Can Liverpool banish the set-piece Blues?
Liverpool vs Leeds – Wednesday 5.30pm – Live on Sky Sports Main Event
Liverpool have won their last three league games, but before that they had only won two of their last 10 league games. The ship is stable. However, Arne Slot still has issues to resolve. His biggest headache may be that his team continues to concede goals from set-pieces – 12 goals conceded so far, tied for the worst in Europe.
When Liverpool faced Leeds in early December, they were hampered by this exact problem, with Aoi Tanaka scoring the equalizer from a late corner kick.
More than 50% of Liverpool’s goals conceded this season have come from set pieces (including penalties).
Therefore, we have an opportunity here to correct some mistakes. Leeds are very good at set pieces and are the most effective of the teams ranked inside the top five. Daniel Farke’s side have scored 12 set-piece goals, level with Arsenal and just one goal behind league leaders Manchester United’s 13 goals. 48% of all goals are scored this way.
So this meeting is the perfect test of Slott’s vow to improve in this area after parting ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs this week. If they don’t sort themselves out, Leeds could very well punish. And the slots may not have the luxury of pouring more fuel into the set-piece fire.
laura hunter
Thursday, January 1st 5pm
5:30pm kickoff
Fulham manager Silva makes history against goal-poor Palace
Crystal Palace vs Fulham – Wednesday, 5.30pm – Live on Sky Sports Premier League
The two teams, who are level on points but in different form, will face off at Selhurst Park on New Year’s Day.
Crystal Palace are without a win in their last five competitive games due to a busy schedule in December.
However, Fulham are pushing for a fourth straight league win, having only once before won four in a row in the Premier League.
With Palace currently struggling in front of goal, the Cottage will be looking to equal their record.
Oliver Glasner’s side had just two shots on target in Sunday’s home loss to Tottenham and have scored just once in their last three league games.
It would be no surprise to see Palace make a move for Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson, after agreeing a £35m deal with Wales international Brennan Johnson, who was Spurs’ top scorer last season.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
After Crystal Palace agree £35m transfer fee for Brennan Johnson, take a look at his best Premier League goals for Spurs
It would be history for Marco Silva if Fulham keep a clean sheet in south London. He became the first Premier League manager to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive away games against the same opponent.
A shutout for Fulham would also increase Palace’s need for Johnson’s arrival and further signing in January if the Eagles are to start heading in the right direction in 2026.
Declan Olley
Thursday, January 1st 5pm
5:30pm kickoff
Man City are the complete package again
Sunderland vs Man City – Wednesday 8pm – Live on Sky Sports Main Event
Manchester City are at their peak. The six-game winning streak is their most frightening run since the end of the 2023-24 season, when they won their last nine games en route to the Premier League title.
Their flash attacks have been and continue to be numerous, constantly evolving and revealing new dimensions. Rayan Cherki is its latest revelation. He has contributed to eight goals in his past nine league appearances. But this team has more than style and top-end brilliance.
Manager Josep Guardiola has also found a standard in his final line-up, starting 11 of the 18 games so far with the same four players. Of these 11 games, 10 ended in wins, with the only exception being a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle.
In Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, City have two athletic centre-backs who are able to provide the perfect balance between the left and right flanks. They also contributed a combined six goals.
These two are flanked by a pair of former central midfielders, Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunez, perfectly equipped to provide solidity without the ball and creativity with it. Their ebb and flow energy, which Guardiola likes, is similar to Kyle Walker at his finest and means City are not vulnerable to counter-attacks.
With both full-backs providing width, City’s forwards can flood into central areas, creating overloads and finding Erling Haaland more consistently. O’Reilly’s special underlap runs at the end of the race are difficult to track and add to the unpredictability.
This current Manchester City setup is unlike anything we have seen before, and it would be a mistake to attribute its effectiveness solely to Haaland and Co. Pep’s structure is strong at both ends. It won’t be long before it’s a complete package.
laura hunter
Thursday, January 1st 7:45pm
Kickoff at 8pm
Frank returns to Brentford for the first time to find the same love at Spurs
Brentford vs. Tottenham – Wednesday 8pm – Live on Sky Sports Premier League
Before the start of the season, many would not have predicted that Tottenham manager Thomas Frank would return to Brentford in early 2026, with his new club being a lower grade than his old club.
But it was his first time back at the G-Tech Community Stadium, where he coached for six-and-a-half years and was revered around the world.
“Brentford Football Club, the fans and especially the people I have worked closely with have a special place in my heart,” Frank said at the pre-match press conference.
Six-and-a-half months after taking the job at Tottenham, he is yet to feel the same love from Spurs supporters.
Sunday’s pressure-relieving win at Crystal Palace was a much-needed one and gave Frank hope that a decent run in their upcoming games could see Spurs move up in 13th place.
A win on New Year’s Day would move them into the top half and return to contention for Europe.
But Frank, more than anyone, knows that Brentford face a tougher test than their home base at Selhurst Park – something he masterminded and which has been ably maintained by his successor Keith Andrews.
The Bees have won eight of their last 12 Premier League home games, including four of their last five under Andrews. In fact, only Man City (11), Aston Villa (10) and Arsenal (9) have won more home league games than Brentford since the 12-game series began in April.
Thursday, January 1st 7:45pm
Kickoff at 8pm
For Frank, standing in the dugout on the opposite side of G-Tech Community Stadium will be an unfamiliar feeling.
But it could be a disastrous homecoming for Frank if he witnesses a familiar Brentford home performance unfold that the Spurs side cannot match.
Declan Olley
