The Premier League is finally back! After a six-week break due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the English top-flight returns to action, with the 2022/23 season getting back underway on Boxing Day.
Fans do not have to wait long for the action to begin, with Matchweek 17 kicking off early, with Tottenham taking on Brentford at 7:30 a.m. ET in one of the standout fixtures.
Seven of the 10 match-ups will take place on December 26, with Premier League leaders Arsenal wrapping up the Boxing Day action with a highly-anticipated London Derby. However, the round does not stop on Monday as there will be two ties on Tuesday and an additional fixture on Wednesday.
Which teams will pick up where they left off and who will suffer a hangover due to Qatar 2022? Here's everything you need to know about the Boxing Day showdowns.
Top games to watch on Boxing Day in the Premier League this season
Brentford vs Tottenham
Tottenham are one of several top English clubs chasing UEFA Champions League qualification, and while Conte's men currently sit in fourth, things are complicated thanks to a few hiccups. Spurs won three of their six games prior to the break but lost the other three, going down against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle. As a result, the North London outfit cannot afford another slip-up. The same is true for Harry Kane, who missed a crucial penalty as England were eliminated from Qatar 2022, which means the Englishman will be in search of quick redemption.
Brentford, meanwhile, enter this tie on the back of their unforgettable 2-1 victory at Manchester City just before the break. Ivan Toney scored a brilliant brace on that day to help his team enter Boxing Day 10th in the table. However, the Englishman is in the midst of controversy as he has been charged over alleged breaches of betting rules. Nonetheless, Thomas Frank's recent contract renewal should go a long way in calming things down for the Bees ahead of this crucial tie.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Liverpool resume their campaign on Boxing Day as Klopp's men look to climb up the table between now and the end of the season. The Reds are currently 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal and sit outside the top four — they are sixth, four points behind fifth-placed Manchester United, and seven adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham. As a result, the Merseyside giants need to hit the ground running. However, injuries could make or break the remainder of 2022/23. Klopp has been dealing with fitness issues all season and will hope for a healthy squad in their bid to qualify for the top four.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, enter this fixture on the back of crucial victories in the league. In his first two games in charge, Unai Emery led the Villans to wins over Manchester United and Brighton, beating them 3-1 and 2-1 respectively. Those results meant Ings and Co. headed into the break 12th in the table. Can Emery mastermind another huge victory at Villa Park? Tune in to find out.
Arsenal vs West Ham
All eyes will be on this tie, the standout fixture, as league leaders Arsenal return to action in a highly-anticipated London Derby. The Gunners currently top the table with a five-point advantage over defending champions Manchester City but this remarkable start to the campaign has sparked several questions. Will Arteta's men maintain this run even in the face of a crucial injury to Gabriel Jesus? The North London giants are on an eight-game unbeaten streak, dropping points in only their 1-1 draw away to Southampton while boasting a tremendous record against West Ham.
As for the Hammers, they are 16th in the table, sitting just one point above the relegation table. Despite their impressive 2021/22 campaign, David Moyes' men have won only four out of their 15 outings this season, losing nine. Additionally, West Ham could be without their two recognized no.9s for the trip to the Emirates Stadium. Do not miss this showdown.
Who's out for Boxing Day and Matchweek 17 in the Premier League?
Arsenal: Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus (injured); Takehiro Tomiyasu, Emile Smith Rowe, and Oleksandr Zinchenko (doubtful)
Man City: Julian Alvarez ((unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup)); Ruben Dias (injured); Kalvin Phillips (unfit)
Newcastle: Alexander Isak, Paul Dummett, and Emil Krafth (doubtful)
Tottenham: Cristian Romero (unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup); Richarlison and Lucas Moura (injured); Rodrigo Bentancur (suspended); Oliver Skipp and Djed Spence (doubtful)
Man United: Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez (unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup); Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot (doubtful); Jadon Sancho (unfit)
Liverpool: Ibrahima Konate (unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup); Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Curtis Jones, and Arthur (injured); Trent Alexander-Arnold (doubtful)
Chelsea: Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic (unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup); Reece James, N'Golo Kante, Armando Broja, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ben Chiwell, and Wesley Fofana (injured); Kepa (doubtful)
Full list of games for Matchweek 17 in the Premier League
