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After a strange 12 months both on and off the football pitch, 2020 is finally coming to an end in a few days. This means there will be a barrage of football matches in the Premier League as is their festive tradition. With a number of games being played within a span of just a few days, the Premier League table could look very different by the time the new year rolls in.
There could be a huge shift at both ends of the table at the end of this festive run of fixtures. Liverpool enter the festive period top of the Premier League table with Manchester United and Leicester hot on their trail. Here we look at some of the matches to watch out for during this period.
Premier League Match-week 15:
Leicester City vs Manchester United
The festive period begins with a boxing day clash between Leicester City and Manchester United at the King Power Stadium. Both teams sit in the top 6 at the end of matchweek 14 with the Foxes above the Red Devils by a point though the Old Trafford outfit have a game in hand.
Manchester United did the league double over Brendan Rodgers' men last season and their away form this season makes them favorites to win this clash. A win for either side would be a huge statement in the race for the Premier League title. Both teams will be entering the encounter having won tough fixtures in MD 14 with Leicester beating Spurs and United trashing Leeds to win 6-2.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
The action continues on Boxing Day with a London Derby between the original powerhouses of the city; Arsenal and Chelsea. Frank Lampard's team visit the Emirates having stopped their losing run in the Premier League with a win over another of their London rivals West Ham.
On the other hand, their hosts will enter the game having collected a single point from their last 5 league games. Both teams will desperately want to win to claim bragging rights. Chelsea will look to to stay in the title race and Arsenal will want to win to get away from the relegation zone.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Tottenham Hotspur
Match-week 15 ends with a clash between two Portuguese tactical masters; José Mourinho and Nuno Espírito Santo. Both men are well-aware of the other and lead well-drilled teams into this contest.
Spurs enter the match having slipped out of the Premier League top 4 after getting only 1 win in their last 5 while Wolves will be confident of entering the top half of the table having already beaten London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea recently.
This encounter is more likely to be a chess game between the managers than a football match between the players but it will be a good watch nonetheless.
Premier League Match-week 16:
Everton vs Manchester City
This Premier League game sees two managerial greats Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola clash in what is an important match in a very congested title race. Both men like to play on the front foot but have also shown that they're tactically flexible when needed in recent games.
Everton started the season in red hot form and look like they're regaining that form again while Manchester City seem to be picking up speed after a slow start to the season. While Guardiola's attack is scoring lesser goals than usual, City's defence has greatly improved since their 5-2 loss against Leicester earlier this season. This encounter promises to be entertaining with a possible goal fest.
Manchester United vs Wolveerhampton Wanderers
Wolves face another tough test when they travel to Manchester United who look to have found their mojo back at home. TWolves seemed to be Manchester United's "bogey" team last season after the Red Devils recorded just one win and 3 hard-fought draws in their 4 encounters across all competitions.
All 4 games were tough watches for the neutral with neither team looking good going forward; but with the addition of players such as Bruno Fernandes, van de Beek and Cavani, Manchester United have more firepower to break down a resolute Wolves outfit.
Premier League Match-week 17:
Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United
This is one of the stand-out matches of the Premier League festive period as two totally opposite managerial philosophies clash with each other. It is Mourhino's defence vs Marcelo Bielsa's attack. Counter Attack vs Free flowing football.
Spurs will look to unleash their pacy forwards aided with Harry Kane's hold-up play and passing ability against a Leeds team who leaves a lot of space behind them as they look to attack with all 10 outfield players. This will be a thrilling watch for everyone and promises to be full of goals.
Chelsea vs Manchester City
The first Sunday of the new year sees Pep's City travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Frank Lampard's men. Both managers have succeeded in improving their defenses after last season.
Both teams also have a vastly talented and versatile attacking line-up in front of their solid defense to make this encounter a thrilling one. This fixture also holds importance in the context of the title race in the long term. Both managers will be eager to get one over their top 4 rivals.
