While many of the other major leagues take a break during the holidays, the English Premier League steps it up a notch. Many teams will be playing two or three games over the next week. Here are a few of the storylines to look forward to.
Will LVG Make It Through The Holidays?
Manchester United have lost to Bournemouth and Norwich in two straight games, sitting fifth in the table. Louis Van Gaal is on the hot seat and he stormed out of a press conference on Wednesday as the pressure seems to be getting to him. United visits Stoke on Saturday and then Chelsea comes to town on Monday. After watching Chelsea sack Jose Mourinho (who ironically, is the favorite to take Van Gaal’s place at United), a loss could mean the end of the LVG era at Old Trafford. The visit to Stoke will be a massive fixture.
Leicester City Face Big Tests From Liverpool, Manchester City
Leicester remains at the top of the table, two points clear of Arsenal. They have been a fantastic story, but this period is going to be a huge test for them. They head to Anfield on Saturday to face a Liverpool team that is coming off a loss to Watford, so they’ll want to get back on track. Leicester hosts Manchester City and then Bournemouth comes to town on January 2. The team’s stars, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, have to lead the side, but depth could be an issue as well as it usually is for teams that don’t have the money of either a Chelsea or Manchester team. However, Leicester has been bucking the odds all season, so don’t count them out.
Can Arsenal Keep Everyone Healthy?
Arsenal held on for a 2-1 win over Manchester City to stay in second in the table, but they’ve also been pounded by injuries all season. There has been a setback for Alexis Sanchez, and he won’t be back until January sometime. The big worry now is Mesut Ozil, who has been fantastic this season and there might not be a better playmaker in England right now. However, he has been carrying a big load for Arsenal, who visit Southampton on Saturday, then host Bournemouth on Monday. Ozil could be rested in one of those two games, but with Sanchez and Santi Carzola injured, they don’t really have anyone to take his place. It’ll be very interesting to see how manager Arsene Wenger navigates this busy period for the Gunners, who are desperate to stay in the title hunt. Look for him to lean on Aaron Ramsey, who has had his own injury worries in the past. Oliver Giroud will have to continue his recent hot streak, as he has scored six goals in four straight games.
