The 2022/23 Premier League season recently restarted after the World Cup break on Boxing Day but the main focus of attention will be January. Arsenal have a tough task on their hands to preserve their lead at the top of the Premier League table ahead of holders Manchester City. The Gunners are due to face Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United next month.
Pep Guardiola’s side have an equally testing schedule in front of them with games against Chelsea, United as well as Spurs. While the main focus of attention will be on them, the likes of Newcastle, Spurs, United, Chelsea and Liverpool will be aiming to make inroads as they push for a top-four league finish.
Here are five matches to watch out for in January
Chelsea vs Man City – January 5
The first big game of 2023 will be between Chelsea and City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been far from their best this term and they are currently six points adrift of the top four with a game in hand. They face their toughest challenge yet against City, who did the double over them last season. There have no draws in the last 20 meetings between the clubs. City should be fancied to register a fourth-straight win over the Blues with Erling Haaland in the form of his life.
Prediction: Chelsea 0-2 Man City
Man Utd vs Man City – January 14
United were simply second best to the Cityzens in the first Manchester derby of the season at the Etihad Stadium. The hosts sealed a 6-3 win on the day and the margin of defeat could have been worse. It should be a completely different game at Old Trafford this time around. United have beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs on their home turf and should give a proper fight to City in front of their fans. We fancy a high-scoring thriller with United coming on top.
Prediction: Man Utd 3-2 Man City
Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal – January 15
Tottenham Hotspur outclassed the Gunners in the same fixture last season and it proved pivotal in beating their rivals to the final Champions League spot. Arsenal took revenge with a 3-1 win at home earlier this season but the upcoming north London derby will show whether they are up for the title challenge. Arsenal are currently the league’s best travellers with 19 points from a possible 24 and will be aiming to get something out of the game.
Prediction: Spurs 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool vs Chelsea – January 21
Liverpool and Chelsea faced each other on four occasions last term. They drew 1-1 and 2-2 in the Premier League. Liverpool needed penalties to beat Chelsea in the League Cup and FA Cup finals after the scores were level at 0-0 after 120 minutes. There was not much to split the teams last season and we won’t be surprised if the Premier League giants play out another stalemate at Anfield.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
Arsenal vs Man Utd – January 22
Arsenal got a reality check in the reverse meeting at Old Trafford. They were level at 1-1 at the hour mark but were outsmarted by United’s counter-attacks, losing 3-1 in the end. This still remains the club’s only defeat of the Premier League campaign. They have the opportunity to redeem themselves on their home turf. United tend to be slow starters away from home and the Gunners must capitalise on this.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Man Utd
