> At a Glance
> – Arsenal face Liverpool on Thursday after going six points clear atop the table
> – Liverpool are one of only two teams to beat the Gunners this season
> – The Reds will be without Mohamed Salah due to AFCON duty
> – Why it matters: A win for Arsenal would extend their lead and avenge an earlier loss; Liverpool need points to stay in top-four contention
The Premier League’s Matchweek 21 kicks off the new year with a blockbuster: league leaders Arsenal host fourth-place Liverpool on Thursday in a rematch of one of their two defeats this season.
Title Race Shifts
Manchester City stumbled into the window, drawing back-to-back games against Sunderland and Chelsea while absorbing fresh defensive injuries. The results left Arsenal six points clear past the halfway mark and City planning January reinforcements.
Pep Guardiola’s side open the slate at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, hunting an immediate response.
What to Watch
Arsenal carry a 14-point cushion over Liverpool into Thursday’s Emirates showdown. Arne Slot’s side will be missing star winger Mohamed Salah (AFCON) and could also be without striker Hugo Ekitike, who is nursing a hamstring issue.
Elsewhere, new Manchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher takes the reins at Burnley after Ruben Amorim’s exit left the club sixth in the table.
Aston Villa, fresh from a 4-1 loss at Arsenal, travel to winless-in-five Crystal Palace, who may sell defender Marc Guehi this month.
Broadcast Details
Matches run Tuesday, Jan. 6 through Thursday, Jan. 8. Coverage splits between linear TV and streaming:
- TV: NBC, USA Network, NBCSN
- Streaming: Peacock, NBC.com, new NBC Sports Network
Full Schedule (all times ET/PT)
| Day | Time | Match | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 6 | 3 p.m./12 p.m. | West Ham vs. Nott’m Forest | USA/USA Network |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Bournemouth vs. Tottenham | NBCSN/Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Brentford vs. Sunderland | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Everton vs. Wolves | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Fulham vs. Chelsea | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m./11:30 a.m. | Man City vs. Brighton | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 3:15 p.m./12:15 p.m. | Burnley vs. Man United | USA/USA Network |
| Wed 7 | 3:15 p.m./12:15 p.m. | Newcastle vs. Leeds | Peacock |
| Thu 8 | 3 p.m./12 p.m. | Arsenal vs. Liverpool | NBCSN/Peacock |
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal can move nine points clear with a win
- Liverpool aim to close the gap without Salah
- City need a rebound versus Brighton to stay in touch
- United begin life after Amorim at struggling Burnley
- Palace seek first win in six against top-three Villa
The league’s new financial rules kicking in next season cap spending at 85% of revenue, but for now all eyes are on the title race heating up this week.
