As we approach the festive period, the English Premier League is packed with exciting fixtures and high-stakes encounters that will give football fans the perfect experience going into the celebratory season.
While as usual there are interesting fixtures on December 26, Boxing Day, this weekend matches promises to be a thrilling ride for football fans. Here are five matches you absolutely cannot miss on SuperSport Premier League (channel 203) on DStv this weekend:
Aston Villa Vs Manchester City (Saturday, December 21st)
An early kickoff at 1:30 PM WAT will see Pep Guardiola at the touchline as his struggling team, Manchester City, locks horns with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. The visitors have been in crisis, having won only one game in their last 11 matches, with two draws and seven losses.
This is the worst season for the Spanish coach since he began his managerial career over 17 years ago. Earlier in the week, at home against long-time rivals Manchester United, Pep succumbed to a 2-1 defeat; the Reds overturned City’s early lead to win the game with two goals in two minutes.
For Aston Villa, which sits 7th in the league table, just two points behind City, a win is much needed to keep hopes of playing in the Champions League next season alive. Coming off a defeat in their last encounter with Nottingham Forest, Unai Emery’s side needs to capitalize on City’s recent crisis to return to winning ways. But will they?
This fixture promises to be a captivating encounter between two sides with contrasting styles and ambitions.
Brentford Vs Nottingham Forest (Saturday, December 22nd)
Fresh off their win against Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest will travel to Gtech Community Stadium this Saturday, December 21st, to face Brentford, who lost to Chelsea in their match earlier this week. Sitting 4th in the EPL, Nottingham Forest has been a tough team to beat this season, having triumphed over teams like Manchester United and title contenders, Liverpool. But the match against Brentford will not be an easy feat as Thomas Frank’s side continues to show resilience.
Everton Vs Chelsea (Saturday, December 21st)
Although Chelsea’s coach Enzo Maresca has repeatedly stated that his team is not in the title race, the Blues’ recent form appears to suggest otherwise. In their last seven matches, Chelsea has won all, with the last being over Brentford last week. However, this Sunday, Chelsea will travel to Goodison Park to battle Everton, who, in a thrilling encounter, held Arsenal to a goalless draw last Saturday. The game at Goodison Park is on Sunday, December 21st. The Toffees, fighting to ensure they are well above the relegation zone, will no doubt face a tough test against the ambitious Blues. Expect a fiery atmosphere and a thrilling encounter as both teams seek a crucial victory.
Tottenham Hotspur Vs Liverpool (Sunday, December 22nd)
The last game of this weekend’s feature is between title contenders, Liverpool, and their long-time rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. Both teams will, on December 22 at 5:30 PM WAT, lock horns in a match that will determine a lot, particularly for Liverpool after they secured only one point in their last week’s EPL match. Sitting at the top of the table with just a two-point lead, although they have a game in hand, Liverpool needs to secure maximum points against Spurs to maintain a healthy lead in the EPL title race.
Although Spurs have been inconsistent this season, their last EPL win, where they thrashed Southampton 5 goals to nil, might be the needed boost for Ange Postecoglou to start turning things around.
Manchester United Vs Bournemouth (Sunday, December 22nd)
On Sunday, December 22nd, at 3 PM WAT, Manchester United will host Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, fuelled by their passionate fanbase, will be aiming to secure a comfortable victory and continue their upward trajectory, after they dramatically defeated Manchester City in their last EPL encounter.
With a blend of experienced stars and promising youngsters like Amad Diallo, Manchester United possesses the attacking firepower to dismantle Bournemouth’s defense.
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