The games to follow from ‘Boxing Day’

Harry Kane aims for ‘Boxing Day’ reign

Brentford-Tottenham (Monday 26, 1:30 pm)

Harry Kane could set a special record in the Premier League, on Boxing Day. After an irregular participation in the World Cup in Qatar, Kane is trying to get back to his best feelings. He scored in all six of his Boxing Day appearances, the longest streak in Premier League history. On that special day in England, the Spurs striker needed just one goal to break Robbie Fowler’s record. In the first 18 games, Kane scored 12 goals. He needs just 5 to reach 200 in the Premier League, a milestone only Alan Shearer (260) and Wayne Rooney (208) have previously reached.

2

Lopetegui’s new ideas at ‘Wolves’

Everton-Wolves (Monday 26, 4:00 pm)

After a two-week spell in Marbella, Julen Lopetegui will face his real Wolves debut, in search of a recovery for the team, currently bottom of the Premier. On Tuesday he played the Carabao Cup against Gillingham, with a good result (2-0). Lopetegui looked for new dynamics, regenerated the environment and tested some youngsters. But his problem is the goals. The ‘Wolves’ forward is the worst in the Premier. While waiting for the January transfer window to open, and the transfer of Álvaro Cunha (Atlético) has arrived, the goal is not easy: since the 2014-15 season, when Leicester achieved it, no team, minimum team at Christmas, managed to avoid relegation.

3

Pulse on the banks of Emery-Klopp

Aston Villa-Liverpool (Monday 26, 6:30 pm)

Interesting rivalry between the coaches, after the arrival of Unai Emery at Villa Park, facing a Jurgen Kloop with Liverpool on the rise. The inertia of the two teams is equally increasing, both with two victories in the last two days. The arrival of tactician Emery is excited. Now he has to find a formula to stop Mohamed Salah. Although he only has 6 goals, he is the Premier striker leading the shots on goal statistics (50) and
shots in place (39).

4

The day after Christian

M. United-Nottingham (Tuesday 27, 9:00 pm)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has relieved United of its internal problems. Facing the second-worst defense in the Premier, Ten Haag’s team has a chance to defend itself at Old Trafford, although there is uncertainty over the physical condition of its players at the World Cup (14). After beating Burnley in the Carabao Cup (2-0), the match also has an interesting incentive for David De Gea. If he stays clean, he will become the fifth goalkeeper in English league history to achieve this most times (138), surpassed only by Petr Cech, David James, Mark Schwarzer and David Seaman.

5

Haaland’s scoring career

Leeds-M. City (Wednesday 28, 9:00 pm)

After their unexpected defeat at the Etihad Stadium against Brentford (1-2), Guardiola’s City visited the difficult Ellan Road in Leeds, with the need to deliver a blow of authority in the pursuit of Arsenal. Managing the fatigue of the 16 players who went to the World Cup in Qatar was the challenge of the ‘Blues’, who held on to an Erling Haaland with tremendous efficiency. Already with 18 goals, the Norwegian is seeking to break the scoring record for a player in a season in the Premier. It is shared by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole with 34 goals, although both registered that figure in a 42-game season. Egyptian Salah (Liverpool), scored 32 in 2017/18, in 38 games.