The final weekend of festive Premier League action has arrived, with the table looking messy as some teams have played 20 matches while others have played as few as 16. TIBS News previews the first games of 2022.
In-form Arsenal host table-topping Manchester City
Top of the league Manchester City could go as far as 11 points clear if they beat fourth placed Arsenal on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won their last 10 league games and again look unstoppable as they head to a potential fourth title in the last five years.
Chelsea face Liverpool in a gigantic clash
Chelsea sit second but have won just twice in their last six league matches.
The Blues disappointed again last time out in their 1-1 draw against Brighton and will look to bounce back against third-placed Liverpool on Sunday.
The Reds have also been off form, losing to Leicester City last time out and dropping further away from their title rivals in the process.
Top-four race continues
Fifth-placed West Ham take on Crystal Palace in the latest Premier League London derby, with the chance to move closer to the Champions League spots if they can win.
The Hammers suffered a blip earlier in the season but look to have gotten back to form after a strong 4-1 over Watford during the week.
Tottenham have games in hand on all the other top seven clubs after a stop-start festive period but have been superb under new manager Antonio Conte.
They can continue their unbeaten start in the league under the Italian when they face Watford, who have lost their last five games.
One club who have struggled under new management is Manchester United, who are still adapting to life under German coach Ralf Rangnick.
United take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night, currently sitting four points outside of the top four.
War of the Roses near the bottom
Elsewhere, Leeds United take on Burnley in a crucial match in the ongoing relegation battle, with just five points separating the two teams.
The Clarets have played two less games, though, and will be hoping to win this weekend and really boost their survival chances.
Everton have also struggled lately, as have their opponents Brighton, with strong starts to the season helping both clubs’ league positions.
They go head-to-head this weekend, with just five points separating the Toffees in 15th and the Seagulls in 10th.
Finally, Aston Villa take on Brentford with the hopes of moving back into the top half of the league.
Steven Gerrard has started well in charge of Villa, while Brentford have also adapted nicely to life in the Premier League.
Both Norwich vs Leicester and Newcastle vs Southampton have been postponed due to COVID-19 and injury issues.
