Manchester United vs Burnley

Manchester United will be looking to close out a turbulent 2021 on a high when they take on relegation-threatened Burnley at Old Trafford in their final Premier League fixture of the calendar year.

Manchester United’s mini-revival in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking sees them go into proceedings in the midst of a five-game unbeaten Premier League run (W3, D2). After navigating United to a brace of 1-0 wins over Crystal Palace and Norwich City, new interim boss Ralf Rangnick failed to beat relegation-battling Newcastle United last time out, managing an underwhelming 1-1 draw. Rangnick wasted a golden opportunity to become the first-ever ‘Red Devils’ manager to keep a clean sheet in his first three league matches in charge. However, United’s fragile defense has improved under the German’s stewardship. The abovementioned victory over Palace in their most recent Premier League outing at Old Trafford marked their first top-flight clean sheet at home in 13 matches. But it’s worth noting that they conceded an alarming 22 goals across their previous 12 Premier League fixtures on home soil.

Man United’s ongoing problems could inspire Burnley’s bid to rack up only their second-ever Premier League win over the ‘Red Devils’ at 14th attempt (W1, D4, L8). Notably, though, before falling to a 3-1 defeat in their most recent top-flight visit to Old Trafford, the ‘Clarets’ went unbeaten in their four Premier League matches here beforehand (W1, D3). By contrast, Sean Dyche’s men take the field as one of just two Premier League sides yet to taste victory on foreign turf this season (D4, L4), netting a measly average of 0.75 goals per match in the process. A lack of firepower up front has seen Burnley draw a blank in each of their last three Premier League matches, last going four top-flight games without scoring in November 2020. Yet, if they get on the scoresheet here, the visitors are likely to do it before half-time, as nine (64%) of their 14 Premier League goals this season have come in the first half of play.

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Valencia vs Espanyol

The final fixture of 2021 in La Liga pits high-flying Valencia against a topsy-turvy Espanyol side at the Estadio de Mestalla.

Following a run of three consecutive La Liga draws in November, Valencia have hit the ground running in December, winning all three top-flight matches by an aggregate score of 8-5. Seeking their fourth La Liga victory on the trot for the first time since April 2018 (5), Valencia will fall back on their outstanding all-time H2H record against Espanyol. ‘Los Murcielagos’ have won 80 La Liga matches against this opposition (D32, L50), more than against any other side in the competition’s history. Topically, they have only lost one of their previous nine top-flight H2Hs (W7, D1), notably keeping five clean sheets in their last seven such fixtures. Adding to their confidence, Jose Bordalas’ men have racked up a six-game unbeaten league streak at home (W2, D4) since falling to a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid in mid-September.

In the meantime, Espanyol seem to have no intention of going back to the Segunda Divison following a one-year absence from La Liga as they head into proceedings enjoying mid-table comforts midway through the season. However, a lack of consistency remains a glaring issue, with the visitors alternating between winning and losing across their last seven La Liga outings (W3, L4). Since five (71%) of the seven matches won/lost in that sequence yielded a single-goal margin, it’s easy to assume ‘Los Periquitos’ know in-depth about keeping their games competitive. On the downside, Vicente Moreno’s men have failed to win any of their last 18 away fixtures in La Liga (D3, L13) and are one match away from equaling their longest winless away run in the top-flight in the 21st century. To stop that from happening, Espanyol will have to avoid conceding first at all costs, as they’ve gone on to lose six of the seven league games when falling behind this season (D1).

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Hebei vs Guangzhou FC

Guangzhou FC will be looking to get their stop-start Chinese Super League campaign back on the rails when they take on basement boys Hebei at the Huadu Stadium.

Since eking out a narrow 1-0 home win over Shanghai Port in mid-August, Hebei have run out of steam, going winless in their last six Super League fixtures on the trot (D3, L3). A genuine lack of firepower up front has seen the home side draw a blank in six of their last ten league outings, scoring precisely once in the other four. Coming into this matchday, Hebei are the only side to have failed to reach a 20-goal landmark in the Super League this season (14), scoring at least nine goals fewer than any other team in China’s top-flight. Another seemingly disappointing midweek is looming as Kim Jong-boo’s men go up against a Guangzhou side they’ve failed to beat in each of their last seven Super League H2Hs (D2, L5).

In the meantime, Guangzhou have struggled with inconsistent performances lately, alternating between victory and draw across their last four Super League outings (W2, D2). In turn, Zheng Zhi’s men have racked up two triumphs from their previous three league away games (L1), both of which yielded a full-time margin of 2+ goals. But the ‘South China Tigers’ have enjoyed a noticeable defensive improvement in the build-up to this encounter, going from a run of three consecutive matches without a clean sheet to recording three shutouts in a row. Delivering action from the get-go, Guangzhou have registered a clear majority (65%) of their Super League away goals scored this season (13/20), with no side scoring more first-half goals on the road than them (13) so far.

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Guangzhou City vs Shanghai Port

Yuexiushan Stadium is the venue as Guangzhou City take on Shanghai Port in an exciting Chinese Super League showdown.

Guangzhou City have experienced mixed fortunes across their last three Super League matches (W1, D1, L1), all of which featured two goals inside the opening 35 minutes of play. However, it’s worth noting that Guangzhou’s topsy-turvy form has seen them pick up just one win from their last seven Super League games (D2, L4), conceding 2+ goals in three of those four defeats in that period. The ‘Blue Lions’ may have won just 33.33% of their home league fixtures this season (W3, D3, L3), but they’ve at least done that emphatically, scoring an average of 4.0 goals per victory. Unfortunately, a run of seven successive top-flight home H2Hs without a win (D5, L2) douses any embers of optimism regarding Guangzhou’s fourth Super League triumph at home this term.

As for Shanghai Port, a comprehensive 3-1 home win over Shenzhen last time out brought their two-game winless Super League streak to a halt (D1, L1). After waving goodbye to the likes of the world’s greats, Marko Arnautovic and Hulk, the visitors’ hopes of winning their second Super League title have lost any meaning. Yet, they are likely to clinch qualification for the AFC Champions League as they head into proceedings holding a three-point lead over fourth-placed Changchun Yatai. To solidify their position in the coveted top three, though, Shanghai will have to defy their indifferent away form across their last four Super League travels (W2, D1, L1). The ‘Red Eagles’ can always rely on a rock-solid backline to lay the foundations for success, as they’ve only conceded more than once in one of their nine league road trips this season.

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Shenzhen vs Changchun Yatai

Shenzhen and Changchun Yatai are set to trade tackles at Tianhe Stadium in their second Chinese Super League H2H in the space of a fortnight. A 1-1 draw at the Yuexiushan Stadium saw the spoils shared in mid-December.

Shenzhen have blown hot and cold since the Super League returned to action in December, going winless in four of their five top-flight matches this month (W1, D2, L2). There’s a feeling that Shenzhen’s ongoing league struggle has emanated from a fragile backline that has yet to keep a clean sheet in the Super League in December, conceding 2+ goals in four of their five league outings. Particularly vulnerable before half-time, the ‘Youth Army’ have registered a clear majority (66%) of their Super League home goals conceded so far in the first half of play (6/9). By contrast, Jose Carlos Granero’s men often find their feet in the second half, as witnessed by the fact that ten (83%) of their 12 top-flight goals scored at home this season have come beyond HT.

