EPL’s ‘winter break’ gives Villa, City a chance to pressure Liverpool
The English Premier League is the only European league not to stop matches over the Christmas holidays, but it will have a ‘winter break’ over two weekends.
Its version of a break sees half the teams in action this weekend, and the balance play next weekend.
So, while the action continues, teams will have 14 days of ‘rest’ between league games. Of course, those in the League Cup semifinals and involved in the FA Cup replays would have a shorter break.
Former European champion Aston Villa could go joint top with Liverpool, which is not in action this week.
Villa has 42 points from 20 matches, three behind Liverpool, while defending champion Manchester City is third on 40 points but from 19 games.
City goes to Newcastle on Sunday (1.30am) and could be second for a few hours as Villa visits Everton for the 10pm kickoff.
The game at St James’ Park is crucial for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after seeing his team lose five of its last six matches and failing to get out of the Champions League group.
Another loss and Howe could be gone by Monday.
The former Bournemouth manager worked wonders since taking over Newcastle in November 2021, but the Magpies have gone off the boil and are in danger of not qualifying for Europe.
Newcastle sits ninth on 29 points, two points behind Brighton and Manchester United.
Howe will hope his team turns up fighting as City welcomes back talisman Kevin De Bruyne after a long injury lay-off.
The Belgian international played in City’s 5-0 thrashing of Huddersfield in the FA Cup but has not featured in a league game since August after injuring his hamstring.
The other big match to look forward to is Manchester United taking on fifth-placed Tottenham on Monday (12.30am).
Eight points and three places separate the teams, but Tottenham, with Son Heung-min away for the Asian Cup, does not have a good record against the Red Devils.
United manager Erik ten Hag has not thrown in the towel, as he believes his team can still challenge for the title despite being 14 points behind Liverpool.
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Burnley vs Luton (3.45am)
Chelsea vs Fulham (8.30pm)
SUNDAY
Newcastle vs Manchester City (1.30am)
Everton vs Aston Villa (10pm)
MONDAY
Manchester United vs Tottenham (12.30am)
Main image: Aston Villa FC
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