We are just about at the end of the festive fixture period in the Premier League.
Well, not exactly: there will be make up fixtures from all the COVID-19 postponements until May, as more games keep falling to the virus.
This weekend, though, is technically the end of this crazy period, although for three of the top four teams in the table, it might be just the beginning of the chaos.
Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal, who are chasing Manchester City in the table, will all be in action (with Tottenham) during the week in the EFL Carabao Cup semifinals, then in the F.A. Cup third round next weekend, followed by the second legs of the Carabao Cup, then another round of Premier League fixtures on Saturday/Sunday Jan. 15-16.
That is when the fun may begin: we might start getting some makeup matches during the next week, although I doubt it will be any of the Carabao Cup teams.
This weekend is massive for the title race, or whatever is left of it. If Manchester City beats Arsenal Saturday morning, the team(s) that drop points in the Chelsea Liverpool contest Sunday will be out of the race. Yes, I said it, out of the race by Jan. 2.
Players start leaving for the African Cup of Nations as well after this weekend, so teams (Liverpool comes to mind) will be weakened, while Manchester City has two squads of players to field.
Where should you put your money this weekend?
Take a look.
Check Fubo.TV, Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+ for TV schedules
ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH DAY 21
Saturday
Arsenal (+480) v Manchester City (-185), draw (+340), 7:30 a.m. EDT (USA Network and Fubo.TV)
Watford (+450) v Tottenham (-165), draw (+305), 10 a.m. EDT (USA Network and Fubo.TV)
Crystal Palace (+210) v Tottenham (+135), draw (+235), 12:30 p.m. EDT (USA Network and Fubo.TV)
Sunday
Chelsea (+180) v Liverpool (+145), draw (+245), 11:30 a.m. EDT (USA Network and Fubo.TV)
Monday
Manchester United (-175) v Wolverhampton (+500), draw (+320), 12:30 p.m. EDT (USA Network and Fubo.TV)
GAME PICKS:
Manchester City -1 AH (-115)
Tottenham -0.75 (-127)
West Ham United ML (+135)
Liverpool ML (+145)
Manchester United -1 AH (+100)
PROP PLAYS:
Manchester City over 2.5 goals (+163)
West Ham over 1.5 goals (+125)
Liverpool over 1.5 goals (+135)
Che/Liv over 2.75 goals (+105)
Manchester United over 1.5 goals (-132)