Meanwhile, Changchun Yatai came from behind to defeat Guangzhou City 2-1 at home last time out, putting an end to their frustrating three-match winless Super League streak (D1, L2). Sat in fourth, just three points adrift of the coveted third place, the visitors can ill-afford a slip-up here if they are to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. But posting a victory in Shenzhen would require Changchun to overcome their inconsistency on hostile turf, having alternated between winning and losing across their last four Super League travels (W2, L2), with three of those games won/lost yielding an identical 2-1 scoreline. Scoring first would certainly optimize their winning prospects. But even if they concede the opener, Chen Yang’s side should have enough character to bounce back as they’ve won more Super League matches (3) from losing positions than any other side this term.

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Beijing Guoan vs Shandon Taishan

Beijing Guoan and Shandong Taishan go head-to-head in a mouth-watering Chinese Super League fixture at the Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Central Stadium.

Beijing Guoan head into proceedings having failed to win their last four Super League matches in a row (D1, L3), drawing a blank twice in the process. But despite their thoroughly underwhelming form, Slaven Bilic’s men have been a force to be reckoned with at home this season, as they’ve yet to taste a bite of defeat on home turf (W6, D3). Much of the credit for Beijing’s remarkable home form has to be pinned on a free-scoring attack that has netted 2+ goals in four of their last five Super League home games. Another goal-friendly affair could be on the cards, given that five of Beijing’s previous six top-flight home encounters against Shandong have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet (W3, D2, L1).

In the meantime, Shandong Taishan go into this round in the midst of a purple patch, having won their last 16 competitive matches in a row. Since falling to a 2-1 away defeat to Guangzhou FC in late July, the visitors have won each of their subsequent ten Super League games, seven of which yielded a winning margin of 2+ goals. Away from home, ‘Taishan Dui’ have racked up a four-game winning league streak, returning an intimidating +14+ goal difference for their trouble (GF:15, GA:1). Indeed, Shandong’s scoring prowess has been off the charts in the Super League this season as they remain the only side to have hit double digits in both halves of away league action played so far. They are also one of just three sides to have smashed a 20-goal barrier on the road this term (23).

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Chelsea vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Chelsea will be looking to close out an utterly impressive 2021 on a high when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion in their final Premier League match of the calendar year at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea pulled off a come-from-behind 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Boxing Day to snap a run of back-to-back Premier League draws and remain within a six-point distance of pacesetters Manchester City. Coming back to Stamford Bridge may not necessarily be a good omen, as they’ve drawn three of their last four Premier League matches here (W1) despite taking the lead in two of those stalemates. Indeed, Thomas Tuchel’s men have conceded five goals across their last four Premier League home games, more than they had in their previous nine in the competition combined (4). However, Brighton’s visit to the capital certainly looks like a winnable fixture, given that the ‘Blues’ have never lost a league encounter against this opposition in their previous 12 such H2Hs (W10, D2).

In the meantime, Brighton & Hove Albion cruised to a 2-0 home victory over the Premier League debutants Brentford last time out, finally bringing their embarrassing 11-game winless league streak to a halt (D8, L3). Still, since winning their opening two away league matches this season by a single-goal margin each, the ‘Seagulls’ have gone winless in their last six Premier League road trips on the trot (D5, L1), scoring under 1.5 goals five times in the process. Graham Potter’s men often take their time before hurting their opposition away from home, having netted seven of their eight Premier League goals on hostile turf this term in the second half of play. After losing their final league match of 2020 to Arsenal, Brighton face the prospect of suffering defeats in such contests in two successive calendar years for the first time in a decade.

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Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Bottom-half Southampton will be looking to defy the odds for the second Premier League game running when they entertain high-flying Tottenham Hotspur at St. Mary’s Stadium.

Southampton pulled off a stunning 3-2 victory at West Ham United on Boxing Day despite being pegged back twice to bring a run of six Premier League matches without a win to a halt (D3, L3). Presented with a rare opportunity to win back-to-back league fixtures, a feat they’ve only achieved once this season, the ‘Saints’ will fall back on their solid home record so far. Except for a narrow 1-0 loss to Wolverhampton in late September, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have avoided defeat in their remaining seven Premier League home fixtures this term (W2, D5), including the last five in a row (W2, D3). However, entertainment has been relatively sparse at St. Mary’s Stadium thus far, as only two of Southampton’s eight league games here have featured over 2.5 overall goals.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have hit the ground running under the stewardship of new boss Antonio Conte, going unbeaten in all six Premier League matches since his arrival at the helm in November (W4, D2). ‘Spurs’ put cross-town rivals Crystal Palace to the sword on Boxing Day, cruising to a 3-0 victory, which means they’ve now netted 2+ goals in their last five top-flight outings on the trot. In fact, they’ve scored 12 goals across their last five Premier League games, more than they had in their previous 11 in the competition combined (9). That should inspire Tottenham’s bid to break a two-game winless away league streak (D1, L1) and avoid going three consecutive Premier League travels without scoring for the first time since April 2014. The fact that they’ve inflicted more Premier League defeats on Southampton (13) than any other side since the ‘Saints’ return to the top-flight in 2012 also comes in handy.

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Crystal Palace vs Norwich City

Crystal Palace will be desperate to fight their way out of an annoying crisis when they take on rock-bottom Premier League side Norwich City at Selhurst Park.

Without COVID-19 sidelined manager Patrick Vieira, Crystal Palace fell to an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day, making it two Premier League matches without a win in a row (D1, L1). In fact, the ‘Eagles’ have now won just one of their last seven league outings (D2, L4), conceding 2+ goals five times in the process. Therefore, Norwich’s visit to Selhurst Park will look like a prime opportunity for Palace to get back to winning ways, especially considering they’ve gone unbeaten in their last 16 league H2Hs at home (W11, D5). Worryingly, though, the Londoners have failed to win their final league game in any of the last nine calendar years (D7, L2) since eking out a 1-0 victory over Millwall in 2011.

In the meantime, Norwich City look to be sinking without a trace after losing their last four Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 11-0. An early enthusiasm inspired by Dean Smith’s arrival at the helm is long gone as the ‘Canaries’ head into proceedings nailed to the bottom of the table. Coming into this matchday, the visitors remain the only Premier League side yet to smash a 10-goal barrier this season, having scored just eight times after 18 league fixtures to date. Topically, they’ve averaged a mere 0.37 goals per Premier League away game this term, drawing a blank in six of their eight top-flight travels so far. Adding to their problems, Norwich have only won one of their last 27 Premier League meetings with London sides in the capital (D6, L20), courtesy of a 2-1 win at the competition debutants Brentford in early November.

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Tianjin Jinmen Tiger vs Henan Songshan Longmen

Second-placed Henan Songshan Longmen head to the Olympic Sports Center Stadium to meet relegation-battling Tianjin Jinmen Tiger in a must-win Chinese Super League showdown.

Songyi Li’s last-gasp decider fired Tianjin to an all-important 1-0 triumph at Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic last time out, halting a run of six league matches without a win (D2, L4). Despite their underwhelming form, the hosts have at least managed to keep it competitive, with six of their last seven league fixtures featuring a full-time margin of under 1.5 goals. What’s more, the Olympic Sports Center Stadium has been a venue of entertainment lately, as six of Tianjin’s last seven Chinese Super League games here have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet (W2, D1, L4). By contrast, each of their previous four top-flight home encounters against Henan has witnessed one or both sides fail to find the back of the net in matches garnering under 2.5 total goals.

