring nine goals in his last five games. Against a struggling Manchester United side, Isak will be looking to add to his tally.
United, sitting in 14th place, have lost their last three matches and failed to score in their last two. To make matters worse, captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended. Can Newcastle add to the Red Devils’ misery?
Arsenal’s Depth Faces the Ultimate Test
Arsenal moved up to second place with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ipswich, but the victory came at a price. Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss at least two months following hamstring surgery.
Losing their most influential player (15 goal contributions) is a significant blow for the Gunners, who have already shown signs of vulnerability this season without Ødegaard.
On New Year’s Day, Arsenal face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, where the Bees have claimed 22 points from 27 available. Arsenal’s away form has been patchy, with four wins from nine games and 10 goals conceded.
How the Gunners cope without Saka could define their season.
Matchday 19 Fixtures
Sunday:
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Everton v Nottingham Forest
Fulham v Bournemouth
Leicester v Manchester City
Tottenham v Wolves
West Ham v Liverpool
Monday:
Manchester United v Newcastle
Ipswich v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Brighton
Wednesday:
Brentford v Arsenal
Buckle up. Matchday 19 could be pivotal.
