The frantic festive Premier League action comes to a head over the next few days, as gameweek 21 takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Here are the potential highlights of the latest round of fixtures in the English top-flight:
Tuesday
Cardiff v Tottenham (Kick-off 5:30 PM)
On Tuesday night, Tottenham will attempt to get their title challenge back on track, as they visit south Wales to face Cardiff at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Cardiff have endured mixed fortunes of late in the English top-flight and currently sit 16th place in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone.
A 1-0 win at Leicester City last time out ended a three-game run without a top-flight win for Neil Warnock’s side. The Bluebirds home form has been stronger than their general form in the top-flight of late, as the Welsh team has won three of their last four league games at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Cardiff’s recent home games in the Premier League have been high scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last nine outings.
Tottenham heads to Wales on the back of a shock 3-1 home defeat by Wolves last time out. The defeat at Wembley ended a five-game winning run in the top-flight for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The loss also halted Spurs’ promising bid for the title. The team from north London are now eight points behind league leaders Liverpool in the race to be English champions in May. Tottenham’s recent top-flight outings have been high scoring in the Premier League, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last eight matches.
The visitors have been on good form on their travels of late in the English top-flight, winning seven of their last eight away matches. Pochettino’s team have also been prolific on their travels, scoring at least two goals in six of their last eight away games.
Despite the defeat last time out, Tottenham are favourites to win this clash. It is a must-win game if they are to have any chance of winning the title this season.
Thursday
Manchester City v Liverpool (Kick-off 8 PM)
On Thursday night, title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium in what could be the biggest game of the season in the context of the Premier League title.
Reigning champions Manchester City are seven points behind league leaders Liverpool after a disastrous festive period. Pep Guardiola ended a two-game losing run by recording a 3-1 win at Southampton last time out.
The win lifted spirits for this must-win game against Jurgen Klopp’s seemingly relentless Reds. One thing is virtually guaranteed with City games in the Premier League, which is goals, as nine of the Citizens last ten games have produced over 2.5 goals.
A shock 3-2 home defeat in their last home league game by Crystal Palace ended a home-game winning run at the Etihad Stadium for the champions. A key to that winning run was their effectiveness in front of goal, as Guardiola’s side has scored at least two goals in their last 11 league matches on home soil.
The omens are against a City win, as the men from Manchester have won just once in 11 meetings with Liverpool in all competitions.
Liverpool have been relentless in their search for a first Premier League title this season. Jurgen Klopp’s team are unbeaten in the top-flight, having also won their last nine league outings.
The Merseysiders have been impressive at both ends of the pitch, scoring at least twice in their last six league games, while also conceding a league-low of just eight goals.
The Reds are unbeaten in ten away games in the Premier League this season, having recorded eight wins. A key to the visitor’s good form of late has been their attacking threat, as they have scored at least twice in their last four away matches.
Gameweek 21’s other Premier League fixtures
Tuesday
Everton v Leicester (Kick-off 12:30)
Arsenal v Fulham
Wednesday (7:45 PM kick-off unless stated)
Bournemouth v Watford
Chelsea v Southampton
Huddersfield v Burnley
West Ham v Brighton
Wolves v Crystal Palace
Newcastle v Manchester United (Kick-off 8 PM)
Will Manchester City beat Liverpool to cut the gap at the top of the table?
