ClapLadies and gentlemen, boys and girls – the incredibly busy winter period is almost upon us. It’s been a long and arduous road to get to this point but between now and the new year, it’s nothing but domestic and European carnage for fans to get excited about.
That’s especially true for the Premier League which, as we all know, is regarded by many as the best league in world football.
With that in mind, we want to take a look at five Premier League games going down this weekend that are bound to get fans excited.
Arsenal vs Newcastle
Arsenal need to bounce back after their defeat to Liverpool last weekend and while a game at home is a great way to do that, we’ve seen them slip up in difficult situations many times before.
Newcastle United are set to have Eddie Howe on the touchline for the first time this weekend. In reality, though, they’re just going to be killing time until we finally reach the January transfer window.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
You can love him or hate him, but you cannot deny that Patrick Vieira is doing everything in his power to help Crystal Palace become a team that goes beyond just being relegation contenders.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, took a huge risk by appointing Steven Gerrard. The former Rangers boss managed to get off to a good start, but sustaining it is going to be tough.
Man City vs West Ham
Manchester City are still one of the clear favourites to win the Premier League and title and nothing has changed that. Alas, games like this will offer up an interesting test – especially at the Etihad.
West Ham are genuine top four contenders even after their defeat to Wolves. Still, if they want to mix it up with the big boys, they’ll be expected to put up a good fight against City.
Leicester vs Watford
Brendan Rodgers isn’t exactly on borrowed time but he does need to prove that he’s capable of turning this ship around. The Foxes are struggling to balance every competition they’re in, and it’s showing.
Claudio Ranieri helped to get Leicester on the map during his stint as manager and we’re intrigued to see what happens when he returns to the King Power with Watford. Will he thrive, or will he slip up?
Chelsea vs Man United
Chelsea are one of the best teams in world football and that’s no exaggeration. Thomas Tuchel has been able to work wonders with the squad he has and as we look ahead to the future, it feels like they’re just going to go from strength to strength.
Manchester United have confirmed that Michael Carrick will be in charge for the trip to the capital. Some see that as a mistake, but others understand that it’s going to take time for them to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Will they be able to hold off the inevitable surge of the Blues at Stamford Bridge? Only time will tell.
