NewKerala.com

Premier League New Year's Day: Title Pressure on Man City, Chance for Liverpool

Arsenal's commanding lead has intensified the pressure on Manchester City, who face a challenging trip to Sunderland amid AFCON absences. Liverpool, meanwhile, have a prime opportunity to solidify their top-four position against a resilient Leeds United. The day also features a tense return for Tottenham's Thomas Frank to his former club Brentford. Other key battles include Crystal Palace seeking to halt a slide against in-form Fulham.

Key Points: Premier League New Year's Day Preview: Title Race Heats Up

  • Arsenal leads by 5 points
  • Man City faces tough Sunderland test
  • Liverpool can extend top-4 gap
  • Leeds unbeaten in five
  • Spurs' Frank returns to Brentford
2 min read

Premier League: Pressure and opportunity in New Year's Day games (preview)

Arsenal's lead puts pressure on Man City at Sunderland, while Liverpool eye a top-four cushion against Leeds. Key clashes shape the Premier League's New Year's Day.

"The result...has put pressure on Manchester City, but offers an opportunity to Liverpool. - Xinhua preview"

London, Dec 31

The result of their previous round match in the Premier League has put pressure on Manchester City, but offers an opportunity to Liverpool when the two sides play their respective games on New Year's Day on Thursday.

Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 win over Aston Villa lifted Mikel Arteta's side five points clear at the top of the table, putting the onus on Manchester City to take all three points on what is likely to be a tough and chilly visit to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland, reports Xinhua.

The African Cup of Nations will play its role in the match with five Sunderland and two Manchester City players currently competing in Morocco, while John Stones and Jeremy Doku are also out for the visiting side.

Manchester City seem to be peaking after eight consecutive wins in all competitions, while Sunderland have only lost four times on their return to the elite.

Chelsea's draw at home to Bournemouth means that Liverpool have the chance to open up a five-point lead over fifth place if Arne Slot's side can win at home to a dogged Leeds United that is unbeaten in five games and pushed Manchester City all the way in their last defeat.

Liverpool have sacked set-piece coach Aaron Briggs due to their problems defending corners and free kicks, and Leeds may see that as the best chance of frustrating a side that has recovered, but still seems to leave rivals with chances of taking something from their games.

Tottenham coach Thomas Frank returns to face Brentford, who he left in the summer to coach Spurs. Frank returns to face a rival that is ninth in the table and enjoying its best-ever first half to the season, while his job is still under pressure despite a win away to Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace will again be tested at home to Fulham, who are now level on points with Palace after three consecutive wins, while Oliver Glasner's side has suffered three straight defeats.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching from Delhi. Liverpool's decision to sack the set-piece coach seems a bit rash mid-season? Leeds are tough, and this feels like a panic move. The real story is Arsenal – they look unstoppable right now.
A
Arjun K
Perfect timing for the match! New Year's Day holiday here means I can watch it live without worrying about work. Hoping for a Liverpool win to solidify top four. YNWA from Bangalore! ❤️
P
Priyanka N
The AFCON impact is huge for Indian fans too – we love watching the African stars! Sadio Mané isn't there anymore, but it still affects the league. Makes the competition more interesting, no?
V
Vikram M
Thomas Frank going back to Brentford is the spicy storyline for me. As an Indian football fan, I appreciate managers with a clear philosophy. Hope Spurs get a result, but Brentford have been brilliant.
K
Karthik V
Pressure is truly on City. A draw away at Sunderland would feel like a loss now. Meanwhile, Liverpool just need to be professional at home. The title race is heating up! Perfect post-dinner entertainment for us here.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50