> At a Glance
> – Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday as the standout fixture of Matchweek 21
> – Gunners lead the Reds by 14 points and can widen gap without Mo Salah (AFCON)
> – Midweek slate runs Jan. 6-8 across NBC, USA, Peacock and NBC Sports Network
> – Why it matters: Title-race momentum and Champions League positioning hang on these 48 hours
Matchweek 21 delivers the Premier League’s first full midweek calendar of 2025, with league-leaders Arsenal facing the only side to have beaten them this campaign.
Title-Race Implications
Manchester City’s consecutive draws to Sunderland and Chelsea leave Arsenal six points clear at the halfway mark. Pep Guardiola’s squad, now nursing more defensive injuries, welcomes Brighton on Wednesday looking to rebound before the transfer window heats up.
Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates caps the slate Thursday. Arne Slot’s team-one of two to topple Arsenal this season-must cope without Mo Salah, away at AFCON, and possibly Hugo Ekitike, nursing a hamstring issue.
Full Three-Day Schedule
| Day | Time (ET / PT) | Match | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 6 | 3 p.m. / 12 p.m. | West Ham vs Nott’m Forest | USA |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | Bournemouth vs Tottenham | NBCSN / Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | Brentford vs Sunderland | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | Everton vs Wolves | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | Fulham vs Chelsea | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | Man City vs Brighton | Peacock |
| Wed 7 | 3:15 p.m. / 12:15 p.m. | Burnley vs Man United | USA |
| Wed 7 | 3:15 p.m. / 12:15 p.m. | Newcastle vs Leeds | Peacock |
| Thu 8 | 3 p.m. / 12 p.m. | Arsenal vs Liverpool | NBCSN / Peacock |
Around the League
- Manchester United travel to Burnley in their first outing after parting ways with Ruben Amorim; interim Darren Fletcher takes the reins.
- Aston Villa head to Crystal Palace seeking a second straight win; the Eagles are winless in five and could lose Marc Guehi this window.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal can open a 17-point gap on Liverpool with a win
- City need victory over Brighton to keep pace amid fresh injury concerns
- United’s post-Amorim era begins at relegation-threatened Burnley
- All matches stream on Peacock or feature on NBC/USA; new NBC Sports Network also carries games
A dominant Arsenal performance Thursday would intensify their title statement, while Liverpool hope to show their earlier win was no fluke.
