The 5 most important Premier League matches this weekend

The Premier League returns this weekend, albeit with just 5 matches on matchday 21. After the FA Cup third round break, which acted as a firewall to the avalanche of Christmas matches in the English league, the season continues. a poster that was not planned for the second round: five candidates for the title, with Liverpool in the lead, and separated by only six points. A two-week period for matchday 21 has been agreed

ease the tight match schedule the players have to deal with, many of whom are also playing African and Asian Cups with their national teams. These are the 5 games:

Burnley-Luton

Friday 12th, 8:45 pm (DAZN)

Turf Moor hosts a key clash in the fight to avoid relegation. Two of the clubs promoted this year are balancing their strength, at an important moment and the need for victories. Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, with good football despite budget constraints, has
one of their last options to secure points, despite holding the record of being the first team in the English league to lose nine of their first 10 league games at home. Rob Edwards’ ferocious Luton Town are emerging as tough to beat, although their strength lies in games at the pressing Kenilworth Road in Luton.

2

Chelsea-Fulham

Saturday 13, 1:30 pm (DAZN)

The passionate ‘derby’ of south-west London has doubts for both clubs. Mauricio Pochettino continues to adjust Chelsea’s lineups, but cannot find a way to regularly correct the progress of the London Blues, who fell on Tuesday against
Middlesbrough (1-0) in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup. It was the sixth time this season that they had not scored. Fulham’s Portuguese Marco Silva knows how to make life difficult for Liverpool and it is not an easy opponent because of its talented forwards, but it has lost in the last four.
game away from Craven Cottage, conceding three or more goals. Showing defensive fissures.

3

Newcastle-Manchester City

Saturday 13, 6:30 pm (DAZN)

The loss of Brazilian Joelinton, who will miss six weeks with a muscle injury, further weakens Newcastle. “He’s our driving force in midfield, it’s a big blow,” said Eddie Howe, with concern, relieved only by recent success in
FACup against their great regional rivals, Sunderland, which brought little peace to Saint James’ Park. Problems have come to the Magpies this year, who have also been limited by not strengthening themselves to comply with financial fair play. The visit of Guardiola’s City, thought to be their usual comeback, came at the worst possible time. The ‘skyblues’ have regained De Bruyne and Doku.

4

Everton-Aston Villa

Sunday 14, 3:00 pm (DAZN)

Tactical duel between two great coaches and their different styles. Sean Dyche is doing a great job at Everton, punished with a 10-point ban, but has the ability to stand up to any rival in the physical demands he puts on his rivals. Aston Villa is another example of good management from the bench. Unai Emery, who was named the best coach of the month of December, changed the ‘villains’ of Birmingham, second, to
just three points from Liverpool. The Basque coach is the polar opposite of Postecoglou, as he changes his tactics to find the weaknesses of his opponents. He will do the same in a tough test at Goodison Park.

5

Manchester United-Tottenham

Sunday 14, 5:30 pm (DAZN)

First big test for United, with new shareholder, Jim Ratcliffe, already involved in the task of reviving the club. He has held several meetings with Carrington and has given coach Erik ten Hag peace of mind about his continuation. “We must take a step forward and take responsibility,” said the Dutch coach, ahead of the dangerous Spurs’ visit to Old Trafford. This will be an important test to find out the ‘red devils’ options. With Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, who are just six points behind Liverpool, their recent signing, German Timo Werner, could make his debut, a vital boost for their attack.