After one day off, the English Premier League is back for the second set of matches during the festive period. This weekend’s 10-game slate comes in between the Boxing Day set of clashes and the Monday through Wednesday schedule set for next week.
The big matchup of the weekend comes from Anfield, where second-place Liverpool plays host to third-place Manchester City in a match that neither team can afford to lose given Chelsea’s rampant pace atop the league table.
The majority of the Matchday 19 schedule sees teams from the top of the table face off against sides in the bottom half, but there is one game between two sides in the lower tier that carries plenty of intrigue. A win at home by Leicester City over West Ham United will boost them away from the relegation zone, while three points for the Hammers could move them into the top 10.
The final match of the weekend carries a ton of importance as well, as Arsenal hosts Crystal Palace. The Gunners are favored to win, but with Palace under new management, results are imperative to gain separation from the bottom three.
Below is a deeper look at some of the key games being player over the next three days.
Manchester City at Liverpool (Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET, NBC)
Injuries of Note: John Stones is in contention for a return to the starting lineup despite suffering a knock against Hull City on Boxing Day. Vincent Kompany and Leroy Sane are out for the trip to Anfield for Pep Guardiola’s men. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed Saturday’s match is too early for Philippe Coutinho’s return. Klopp also said the match against Sunderland next week may be too early for the Brazilian to come back as well.
Key to Game: Liverpool needs to limit Manchester City’s attacking prowess, especially in the opening stage of the contest. With a hungry Sergio Aguero leading the line, the Reds will be put under pressure from kickoff. If their defense remains firm like it has in the last three matches, the Reds will put themselves in better position to claim second after 90 minutes.
Player to Watch: Sergio Aguero is returning from his four-game suspension on Saturday. The Argentinian marksman has found the back of the net on 10 occasions in 11 league matches, and he is sure to be thorn in Liverpool’s side in the chase for second place.
Quote: “All the contenders are really tough teams. It will be a good fight until the end of the season.”- Pep Guardiola
West Ham United at Leicester City (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, NBC Sports Live Extra)
Injuries of Note: Manuel Lanzini and Simone Zaza are back in first-team training for West Ham, while James Collins is still a week or two away from returning to training. Danny Drinkwater could return to the starting XI for the Foxes after featuring for 45 minutes off the bench on Boxing Day. Riyad Mahrez is in the same boat as Drinkwater after playing 26 minutes on Monday.
Key to Game: The potential returns of Drinkwater and Mahrez would be huge for the Foxes. If they are able to provide stability in midfield, it will give the home side a much better chance of moving up in the table after a disappointing first half of the season.
Player to Watch: Michail Antonio has three tallies in his last six league matches, including one in the Hammers’ 4-1 win over Swansea City on Boxing Day that resulted in the firing of Bob Bradley.
Quote: “We know we are in a battle with lots of teams and we are ready to battle.”- Claudio Ranieri
Crystal Palace at Arsenal (Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Injuries of Note: Danny Welbeck is looking sharp in training according to Arsene Wenger, but the forward might feature right away after a seven-month layoff. Shkodran Mustafi should be available for the Gunners, while Kieran Gibbs is out. Loic Remy is at least a week away from returning for Crystal Palace. James McArthur, Joe Ledley and James Tomkins are not expected to be available for selection.
Key to Game: Palace must find a way to plug its defensive issues as it prepares to face a dangerous attacking team like Arsenal. The Eagles have one clean sheet in their last seven league matches. Sam Allardyce’s men can ill afford to get into a shootout with the Gunners, who scored 15 goals in all competitions in December.
Player to Watch: Mesut Ozil has come under tons of criticism for his performance in midfield this season. The German recorded an assist in the Boxing Day win over West Bromwich Albion, but more is still expected out Arsenal’s playmaker, especially as the Gunners have a top-four fight on their hands.
Quote: “We have not produced the games, the Premier League has not produced the games that are remembered.”- Arsene Wenger
Everton at Hull City (Friday, 3 p.m. ET, NBCSN)
Middlesbrough at Manchester United (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, NBCSN)
Sunderland at Burnley (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Live Extra)
Bournemouth at Swansea (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Live Extra)
Stoke City at Chelsea (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Live Extra)
West Bromwich Albion at Sunderland (Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, Live Extra)
Tottenham Hotspur at Watford (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. ET, Live Extra)