Meanwhile, Henan have enjoyed a noticeable upturn in form ahead of this trip, going from four Chinese Super League games without winning (D2, L2) to back-to-back victories ‘to nil.’ Despite their paltry scoring return of 0.94 goals scored per match on average, the visitors are lagging six points behind pacesetters Shanghai Shenhua in second. But to whittle down that gap, the ‘Red Devils’ will have to defy their thoroughly disappointing away league record this season (W1, D4, L4). Much of Henan’s difficulties on the road have emanated from their uneventful attack that has mustered up an average of 0.55 goals per league travel. Indeed, Antonio Escalona’s men have drawn a blank in four of their last six top-flight road trips while scoring precisely once in the other two.

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Watford vs West Ham United

Vicarage Road is the venue as 17th-placed Watford seek their first Premier League points in December against an out-of-form West Ham United side.

Watford will return to Premier League action following a three-match hiatus triggered by a COVID-19 outbreak at Vicarage Road, desperate to find their feet in the Premier League this term. Before a series of match cancellations, the ‘Hornets’ were on a horrendous four-game losing streak in the Premier League as they head into proceedings harboring a slender two-point lead over 18th-placed Burnley. After losing their last two Premier League home fixtures by 2+ goals ‘to one,’ Watford stare at the prospect of suffering three consecutive top-flight defeats on home turf in a single league campaign for the first time since 1987/88. Encouragingly, though, Claudio Ranieri’s men have won their final league game in the last two calendar years. However, they’ve conceded first in 13 of their 16 Premier League outings this term, going on to lose 11 such contests (W1, D1).

In the meantime, West Ham United are seemingly running out of steam, as a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Southampton on Boxing Day made it three Premier League matches without a win (D1, L2). Furthermore, the ‘Hammers’ have gone winless in their last four Premier League away games on the spin (D1, L3) since ‘hammering’ Aston Villa 4-1 in late October. After drawing a blank in back-to-back league travels in the build-up to this encounter, the Londoners face the risk of going three top-flight road trips without scoring for the first time under current boss David Moyes. If that’s not enough for concern, West Ham have already lost to the Premier League debutants Brentford earlier this season, having suffered just one defeat in 12 top-flight meetings with newly-promoted sides beforehand (W7, D4).

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Leicester City vs Liverpool

Liverpool head to the King Power Stadium to face a mid-table Leicester City in a mouth-watering Premier League encounter.

Despite putting three goals past reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Boxing Day, Leicester City came up empty-handed as they fell to a dismal 6-3 defeat at the Etihad. Interestingly, the ‘Foxes’ have now failed to win their last two domestic fixtures despite scoring precisely three goals on each occasion (D1, L1), including a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out elimination to Liverpool in last week’s Carabao Cup action. However, Leicester brushed Liverpool aside with a comprehensive 3-1 triumph in their most recent Premier League H2H back in February, as they pursue back-to-back league wins over this opposition for the first time in the 21st century. Adding to their confidence, Brendan Rodgers’ men have racked up two successive Premier League home victories ahead of this fixture and could make it three home league wins in a row for the first time since December 2019.

On the other hand, Liverpool hit back twice to hold Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-2 away draw last time out before a COVID-19 outbreak in the Leeds United camp forced the postponement of their Boxing Day showdown at the weekend. Since the Premier League returned to action following November’s international break, the ‘Reds’ have gone unbeaten in all seven league fixtures (W6, D1), keeping four clean sheets in the process. Despite Jurgen Klopp’s well-documented ‘all-out-attack’ approach, only Man City (11) have registered more Premier League shutouts than Liverpool (10) so far this season. Meanwhile, the Merseyside heavyweights have notched up a league-high 28 Premier League away goals this term, scoring at least eight more than any other side. Topically, they remain one of just two Premier League teams to have hit double digits in both halves of play on the road to date.

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Shanghai Shenhua vs Cangzhou Mighty Lions

Chinese Super League pacesetters Shanghai Shenhua play host to newly-promoted Cangzhou Mighty Lions at the Hongkou Stadium.

Since being held to a 1-1 draw to Cangzhou in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, Shanghai Shenhua have alternated between victory and defeat in their last three league matches (W2, L1). Despite a topsy-turvy period, the hosts are still six points clear of second-placed Henan, mainly thanks to their mesmerizing home performances. Following a run of three top-flight home outings without winning (D2, L1), during which they scored just once, Mao Yijun’s men have won their last three Super League home fixtures in a row by an aggregate score of 8-1. Shanghai’s home action usually sparks into life after half-time, with a clear majority (86.36%) of their Super League home goals scored/conceded this season arriving in the second half of play (19/22). It’s worth noting that all of their seven home league goals shipped thus far came beyond HT.

As for Cangzhou Mighty Lions, a run of three Super League wins on the bounce should set them up nicely for this fixture as they aim at extending their unbeaten H2H streak to three matches (W1, D1). However, the visitors have failed to win both previous top-flight games away to Shanghai (D1, L1), scoring just once in the process. Furthermore, Svetozar Sapuric’s men eked out a 2-1 victory at Dalian Pro in their most recent Super League travel to post their first win on hostile turf since returning to the top-flight this season (D2, L6). Any hope of making it two triumphs in a row will hinge on Cangzhou’s ability to draw first blood, as they’ve lost seven of the eight Super League fixtures when conceding the opener this term (D1).

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Newcastle United vs Manchester United

Relegation-threatened Newcastle United face a formidable challenge in Manchester United as the two lock horns in a high-stake Premier League showdown at St James’ Park.

A 1-0 home victory over fellow relegation strugglers Norwich City earlier in December proved a fluke as Newcastle United have since lost three Premier League matches in a row by an aggregate score of 11-1. With the abovementioned win over basement boys Norwich remaining Newcastle’s solitary Premier League success this season (D7, L10), it comes as no surprise that the ‘Magpies’ currently languish in 19th in the table. Eddie Howe’s men have conceded a staggering 79 Premier League goals in 2021 so far and failing to keep a clean sheet against Man United would see them set an unwanted record in the competition. That’s not beyond the realm of imaginable, considering the Tynesiders have shipped a league-high 41 Premier League goals this season, registering just one shutout from 18 top-flight matches to date.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have undergone a mini-revival in the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era, going unbeaten in all four Premier League fixtures (W3, D1) since his sacking in November. Newly-appointed interim boss Ralf Rangnick has navigated his side to a brace of narrow 1-0 triumphs over Norwich and Crystal Palace. The German could become the first-ever Man United manager to keep a clean sheet in each of his first four league matches in charge. But even if they concede first, the ‘Red Devils’ could still come back to win at St James’ Park, considering that they’ve won the Premier League all-time high ten games against Newcastle from losing positions. What’s more, the three-time European champions have won each of their last four Premier League H2Hs by 3+ goals ‘to one’ and could make it five top-flight H2H victories in a row for the first time since 2006.

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Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Third-placed Chelsea travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa in a tasty-looking Premier League fixture on Boxing Day.

