The Premier League’s festive fixture congestion reaches its final stretch this week, with eight matches scheduled for Wednesday before leaders Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday in the fourth round of games in a hectic 12-day holiday schedule.
Arsenal welcome Liverpool after an impressive run through Christmas and the New Year that has opened up a six-point lead at the top of the table. Mikel Arteta has also been boosted by the return of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes, giving him greater scope to rotate his squad.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have drawn encouragement from Florian Wirtz, who is beginning to settle into life in the Premier League, though defensive frailties remain a concern against an Arsenal side expected to test them.
Manchester City are at home to Brighton following a costly draw against Sunderland and Chelsea, while Aston Villa, which responded to their defeat by Arsenal with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, host a Crystal Palace side struggling with a thin squad.
Uncertainty over Oliver Glasner’s future has added to Palace’s problems, with the coach yet to agree on a new contract and being linked with other clubs, including Manchester United.
Darren Fletcher will take temporary charge of Manchester United after Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday, beginning with a short trip to struggling Burnley.
Burnley have not won since the end of October, suffering nine defeats and two draws in their last 11 games, and offer Fletcher the chance to start his interim spell with a victory.
Chelsea have named 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 have moved away from the relegation zone with three wins and two draws from their last five matches.
Seventh-placed Brentford face eighth-placed Sunderland in a meeting of two surprise packages who have started the year in contention for European qualification, while Newcastle United can also join that race if Eddie Howe’s side beats Leeds United.
Leeds showed their fighting spirit at 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 earned their first win of the season with a 3-0 thrashing of West Ham.
That defeat deepened West Ham’s crisis, and they face a must-win game at home to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday to kick off the latest round in a demanding 12-day spell.
(IANS)
