Wednesday evening brings a full slate of Premier League action, with nine matches across the country before the main event arrives tomorrow night: Arsenal versus Liverpool at the Emirates.
Let's start with what's happening tonight.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham (7:30pm)
Two sides trending in opposite directions meet at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth's winless run stretches back to October—11 Premier League matches without victory—leaving them in 15th place. Spurs sit 13th, unbeaten in three but frustratingly inconsistent.
Thomas Frank's side have the league's second-best away record (18 points from 10 matches), but they're missing key midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma to AFCON duty, plus Dejan Kulusevski to injury. Antoine Semenyo—reportedly on his way to Manchester City—will likely feature for the Cherries one last time.
The other 7:30pm kick-offs
Newcastle host Leeds at St James' Park in a clash between two sides looking to build momentum. Crystal Palace welcome Aston Villa to Selhurst Park. Everton face Wolves at Goodison, while Fulham take on Chelsea at Craven Cottage in what should be a lively west London derby. Manchester City entertain Brighton at the Etihad.
8:15pm matches
Burnley host Manchester United at Turf Moor, with the Red Devils looking to bounce back from Saturday's 1-1 draw at Leeds. Brentford face Sunderland in what should be an entertaining contest between two attack-minded sides.
Tomorrow: Arsenal vs Liverpool (8pm)
The headline fixture arrives on Thursday evening. League leaders Arsenal (42 points) host fourth-placed Liverpool (32 points) in what might be the final nail in the Reds' title defence.
Arsenal have been formidable at the Emirates, winning 13 of their 18 league matches overall with a +22 goal difference. Mikel Arteta will want revenge for that 1-0 defeat at Anfield earlier in the campaign.
Liverpool, as discussed elsewhere, arrive with defensive solidity but precious little attacking threat. They've drawn four of their last nine matches and scored just 32 goals—16 fewer than at this stage last season. Hugo Ekitike remains doubtful with a hamstring issue.
Arne Slot acknowledged the criticism of his team's dull football on Tuesday, admitting he "doesn't completely disagree" with fans who've labelled Liverpool boring. Whether he unleashes a more adventurous approach against the league's best side, or prioritises damage limitation, remains to be seen.
Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka will look to exploit any space left by Liverpool's high defensive line—if Slot even bothers playing one.
One thing's certain: if Liverpool can't raise their game against the league leaders at the Emirates, the title race is effectively over before January ends.