Aston Villa have won four of their six Premier League matches under new boss Steven Gerrard (L2), though they’ve alternated between victory and defeat across their last five league outings (W3, L2). Since being held to a 1-1 draw to the league newcomers Brentford in late August, none of Villa’s subsequent 14 Premier League games have ended level (W6, L8), their longest run without a draw in English league football since 1998. The ‘Lions’ have failed to get on the scoresheet just once in their last 14 Premier League home outings, finding the back of the net at least once in the last nine in a row since a scoreless draw with Everton in May. Adding to their confidence, Villa came out 2-1 victors in this exact fixture in 2020/21, last winning back-to-back home league H2Hs in 2004.

Meanwhile, Chelsea pulled off a 2-0 away win at Brentford in midweek Carabao Cup action to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to five matches (W2, D3). However, the ‘Blues’ have drawn their last two Premier League games as they face the prospect of going three consecutive top-flight fixtures without winning for the first time under current boss Thomas Tuchel. Worryingly, though, the reigning Champions League holders have lost their last two Premier League matches on Boxing Day, falling to a two-goal margin on both occasions. Following a run of five successive away league victories by an aggregate score of 12-1, Chelsea have failed to win their last two Premier League games on hostile turf (D1, L1), drawing a blank after half-time each time.

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Brighton & Hove Albion vs Brentford

Amex Stadium is the venue as Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford are set to trade tackles in their second-ever Premier League H2H.

After flirting with the European places in the opening stage of the season, Brighton have suffered a noticeable downfall as they head into proceedings amid a worrying 11-game winless Premier League run (D8, L3). Much of Brighton’s recent domestic struggle has to be pinned on a toothless attack that has failed to find the net five times in their last ten league outings while scoring precisely once in four of the other five. Things don’t look bright for the ‘Seagulls,’ as they’ve gone winless in their last 11 Premier League fixtures on Boxing Day (D4, L7) since defeating QPR 1-0 in 2005/26. But they can draw some confidence from their solid record against newly-promoted sides, having lost just one of their last 12 such Premier League contests (W5, D6).

Seeking revenge for a 1-0 defeat in their first-ever Premier League showdown back in September, Brentford will be looking to improve upon their topsy-turvy form of late. A lack of consistency has seen none of the ‘Bees’ last seven Premier League fixtures produce the same outcome twice in a row (W2, D2, L3), with 71.43% of those matches witnessing over 2.5 goals and both teams on the scoresheet. Since beating West Ham United 2-1 on the road in October, Thomas Frank’s men have alternated between drawing and losing across their last four Premier League away games (D2, L2), conceding an average of 2.5 goals per match in that period. But despite playing in lower divisions, Brentford have been nothing short of outstanding on Boxing Day over the past decade, losing just one of their last 12 league fixtures on this day (W7, D4).

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Newcastle United vs Manchester United

Relegation-threatened Newcastle United face a formidable challenge in Manchester United as the two lock horns in a high-stake Premier League showdown at St James’ Park.

A 1-0 home victory over fellow relegation strugglers Norwich City earlier in December proved a fluke as Newcastle United have since lost three Premier League matches in a row by an aggregate score of 11-1. With the abovementioned win over basement boys Norwich remaining Newcastle’s solitary Premier League success this season (D7, L10), it comes as no surprise that the ‘Magpies’ currently languish in 19th in the table. Eddie Howe’s men have conceded a staggering 79 Premier League goals in 2021 so far and failing to keep a clean sheet against Man United would see them set an unwanted record in the competition. That’s not beyond the realm of imaginable, considering the Tynesiders have shipped a league-high 41 Premier League goals this season, registering just one shutout from 18 top-flight matches to date.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have undergone a mini-revival in the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era, going unbeaten in all four Premier League fixtures (W3, D1) since his sacking in November. Newly-appointed interim boss Ralf Rangnick has navigated his side to a brace of narrow 1-0 triumphs over Norwich and Crystal Palace. The German could become the first-ever Man United manager to keep a clean sheet in each of his first four league matches in charge. But even if they concede first, the ‘Red Devils’ could still come back to win at St James’ Park, considering that they’ve won the Premier League all-time high ten games against Newcastle from losing positions. What’s more, the three-time European champions have won each of their last four Premier League H2Hs by 3+ goals ‘to one’ and could make it five top-flight H2H victories in a row for the first time since 2006.

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Norwich City vs Arsenal

Basement boys Norwich City are set to entertain high-flying Arsenal in a high-stake Premier League affair at Carrow Road.

Since recording a 2-1 home win over Southampton on his touchline debut, new boss Dean Smith has witnessed his side go winless in their last five Premier League matches on the trot (D2, L3). A lack of firepower up top has seen Norwich City failed to get on the scoresheet in their last three Premier League games in a row, while they’ve drawn a blank in a league-high 11 outings this term. Topically, the ‘Canaries’ head into proceedings as the only Premier League team yet to smash a 10-goal barrier this season, having scored a mere eight goals after 17 top-flight fixtures to date. Tipped for a season-long fight against the drop, Norwich will at least hope to snap an unwanted Premier League record, having played more top-flight matches (7) on Boxing Day without ever winning than any other side (D1, L6).

On the other hand, Arsenal have enjoyed a noticeable upturn in form in the build-up to this trip, going from back-to-back Premier League defeats to three consecutive wins by an aggregate score of 9-1, prevailing by a 2+ goal margin on each occasion. Despite a stuttering start to the season, the ‘Gunners’ are now genuine candidates in a keenly-contested top-four race, as they hold a four-point lead over fifth-placed West Ham United. That said, before cruising to a landslide 4-1 victory at Leeds United in their most recent Premier League travel, Mikel Arteta’s men were on a three-game losing league run away from home. Gunning for their first consecutive Premier League wins of the season, Arsenal will rely on their solid Boxing Day record, having lost just two of their 23 such Premier League contests (W14, D7).

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Manchester City vs Leicester City

Etihad Stadium is the venue as Manchester City and Leicester City go head-to-head in an exciting Premier League encounter.

Manchester City have hit the ground running in the Premier League since falling to a shock 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace in October, racking up an eye-catching eight-game winning league streak since. Indeed, Pep Guardiola’s men have hit their stride of late, winning their last two Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 11-0, including a 7-0 thumping of Leeds United in their most recent home league outing. The ‘Citizens’ will be looking for another clear-cut victory, encouraged by their impressive home form on Boxing Day of late, having avoided defeat in each of their last eight such contests (W6, D2). The reigning English champions eked out a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture, making it to two top-flight H2H wins in a row without conceding.

Meanwhile, Leicester City will fall back on fond memories of their most recent visit to the Etihad, having registered an overwhelming 5-2 triumph at this venue back last season. Coming into this matchday, Brendan Rodgers’ men claimed a comprehensive 4-0 home win over relegation-battling Newcastle United to halt a run of two consecutive Premier League games without winning (D1, L1). However, the ‘Foxes’ have been far from impressive away from home lately, picking up just one victory in their last six Premier League road trips (D3, L2) while conceding 2+ goals four times in the process. Adding to a sizeable list of worries, Leicester have only won one of their last 11 Premier League fixtures on Boxing Day (D2, L8), though that solitary success came at the expense of Man City of all teams.

