The Premier League returns on Friday night after a set of exciting third-round ties of the FA Cup.
Matchweek 20 delivered high-octane action and drama, and only time will tell if Matchweek 21 can live up to its hype and expectations. On paper, though, there are plenty of quality games on offer starting with Friday night’s kick-off between Burnley and Luton Town.
With that being said, here are five things to look forward to in matchweek 21 of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
#Can Fulham sting Chelsea?
The second instalment of the West London derby will take place on Saturday when Chelsea welcome Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 success over Fulham at Craven Cottage in October, and on another day, could have scored more. Marco Silva’s side were toothless going forward on that day, and while a lot has changed since then, they will go to Stamford Bridge as the underdogs.
The Cottagers ended their three-game losing run in the Premier League by beating Arsenal 2-1 at home before seeing off Rotherham in the FA Cup third round last weekend. With the attacking talents of Willian, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Raul Jimenez combing well in the final third, helped by Andreas Pereira’s craft and industry from midfield, Fulham could very well sting Chelsea and avenge their October defeat.
#Will Everton respond against Aston Villa?
After a richly successful first half of December that saw Everton register four league wins in as many games, they ended the month with three consecutive defeats to Tottenham, Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. They are now just a point above the relegation zone, albeit playing a game more than 18th-placed Luton Town.
Sean Dyche’s Everton did well to cling to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace with 10 men to earn an FA Cup third-round replay, which should give them some confidence heading into the game against Aston Villa in the league. A positive result against an in-form Aston Villa would do wonders but if the Toffees lose, it will certainly spark murmurings between the club’s top brass regarding Dyche’s position.
#How Manchester United’s defence fares against Tottenham
Much has been made of the defensive lapses that have hampered Manchester United’s progress throughout the campaign. Injuries to key players leading to a lack of consistent displays have mightily impacted their routines in defensive organisation, leaving manager Erik ten Hag frustrated.
After another poor defensive display in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Eve, the Red Devils’ next league assignment is a home game against an in-form Tottenham Hotspur. Despite Son Heung-min missing, Tottenham have enough artillery in their ranks to wreak havoc against Man United. Going by Man United’s leaky defence, Spurs forwards will be licking their lips ahead of the game.
So, it will be interesting to see how Ten Hag sets up his team and whether his defensive unit can hold their own against an impressive Spurs side.
#Can Eddie Howe end Newcastle’s rut?
With Eddie Howe in desperate firefighting mode, Newcastle United’s home game against Manchester City hardly makes things easier.
Eddie Howe is under increasing pressure after exiting the Champions League and League Cup while also sitting ninth in the top flight. While Newcastle beat Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland 3-0 in the FA Cup third round last weekend, they hardly had to break a sweat. Bigger tests lie in the Premier League where the Magpies lost their last three games.
Man City geared up well for the weekend challenge by dismantling Huddersfield Town 5-0 in the FA Cup, and if Newcastle go down to a fourth consecutive league loss, Howe can expect stern questions about his future and where this season is heading.
#Will Kevin de Bruyne start against Newcastle?
After missing 28 games, Kevin de Bruyne was back at the weekend. The midfield maestro was given a standing ovation as he came on to the pitch in the 57th minute against Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round, marking his return to action for the first time since suffering a serious hamstring injury in the opening Premier League game of the season at Burnley.
Since arriving at the club from Wolfsburg in 2015, the Belgian has been one of the most influential players in the Premier League, and the reception he got from the Manchester City fans on his return highlighted just how significant a role they believe he can play in the second half of the campaign. Despite being on the sidelines for five months, it did not take long for De Bruyne to weave his magic. He was involved in Man City’s fourth goal before assisting Jeremy Doku for their fifth.
Even in City’s galaxy of talent, there is no one quite like De Bruyne. A tough assignment against a confidence-sapped Newcastle at St James’ Park awaits for City, but will Pep Guardiola throw the Belgian playmaker right from the start remains to be seen.
