Matchday 25 of the 2019-20 Premier League season kicks off on the 1st of February, a day after the end of the January transfer window.
We could perhaps see clubs scramble to add new players to their squad on deadline day, some of whom could also be involved in some way in the weekend’s fixtures.
The first Matchday of February will see several important fixtures at the top and bottom end of the table.
Let’s take a look at 5 things to watch out for in Matchday 25:
Premier League Matchweek 25 – Five things to look forward to
#1 The battle for third
After a great first half of the season, Leicester City have faltered in recent weeks, and slipped down to third in the Premier League table.
Brendan Rodgers’ side host fourth-placed Chelsea this Saturday, in what could be an important clash to determine who finishes third in the table.
The Blues are currently eight points behind Leicester City, but could narrow that gap to five points come Saturday.
The two sides faced off in the league back in August, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
#2 Mourinho vs Guardiola
While most eyes will be on Chelsea and Leicester City’s clash on Saturday, Tottenham and Manchester City will be the big game on Sunday.
We will once again see a clash between Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho, and the first time since November 2018, when City hosted Manchester United in the league and won the game 3-1.
Guardiola has the upper hand over Mourinho as he has lead his side to 11 wins over Mourinho’s sides in the past, while losing just 5 games.
With Spurs struggling to put in a commanding performance for full 90 minutes, we could be in for an interesting clash.
#3 Possible Bruno Fernandes debut?
Manchester United have finally agreed a deal to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon, much to the delight of the club’s fans.
The Portuguese international could possibly make his debut at the weekend over Wolves at Old Trafford, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealing that Fernandes is fit.
United gave Manchester City a push in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday but it ultimately wasn’t enough.
Also read: Manchester United Have All But Signed Attacking Star – Why He Is The Perfect Match
With performances improving, the fans will hope Fernandes hits the ground running and helps the side finish in the top four.
#4 Relegation six-pointer
Over at the bottom end of the table, there will be a huge clash between Bournemouth and Aston Villa – both sides who are in a relegation dogfight.
The Cherries are in 19th, two points behind Villa who are in 16th. A win for either team could see them move away from the relegation zone
Villa will be buoyed by the fact that they are in the Carabao Cup final, but will have to put that aside and focus on the clash against Bournemouth, who won their last Premier League game.
#5 Wolves, Sheffield United’s opportunity to enter the top five
While Villa and Norwich City are struggling, the other promoted side, Sheffield United, are having a dream season.
They are just a point away from European spots. The Blades are eighth in the league and face Crystal Palace, and a win for Chris Wilder’s side could see them enter the top five if results go their way.
Wolves, meanwhile, face Manchester United at Old Trafford, and a win for them will see them enter the European spots.