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Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will play host to an all-London Premier League match-up between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

New boss Antonio Conte has turned an out-of-sorts Tottenham side into a force to be reckoned with, going unbeaten in all five Premier League matches in charge (W3, D2). Before being held to a 2-2 draw to Liverpool in their most recent Premier League home outing, ‘Spurs’ were enjoying a three-game winning league streak at home, netting 2+ goals on each occasion. That’s a stark contrast to Tottenham’s lackluster attacking showings this season, as they’ve managed a paltry average of 1.2 goals scored per Premier League match so far. Seeking revenge for an embarrassing 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park, the hosts will draw confidence from their intimidating Boxing Day record, having gone unbeaten in their last 14 such Premier League contests on the bounce (W11, D3).

Meanwhile, Odsonne Edouard’s inspired victory in the reverse H2H gives Crystal Palace a rare opportunity to register back-to-back league wins over Tottenham for the first time in the club’s history. However, the ‘Eagles’ have returned just one triumph from their last six Premier League games on Boxing Day (D3, L2), courtesy of a 3-2 success at the expense of fellow London rivals West Ham United in 2019/20. Adding to their confidence, though, Patrick Vieira’s men have tallied ten goals in their last three Premier League London derbies, as many strikes as they had in their previous ten such fixtures combined. During his trophy-laden playing career at Arsenal, Vieira won all eight Premier League matches on Boxing Day, something he’ll hope to translate to his players. But it’s worth noting that Palace have won just one of their last 12 top-flight visits to Tottenham (D4, L7).

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West Ham United vs Southampton

West Ham United will be keen to get their stuttering Premier League campaign back on the rails when they take on an out-of-form Southampton at the London Stadium on Boxing Day.

West Ham enjoyed the Premier League top-three comforts heading into November’s international break, sparking the club’s hopes of eking out their first-ever top-four finish in the top-flight. However, a noticeable downfall on the back of last month’s international break has seen the ‘Hammers’ pick up just one win from six league matches (D2, L3), derailing their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season. West Ham will feel confident of getting back to winning ways here, given that they are unbeaten their last eight top-flight H2Hs in a row (W6, D2) since succumbing to a 3-2 defeat in August 2017. Moreover, David Moyes’ men played out a scoreless draw in the reverse fixture at St Mary’s Stadium, making it three consecutive H2H clean sheets on the spin.

In the meantime, since putting together successive 1-0 win in late-October/early-November, Southampton have gone winless in their last six Premier League outings (D3, L3). A run of poor form has seen the south-coast side fall to 15th in the table, six points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, who also boast two games in hand over Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side. With the pressure ramping up on the Austrian manager, the ‘Saints’ will be aiming to put a four-game winless Premier League away streak to bed (D1, L3). That could be easier said than done, though, as Southampton have only won one of their nine top-flight travels this season (D3, L5), scoring just eight goals while conceding 19 in return. The visitors’ indifferent Premier League away form on Boxing Day (W3, D5, L3) douses any embers of optimism regarding a potential upset in the capital.

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Inter Milan vs Torino

Inter Milan will be aiming to conclude a stellar 2021 with a bang when they meet mid-table Torino in an exciting Serie A clash at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Coming into this matchday, Inter Milan have hit their stride, racking up a six-game winning streak in Serie A, returning a resounding +17 goal difference from that span. Additionally, they’ve won their last five league games by 2+ goals ‘to nil,’ winning the first half on each occasion. There’s another good omen here, as the reigning Italian champions have only lost one of their last 19 Serie A fixtures played on Wednesday, European time (W14, D4). Simone Inzaghi’s men have been nothing short of exceptional in the front third throughout 2021, becoming the second-ever Serie A team to have smashed a 100-goal barrier across a single calendar year (103). Topically, ‘I Nerazzurri’ have netted a league-high 48 Serie A goals this season, at least ten more than any other side, with 50% of those strikes coming on home turf.

As for Torino, a hard-fought 1-0 home triumph over a 10-man Hellas Verona side at the weekend made it four unbeaten Serie A games on the trot (W2, D2). ‘I Granata’ have won their last two league matches by a single-goal margin and could make it three top-flight victories in a row for the first time under current head coach Ivan Juric. That could be easier said than done, as they’ve gone winless in their last six Serie A away fixtures (D2, L4) since beating Sassuolo 1-0 in mid-September, with each of their four defeats in that period yielding an identical 1-0 scoreline. What’s more, Torino have lost both previous top-flight visits to the Giuseppe Meazza, as defeats as they had in their eight such contests beforehand (W2, D4, L2).

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Granada vs Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid will be desperate to get back to winning ways in La Liga when they take on bottom-half Granada at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes.

Since a brace of multi-goal defeats to Espanyol and Real Madrid in October, Granada have gone from strength to strength in La Liga, avoiding defeat in four matches on the trot in the competition (W2, D2). They thumped Mallorca 4-1 at home last time out to put themselves in the spot to win back-to-back La Liga matches for the first time this season. However, since earning their first top-flight promotion in the 21st century back in the 2011/12 season, the ‘Nazaries’ have failed to win any of their eight league meetings with Atletico Madrid at home (D3, L5). They have drawn a blank five times during that eight-game sequence while netting precisely one goal in the other three. That said, Roberto Moreno’s men have scored 2+ goals in their last two home league outings.

In the meantime, a 2-1 defeat away to Sevilla at the weekend made it three La Liga losses in a row as Atletico Madrid are enduring their worst period under the stewardship of Diego Simeone. With La Liga pacesetters Real Madrid already 14 points above them, Atletico’s hopes of claiming back-to-back top-flight crowns for the first time in 71 years already look far-fetched. The reigning Spanish champions have racked up just one victory across their last five La Liga away matches (D2, L2), conceding 2+ goals four times in the process. Indeed, despite carrying a reputation as one of Europe’s best defensive teams, ‘Los Colchoneros’ have already conceded 14 away league goals this season, at an average of 1.55 per game. Meanwhile, 12 of Atletico’s 16 La Liga goals scored on the road this season have come in the second half of play, highlighting the potential for plenty of post-break action.

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Roma vs Sampdoria

Roma and Sampdoria will trade tackles in their final Serie A encounter in 2021 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Roma stunned Atalanta 4-1 in Bergamo at the weekend to make it two Serie A victories in a row following back-to-back league defeats to breathe new life into their hopes of finishing inside the top four this season. However, ‘I Giallorossi’ have failed for consistency at home of late, alternating between winning and losing across their last four Serie A fixtures at the Stadio Olimpico (W2, L2). We are unlikely to witness a draw here either, as none of Roma’s last eight top-flight home meetings with Sampdoria have ended level (W6, L2) since a 1-1 stalemate in 2012. Roma’s winning prospects will hinge on their ability to stay compact at the back, as they’ve kept a league joint-high five Serie A clean sheets on home turf this season.

Meanwhile, despite going unbeaten in their last two Serie A games in a row (W1, D1), Sampdoria are still hovering in the bottom half of the table, though they now harbor a healthy eight-point lead over 18th-placed Genoa. That has helped relieve the pressure off Roberto D’Aversa’s shoulders, albeit the visitors’ indifferent away league form remains an issue (W3, D1, L4). Since being held to a scoreless draw at Sassuolo in late August, none of Sampdoria’s last seven Serie A away fixtures have ended level (W3, L4), with six of those matches won/lost yielding a full-time margin of 2+ goals. Scoring first would optimize Sampdoria’s chances of picking up the points here, considering they’ve lost all three away league games when conceding the opener this term.

