Gameweek 21: Midweek Tests, Managerial Pressure and the Arsenal–Liverpool Standalone

January congestion is in full effect as Premier League supporters face a stacked midweek schedule. The bulk of matches arrive on Wednesday, with the Blues and Red Devils among those competing, while the round’s showpiece is staged alone on Thursday as Arsenal host Liverpool.

Nuno Espírito Santo has worn the tracksuits of both West Ham United and Nottingham Forest this season, and a weekend defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers marked a new low for the Hammers. West Ham sit 18th and will move to within a single point of Nottingham Forest with victory on Tuesday; another defeat could spell the end for the Portuguese coach. Forest have lost their last four league matches and produced just 27% possession in their recent defeat to Aston Villa.

Tottenham were booed by their own supporters in a 1–1 draw with Sunderland and Thomas Frank has already lost the support of the majority of Tottenham fans. Spurs’ away form remains one of their few consolations and they visit Bournemouth, who are winless in 11 games despite an encouraging display in defeat to Arsenal.

Brentford sit seventh under first-time manager Keith Andrews, who lost two key players over the summer. Igor Thiago scored his first Brentford hat-trick at the weekend, and Brentford’s home form is only bettered by the current top three. Sunderland are unbeaten in five and have suffered fewer Premier League defeats than most promoted sides.

Aston Villa recovered from a chastening loss to Arsenal with victory over Nottingham Forest, John McGinn the surprise goalscoring hero. Crystal Palace have won twice in 10 home league fixtures, are winless in seven across all competitions and sit 14th, seven points off fourth-place Liverpool.

Wolves recorded their first Premier League victory of the season with a 3–0 win over West Ham, a lift amid a likely relegation battle. Everton conceded four at the weekend and face a fixture that could go either way.

Chelsea stole a point at Manchester City with Under-21s manager Calum McFarlane on the touchline. Fulham drew with Liverpool and continue to be led by Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez.

Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday after his rant following the Leeds draw and a year of poor results; Darren Fletcher takes interim charge at Burnley, who are winless since late October after losing to Brighton. Newcastle enter Wednesday on the back of consecutive wins as Leeds have extended an unbeaten run to seven. Arsenal arrive at the Emirates six points clear and host Liverpool, one of only two teams to have beaten them this season.