The English Premier League calendar is shifting into its Christmas rhythm.
According to Idman.Biz, Matchday 17 will be spread over three days and offers two headline fixtures that need no extra introduction.
In London, Tottenham will try to stop Liverpool in one of the most prolific matchups in the history of the league, while in Birmingham Aston Villa will test whether Manchester United are ready to return to the Champions League zone already at this stage of the season.
Tottenham vs Liverpool (December 20)
The teams approach the North London clash in similar recent form but with different ambitions. After 16 rounds, Tottenham sit 11th with 22 points, while Liverpool are seventh on 26 points.
The hosts spent the week reacting to a painful defeat against Nottingham Forest, with head coach Thomas Frank making it clear that the team is focused on regaining its rhythm. Both sides, however, have to deal with significant squad issues. Tottenham will be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, limiting their attacking options, while also missing players in defense. Liverpool, meanwhile, will play without Mohamed Salah, who has left for the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as Cody Gakpo and Joe Gomez, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s participation still in doubt.
Aston Villa vs Manchester United (December 21)
The second focal point of the round is Villa Park. Aston Villa enter the weekend in third place with 33 points, just three behind leaders Arsenal. Manchester United are sixth with 26 points and remain within touching distance of the top four.
Unai Emery’s side approach the match on the back of a confident run and continue to collect points steadily at home. Manchester United arrive after a dramatic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth but must cope with notable personnel problems. Casemiro is suspended, while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are sidelined with injuries, affecting the balance in midfield and defense. Villa also have their own absences, though the coaching staff are hopeful of Emiliano Martinez’s return and are relying on the cohesion of their core players.
Other Matchday 17 fixtures
December 20
Newcastle vs Chelsea
Bournemouth vs Burnley
Brighton vs Sunderland
Manchester City vs West Ham
Wolverhampton vs Brentford
Everton vs Arsenal
Leeds vs Crystal Palace
December 22
Fulham vs Nottingham Forest
Premier League table as it stands
1. Arsenal – 36
2. Manchester City – 34
3. Aston Villa – 33
4. Chelsea – 28
5. Crystal Palace – 26
6. Manchester United – 26
7. Liverpool – 26
8. Sunderland – 26
9. Everton – 24
10. Brighton – 23
11. Tottenham – 22
12. Newcastle – 22
13. Bournemouth – 21
14. Fulham – 20
15. Brentford – 20
16. Nottingham Forest – 18
17. Leeds – 16
18. West Ham – 13
19. Burnley – 10
20. Wolverhampton – 2
Teymur Tushiyev