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Empoli vs AC Milan

Stadio Carlo Castellani is the venue as Empoli and AC Milan go head-to-head in their last Serie A match-up in 2021.

Empoli head into proceedings amid a purple patch, having avoided defeat in their last five Serie A matches in a row (W3, D2) since falling 2-1 at Hellas Verona in mid-November. ‘Gli Azzurri’ have shown a tremendous character of late, coming back from behind to avoid defeat in the last four Serie A games when conceding the opening goal (W2, D2). Indeed, they’ve racked up back-to-back Serie A home victories in the build-up to this fixture and could make it three home wins in a row in the competition for the first time since December 2018. Unfortunately, they are up against a Milan side they’ve defeated just once in their last nine top-flight H2Hs (D4, L4) while they’ve yet to beat them at home in Serie A in the 21st century (D5, L4).

On the other hand, AC Milan suffered a 1-0 heartbreak to Napoli at the weekend in a match highlighted by the VAR’s controversial decision to rule out Franck Kessie’s last-gasp equalizer. As a result, ‘I Rossoneri’ have gone from consecutive Serie A victories to back-to-back league games without winning (D1, L1), falling behind within 20 minutes of play on each occasion. On the bright side, though, the seven-time European champions have only lost one of their last 21 Serie A encounters against newly-promoted sides (W15, D5). There’s a piece of history for the taking, as Milan could become only the second club in Serie A history to record 17+ top-flight wins away from home across a single calendar year. Scoring first will be of the essence, as Stefano Pioli’s men have failed to win any of the three league travels when conceding the opener this term (D2, L1).

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Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid

La Liga pacesetters Real Madrid head to Nuevo San Mamés to take on mid-table Athletic Bilbao in their last league fixture in 2021.

Athletic Bilbao came out on top of a topsy-turvy five-goal thriller at the weekend, coming from a 2-1 deficit to beat high-flying Real Betis 3-2 home. Those three goals scored against the Andalusians are as many as they managed across their previous seven La Liga fixtures combined. Indeed, ‘Los Leones’ have netted a measly average of 0.88 goals per league match this season, bagging 2+ goals per game in just four (22%) of their 18 La Liga outings to date. However, it’s worth noting that a clear majority (75%) of their top-flight goals scored this term arrived on home turf (12/16). That should encourage Athletic’s bid to halt a frustrating 13-game winless La Liga streak against Real Madrid (D4, L9), last beating this opposition in Spain’s top-flight in March 2015 at this venue.

On the other hand, Cadiz’s stubborn defensive performance at the Santiago Bernabeu at the weekend saw Real Madrid slump to an underwhelming scoreless draw, ending a run of seven La Liga wins on the trot. But it also means that ‘Los Blancos’ are now unbeaten in their last ten league matches (W8, D2), keeping a clean sheet in each of the last four in a row. Since falling to a shock 2-1 defeat at newly-promoted Espanyol in October, Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won their subsequent four La Liga away games, netting 2+ goals on each occasion. Another successful midweek appears to be on the cards, considering that ‘Los Merengues’ have won four of their previous five competitive meetings with Athletic Bilbao (L1), including the last two on the spin by an identical 1-0 scoreline.

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Venezia vs Lazio

Stadio Pierluigi Penzo is the venue as Venezia and Lazio go head-to-head in their first Serie A H2H since March 2002.

Venezia bounced back after conceding a first-minute opener at Sampdoria last time out to eke out a 1-1 draw, their second identical Serie A stalemate in a row. Another parity here would see Venezia draw three consecutive top-flight matches for the first time since 1962. Despite last hosting Lazio for a Serie A match-up in 2001, it’s worth noting that they are unbeaten in their last five top-flight H2Hs on home turf (W3, D2). However, the hosts go into proceedings amid a rough patch, having won none of their last five Serie A fixtures (D2, L3) since a 1-0 triumph at Bologna in mid-November. What’s more, since coming from behind to beat Lazio’s fierce rivals Roma 3-2 in November, ‘I Lagunari’ have gone winless in their subsequent three home league outings (D1, L2), conceding an average of 2.33 goals per game in that period.

On the other hand, Lazio brushed a lowly Genoa aside with a comfortable 3-1 home victory last time out to bounce back from a heartbreaking 2-1 away loss at Sassuolo and keep their faint hopes of clutching a top-four finish alive. Worryingly, though, ‘I Biancocelesti’ have only won two of their nine Serie A away matches this season (D2, L5), conceding a whopping 20 goals in the process. The last time they shipped more goals at this stage of a top-flight season was in 1983/84. Curiously, Maurizio Sarri’s men have scored and conceded precisely 14 Serie A goals in seven league outings since the start of November, averaging 4.0 goals per match! Delivering action from the get-go, they’ve recorded a clear majority (73%) of their Serie A away goals scored so far in the first half of play (8/11).

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Lorient vs PSG

Relegation-threatened Lorient welcome Ligue 1 powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain to the Stade du Moustoir amid the club’s worst-ever losing streak in France’s top-flight.

Lorient appear to be sinking without a trace after losing their last seven Ligue 1 games in a row while failing to get on the scoresheet five times in that spread of matches. Stuck in the drop zone, a point adrift of safety, the hosts go into the calendar year finale winless in their last 11 league fixtures (D3, L8) since a 1-0 home triumph over Nice in September. After losing three consecutive Ligue 1 home outings in the build-up to this clash, ‘Les Merlus’ are facing the prospect of suffering four top-flight home defeats on the trot for the first time since November 2014. That’s very much in the realm of possibility, as they’ve lost 11 of their last 13 league meetings with Paris (W1, D1) despite winning the most recent one in January.

In the meantime, Paris Saint-Germain claimed a clear-cut 3-0 Coupe de France victory over below-par Feignies-Aulnoye, taking their winning streak in all competitions to three. Following a brace of goal-shy draws with Nice and Lens in early December, PSG eased past Monaco 2-0 at home last time out to maintain a comfortable seven-point lead over second-placed Marseille. Mauricio Pochettino’s men have only won two of their last five Ligue 1 away games (D2, L1), scoring under 1.5 goals three times in the process. But Paris will be eyeing up another success here, as they’ve inflicted more Ligue 1 defeats on Lorient in their own backyard (8) than any other side in the competition’s history. There’s been plenty of action in their recent top-flight H2Hs here, as their last four such contests have seen over 2.5 goals and both teams scoring.

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Napoli vs Spezia

Napoli will be looking to post back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time since October when they take on bottom-half Spezia at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli bounced back from a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to newly-promoted Empoli with another narrow success at AC Milan at the weekend to stay within touching distance of Serie A pacesetters Inter Milan. However, ‘I Partenopei’ have lost back-to-back top-flight home fixtures and face the risk of making it three home defeats in a row in the competition for the first time since January 2020. Despite their status as pre-match favorites, Napoli’s win here is anything but a foregone conclusion, as they lost their only previous Serie A H2H at home despite taking the lead (1-2). Indeed, the signs are ominous for Luciano Spalletti’s side here, as they’ve failed to win any of their last eight league matches played on Wednesday, European time (D4, L4).

