Premier League Preview

By Jonny Bray

Covid-19 is back with a bang, and it’s wreaking havoc on the Premier League fixture calendar.

At the time of writing this, just five of the weekend’s ten Premier League fixtures are taking place as the country looks set to start 2022 the way it started 2021.

But that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of action across the division, with Sunday afternoon looking particularly mouth-watering on paper.

So here’s the Premier League preview for this weekend, Covid-19 permitting.

Aston Villa v Burnley

Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa side have been in outstanding form since he arrived from Rangers.

The former England international has four wins from his six games as boss, with the two defeats coming up against Manchester City and Liverpool.

They’ll now take on Burnley, who have been having a difficult season so far.

Their last game was postponed, with Watford’s squad depleted after several positive Covid-19 cases.

To make matters worse for Sean Dyche’s side, they’re currently 18th, two points behind safety, while their opponents are 10th as things stand.

Villa have got to be favourites for this one, but Burnley have shown all season that they prepared to fight scratch and claw their way to three points when they can.

Leeds United v Arsenal

Were he any other manager, Marcelo Bielsa would have almost certainly lost his job by now.

The Argentine’s Leeds United side have been really disappointing so far this season, in part due to injuries, but also because of a noticeable drop in effort levels.

Worryingly for the Leeds boss, they take on Arsenal this weekend, with the Gunners in good form ahead of the trip to Yorkshire.

Leeds desperately need the win.

They’re currently 16th, just five points above the relegation zone, and they haven’t won in three games.

In contrast, the Gunners broke into the top four this weekend with a 2-0 win against West Ham.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea

Wolves have been one of the most underrated teams in the league this season.

It’s almost like everyone’s forgotten the years of good work they’ve put in and the quality they have throughout their squad.

They’re currently eighth, with Sunday’s opponents Chelsea in third.

The Blues are trying to get back to their best after falling off the pace in the title race.

They’re four points behind Manchester City, but it isn’t over yet.

Newcastle United v Manchester City

Speaking of which, Manchester City travel to St James’ Park this weekend to take on Newcastle in the league's newest big-money fixture.

The Geordies are in big trouble, currently sat in 19th, level on points with bottom of the table Norwich City.

They’ve won just one of their 17 games this season, an abysmal stat, and despite Eddie Howe improving the side since his arrival, it’s looking less and less likely that Newcastle will stay up.

In contrast, City look in good shape after moving to the top of the table.

They haven’t lost in the league since October’s 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

If this game goes ahead, it’ll be by far the biggest of the weekend.

It’ll also be Antonio Conte’s biggest test since arriving in North London.

Liverpool are just one point behind Manchester City, currently sitting in second.

Meanwhile, Spurs look much improved after a run of three consecutive wins.

That’s brought them up to seventh in the table, and it’s revitalised their top-four hopes for this season.A win against Liverpool could be a massive step towards chasing down Arsenal in fourth.

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