EPL Fixtures, 9 – 10 December: Manchester and Mersey derby delight on Gameweek 16

The barometer may be dropping as winter grips Britain, but this weekend’s EPL fixtures are certified scorchers. Despite freezing temperatures, the atmosphere will be red hot in Manchester, as United look to halt a rampant City side.

That’s the jewel of an exceptional schedule this week. Liverpool and Everton are set to lock horns in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, whereas Chelsea travel to West Ham in Saturday’s early kick-off.

EPL Fixtures, 9 December

West Ham United V Chelsea

It’s a London derby to get us started on Saturday, at 14:30. West Ham host Chelsea in a game that has must-win status for Moyes’ men. The Hammers boss has picked up just one point from a possible 12 in his first four games. However, they could give the Blues a real run for their money after giving Man City a scare last week.

Burnley V Watford

The EPL’s two surprise packages clash in Lancashire as part of the 17:00 kick offs. Burnley’s resolute defence meets Watford’s free-flowing attack, as both teams look to maintain the pace with league’s top six.

Huddersfield Town V Brighton and Hove Albion

Two of the three sides promoted from The Championship last year clash at the John Smith’s Stadium. Town have struggled for goals this year, but have put together a decent run of results at home. Brighton have been rather impressive in their maiden Premier League campaign, and will fancy their chances in Yorkshire.

Crystal Palace V AFC Bournemouth

Progress has been steady for Palace under new boss Roy Hodgson, who have become adept at plundering goals late on in recent games. They take on a Cherries team that’s struggling for consistency this season. However, Callum Wilson is back in the visitors’ side, and he’s more than capable of hurting the opposition.

Tottenham Hotspur V Stoke City

The pressure valve was eased a little on Mark Hughes last week, as the Stoke boss saw his side outmuscle Swansea in a relegation dog-fight last Saturday. Spurs have been shaky at Wembley, and have dropped points to Burnley, West Brom and Swansea at home this season.

Swansea City Vs West Bromwich Albion

We’ve got two sides who are absolutely gasping for a win here. Swansea – and boss Paul Clement – are under severe pressure as they are rooted to the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, West Brom have won just two games all season. New manager Alan Pardew will be looking to put that right tomorrow.

Newcastle United V Leicester City

It’s sliding fortunes for this pair, as a resurgent Leicester City make the trip up north to a stumbling Newcastle side who have lost five of their last six games. Claude Puel has guided Leicester away from trouble in his first month at The King Power, and he’ll feel his side have every chance of taking all three points in the day’s 19:30 kick off

EPL Fixtures, 10 December

Southampton V Arsenal, 14:00

The Saints will be stubborn opposition for the Gunners, and have a fit and firing Charlie Austin ready to cause them problems. Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from last week’s loss to Manchester United; a game in which they dominated, but were thwarted by David De Gea and a reborn Jesse Lingard.

Liverpool V Everton, 16:15

The day’s action really kicks into fifth gear when the two teams on Merseyside meet on derby day. Despite the old saying, there is nothing ‘friendly’ about this cross-city clash. Klopp’s men have been scintillating going forward – they’ve won two UCL games 7-0 this year – but must find a resolve in defence if they’re to keep pace with the Manchester clubs.

Manchester United V Manchester City, 18:30

Now, no league titles are won in December. But you really do feel that a City victory here would really take the title race away from their nearest competitors and fiercest rivals. Mourinho’s men have blown hot and cold in games against the ‘big four’ this season, but they have the potential to outsmart Pep Guardiola’s fantasy footballers.

What chance does each EPL team have of winning?

EPL Fixtures for 9 – 10 December

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