In the meantime, Spezia have gone six consecutive Serie A games without a win (D2, L4) since defeating Torino 1-0 in early November, frustratingly conceding 2+ goals four times in the process. It goes from bad to worse away from home, where ‘I Lagunari’ have lost their last six Serie A fixtures in a row by an aggregate score of 18-3, drawing a blank on four of those occasions. Worryingly, Thiago Motta’s men have shipped a league-high 27 Serie A goals on the road this season, conceding an average of 3.00 goals per away league game! Topically, they’ve let in a staggering 14 first-half goals on hostile turf this Serie A campaign, collapsing within 15 minutes of play in 44.44% of their league travels so far (4/9).

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Sevilla vs Barcelona

Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán plays host to a blockbuster encounter as Sevilla and Barcelona go head-to-head in a mouth-watering La Liga fixture.

Lucas Ocampos’ 88th-minute winner propelled Sevilla to an all-important 2-1 home victory over reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid last time out, making it three league wins on the trot. Another big-name scalp is here for the taking, as ‘Los Rojiblancos’ will be looking to halt an eight-game winless La Liga streak against Barcelona (D3, L5), last winning a top-flight H2H in October 2015. Julen Lopetegui’s men have been nothing short of outstanding at home this season, winning seven of their eight La Liga fixtures here (D1) while netting 2+ goals on all but one of those occasions. That said, the Andalusian heavyweights have won none of their previous five top-flight H2Hs at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán (D2, L3), failing to find the back of the net in the last two in a row.

In the meantime, Barcelona came out on top of a five-goal thriller at the weekend, eking out a 3-2 home victory over bottom-half Elche to snap a three-game winless streak in all competitions (D1, L2). However, things are not looking bright for new boss Xavi Hernandez, as his men are languishing in eighth in the La Liga standings, trailing pacesetters Real Madrid by a staggering 16 points. Except for a late 3-1 away triumph at Villarreal in late November, the Catalans have failed to win any of their remaining six away league fixtures this season (D2, L4), drawing a blank three times across that period. Yet, Barcelona can fall back on their impressive La Liga record at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán this millennium (W11, D6, L3), with no other side inflicting more top-flight defeats on Sevilla in their own backyard than Barca in the 21st century.

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Juventus vs Cagliari

Juventus and Cagliari are set to trade tackles at the Allianz Stadium in their last Serie A fixture this calendar year.

Since falling to a 1-0 home defeat to Atalanta in late November, Juventus have gone unbeaten in their last four Serie A matches (W3, D1), with each victory in this sequence yielding an identical 2-0 scoreline. A noticeable upturn in form compared to their underwhelming start to the season has seen ‘I Bianconeri’ whittle down the gap on fourth-placed Atalanta to six points, meaning their top-four pursuit is very much on. However, a lack of consistency on home turf has witnessed Juventus alternate between winning and losing across their last five Serie A fixtures at the Allianz Stadium (W3, L2). With four of those five matches won/lost seeing the winner on the day keep a clean sheet, scoring first could be of the essence here. Juventus will be odds-on favorites after winning nine of their last ten top-flight H2Hs (L1).

On the other hand, Cagliari head into proceedings having failed to win any of their last ten Serie A outings on the trot (D4, L6) since defeating Sampdoria 3-1 at home in mid-October, frustratingly drawing a blank five times in the process. Indeed, under Walter Mazzarri’s stewardship, the ‘Sardinians’ have failed to get on the scoresheet in five of their seven away league matches (D3, L4). Additionally, the visitors have lost each of their last five Serie A visits to the Allianz Stadium by an aggregate score of 16-1, succumbing to multi-goal margins on each occasion. The signs are ominous for Cagliari following a thoroughly disastrous Serie A start, as the last team to have avoided defeat after picking up less than two wins from the opening 18 top-flight fixtures was Bologna in 1978/79.

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Villarreal vs Deportivo Alaves

Mid-table Villarreal will be looking to keep their momentum going when they take on relegation-threatened Deportivo Alaves at the Estadio de la Ceramica in a seemingly must-win La Liga showdown.

Villarreal enter this round amid a noticeable upturn in form, having lost their last two La Liga matches by a two-goal margin after going winless in three league outings on the trot beforehand (D1, L2). Despite hovering in mid-table, it’s not too late for ‘El Submarino Amarillo’ to fight their way back into the top-four race, as they sit eight points below fourth-placed Rayo Vallecano, albeit they have a game in hand over them. Alaves’ visit to the province of Castellon looks like a prime opportunity for Villarreal to bridge the gap on Vallecano, as they’ve won both previous top-flight H2Hs at home by 3+ goals ‘to one.’ A 2-0 triumph over Vallecano of all teams in Villarreal’s most recent La Liga home outing presents Unai Emery’s side with a chance to rack up back-to-back home league victories for only the second time this season.

In the meantime, a run of five La Liga matches without a win (D2, L3) has seen Alaves slide to the drop zone, though they are level on points with 17th-placed Elche. However, a 2-0 away defeat to Vallecano last time out marked Alaves’ tenth La Liga reverse this season (W4, D3), as they are now one of just two teams in Spain’s top-flight to have hit double digits in terms of league losses this term. It goes from bad to worse away from home, where ‘El Glorioso’ have only won one of their eight La Liga fixtures this season (D2, L5), netting a measly average of 0.75 goals per game in the process. Indeed, a lack of firepower up front has seen Javier Calleja’s team score just 13 La Liga goals to date, with only Getafe (12) bagging fewer in the division so far.

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Levante vs Valencia

Estadi Ciutat de València is the venue as Levante and Valencia go head-to-head in a cross-town La Liga derby.

Coming into this matchday, Levante are the only side in La Liga to have failed to win any of their opening 17 league matches (D8, L9) as they head into proceedings nailed to the bottom of the table. Alessio Lisci’s men have become just the third La Liga side to go winless in their inaugural 17 league fixtures. With 17th-placed Elche already seven points clear of them, the ‘Granotes’ are running out of time to get their underwhelming La Liga campaign up and running. Valencia’s visit to the Estadi Ciutat de València could be what the doctor ordered, as Levante have picked up five victories across their last eight top-flight H2Hs on home soil (D2, L1). That said, they’ve only won one of their previous ten La Liga encounters against Valencian opponents (D3, L6), though that solitary success came at the expense of Valencia.

On the other hand, the visitors have hit the ground running since falling to an embarrassing 4-1 defeat at Real Betis in late October, racking up a six-game unbeaten La Liga run since (W3, D3). After drawing three consecutive La Liga fixtures in November, Valencia have record back-to-back 2-1 league victories in December, getting on the scoresheet within 25 minutes of play on each occasion. Another triumph here would see ‘Los Murcielagos’ win three La Liga matches on the trot for the first time since 2019, but their recent away showings suggest otherwise. Jose Bordalas’ men have managed only one victory across their last six La Liga road trips (D2, L3), scoring under 1.5 goals in each game they didn’t win in that sequence.

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Newcastle United vs Manchester City

St James’ Park is the venue as relegation-threatened Newcastle United and Premier League pacesetters Manchester City lock horns in contrasting circumstances.

Despite taking an early lead at Anfield last time out, Newcastle United fell to a 3-1 loss to Liverpool as their stuttering Premier League campaign continues to worry their fans. Yet, the ‘Magpies’ head into proceedings just three points adrift of safety, which could sound surprising, given that they’ve only won one of their 17 Premier League fixtures this term (D7, L9). Much of Newcastle’s problems have emanated from a leaky defense that has conceded a league-high 37 goals in the Premier League this season, an average of 2.17 per game. Another seemingly frustrating weekend is well on the cards, as the Tynesiders take on a Man City side they’ve defeated just once in their previous 27 Premier League H2Hs (D4, L2), losing the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 11-3.

On the other hand, Manchester City go into this fixture on the back of an overwhelming 7-0 triumph over Leeds United in midweek Premier League action, taking their winning league streak to seven straight matches. Pep Guardiola’s men netted an average of 2.85 goals per game during that sequence, highlighting the potential for another landslide victory. Topically, the ‘Citizens’ have found the back of the net in each of their last 25 Premier League meetings with Newcastle and could equal Arsenal’s all-time Premier League record of scoring in 26 consecutive matches against specific opposition. Another piece of history is there for the taking, as a potential victory at St James’ Park would see Man City register their 34th Premier League win in 2021, which would be a new top-flight record in English football.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea

Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea go head-to-head in an exciting Premier League showdown at Molineux Stadium.

A hard-fought 1-0 away win over Brighton in midweek Premier League action halted Wolverhampton’s four-game scoring duck in England’s top-flight (D2, L2). Despite netting fewer Premier League goals (13) than any other side to start the day in the upper half of the table, ‘Wolves’ are still eight points adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, on whom they have a game in hand. Though beating the reigning Champions League holders look like a formidable task, it’s worth noting that Bruno Lage’s men have won two of their last three top-flight H2Hs at Molineux (L1), returning an identical 2-1 scoreline on each occasion. Entertainment has been relatively sparse in Wolverhampton’s recent Premier League fixtures, as each of their last five such contests has seen one or both sides fail to get on the scoresheet in matches garnering under 1.5 overall goals.

In the meantime, Chelsea could only manage an uneventful 1-1 home draw with Everton in their midweek Premier League encounter despite attempting 23 shots on goal. Chelsea’s indifferent form across their last three league matches (W1, D1, L1) has seen the ‘Blues’ fall to third in the standings, four points below top-placed Manchester City. Curiously, they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at West Ham in their most recent Premier League travel, suffering only their second Premier League away loss under current boss Thomas Tuchel. Another reverse at Molineux would see the London outfit lose back-to-back league games on hostile turf for the first time since December 2020. Worryingly, Chelsea have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last five Premier League outings in a row, their longest top-flight run without a shutout under Tuchel’s tenure.

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Fiorentina vs Sassuolo

High-flying Fiorentina and goal-friendly Sassuolo are set to trade tackles at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in a potentially high-scoring Serie A fixture.

Fiorentina have racked up four victories from their last five Serie A matches (L1), winning the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 10-3 to remain firmly in contention for European football next season. ‘La Viola’ have registered 30 points after their opening 17 Serie A fixtures this term; their highest points tally at this stage of the season since 2014/15 when they went on to qualify for the Europa League. Interestingly, none of Fiorentina’s 17 Serie A outings this season have ended level (W10, L7). They could become only the fourth side in the competition’s history not to draw any of their inaugural 18 league games. A draw may not be a bad outcome for the hosts, especially considering they’ve only won one of their last seven Serie A meetings with Sassuolo (D2, L4).

Meanwhile, Sassuolo turned a 1-0 half-time deficit into a 2-1 victory at home against Lazio last time out, extending their unbeaten run in Serie A to five matches (W2, D3). Worryingly, ‘I Neroverdi’ have developed a habit of surrendering the lead to their opposition, conceding first in 53% of their top-flight outings this season, including the last four in a row. However, Sassuolo’s eye-catching bounce-back ability has seen them avoid defeat in the last four Serie A matches when shipping the opening goal (W2, D2). Alessio Dionisi’s men have been fun to watch this season, as 14 (78%) of their 17 league fixtures so far have featured over 2.5 total goals. Their all-out-attack approach has seen each of their last 11 Serie A games witness both sides on the scoresheet.

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Leeds United vs Arsenal

Premier League strugglers Leeds United and fourth-placed Arsenal will face off at Elland Road in contrasting circumstances.

Leeds United have gone winless in three Premier League matches in a row (D1, L2) since a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace, including a humiliating 7-0 defeat to reigning champions Manchester City last time out. Following an eye-catching returning Premier League campaign last season, the ‘Whites’ have faltered this term, winning just three (17.65%) of their top-flight games so far (D7, L7). It goes from bad to worse away from home, where Marcelo Bielsa’s players are winless in their last four Premier League fixtures (D1, L3), conceding 2+ goals in each defeat in that sequence. An embarrassing run of ten competitive H2Hs without winning (D2, L8) douses any embers of optimism when it comes to a possible upset. Indeed, Leeds have lost their last two meetings with Arsenal by a two-goal margin.

In the meantime, Arsenal eased past a 10-man West Ham side 2-0 last time out to follow up a 3-0 home win over Southampton with another comprehensive triumph. Interestingly, since playing out back-to-back Premier League draws in October, none of Arsenal’s last nine Premier League games have ended level (W6, L3), with 66.66% of those results (win/loss) featuring a full-time margin of 2+ goals. Worryingly, though, the ‘Gunners’ have lost each of their last three Premier League away fixtures and could make it four top-flight away defeats in a row for the first time since May 2018 under Arsene Wenger’s tenure. Mikel Arteta’s men have conceded nine goals across those three abovementioned losses, one more than they had across their previous nine on hostile turf combined (8). On the other end of the pitch, the Londoners have scored a single second-half goal in their eight Premier League road trips this season.

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Hertha Berlin vs Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund head to the Olympiastadion to take on Hertha Berlin in an exciting Bundesliga match-up.

Hertha’s three-game unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga (W1, D2) created an illusion of an upturn before an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Mainz last time out smacked the hosts back to reality. On the bright side, though, ‘Die Alte Dame’ have gone unbeaten in four consecutive Bundesliga home fixtures (W2, D2) since losing 2-1 to Freiburg in early October, with each of those matches featuring under 2.5 goals. Adding to their confidence, Tayfun Korkut’s men have found the back of the net in each of their last eight Bundesliga home outings on the trot, last enjoying a longer scoring run on home turf in October 2018. However, they’ve already conceded 33 goals in 16 top-flight games this season, last conceding more at this stage of a Bundesliga campaign in 2014/15.

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund hammered basement boys Greuther Furth 3-0 at home in midweek Bundesliga action, snapping a run of consecutive league games without a win (D1, L1). However, Dortmund’s indifferent away form in the Bundesliga this term (W3, D1, L3) suggests this may not be a walk in the park despite Hertha’s underwhelming spell. That said, ‘Die Borussen’ have gone unbeaten in back-to-back Bundesliga travels (W1, D1) for the first time this season. Unfortunately, that doesn’t change the fact only 29% of Dortmund’s Bundesliga points this season have arrived away from home (10/34). But they’ve won their last three top-flight visits to Hertha despite failing to keep a clean sheet in that period, scoring an average of 3.33 goals per game in return.

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