Without a doubt, December can prove to be a testing time for clubs in the Premier League and can often be a deciding month in their season. This is because of the heavy fixture schedule, which can be even worse for clubs that are still in the Carabao Cup as well.
Often the start of the hectic fixture period begins around mid-December, with four fixtures coming over a 10-day period, though this continues with three more in the span of eight days, including the third round of the FA Cup in early January.
It is very rare for any club to emerge from the festive period with a 100 per cent record and for some, the January transfer window cannot come soon enough – especially for those clubs that sustain injuries due to fixture congestion. As such, we’ve looked at the clubs that have the worst and best fixture schedule this Christmas.
Clubs With The Worst Christmas Schedule
You have to feel sorry for the newly promoted clubs – two of them have particularly stern tests over Christmas.
Ipswich Town come up against Newcastle United, Arsenal and Chelsea, with the latter two likely to be competing for the title, while the Magpies will have their eyes set firmly on a top six finish.
Meanwhile Leicester City are another club that has tough festive period. Following a winnable fixture against Wolves, they then have clashes against title chasers Liverpool and Manchester City, so they really need to be looking to take at least three points, which could make a big difference.
Of the ‘top six’ clubs Tottenham is one that could struggle over the festive period. They have games against Liverpool, and the increasingly improving Nottingham Forest and Wolves – all three of which could prove to be a substantial test.
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A variety of scorersWhat makes @SpursOfficial such a dangerous side this season under Ange Postecoglou?
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| Club | Fixtures |
|---|---|
| Ipswich Town | Newcastle United, Arsenal, Chelsea |
| Leicester City | Wolves, Liverpool, Manchester City |
| Tottenham | Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Liverpool |
Clubs With The Best Christmas Schedule
There are also a few clubs that jump out, which have what could be construed as a much easier schedule, however, there are no ‘easy’ games at this level.
Chelsea is another club which may emerge from the festive period relatively unscathed, while they could also be a challenger for the title. Fixtures against Everton and Ipswich Town, with a derby against rivals Fulham sandwiched in between on Boxing Day could make interesting viewing.
Reigning champions Manchester City are another club that could be deemed to have an easier festive fixture shedule. Although Aston Villa may provide a test, the club’s following two come against Everton and then Leicester.
Then there is Arsenal, who also will likely be challenging at the top end of the league as title contenders. They face Crystal Palace, Ipswich and Brentford – relatively comfortable fixtures and ones, you would expect them to take nine points from if they have no major injuries.
| Club | Fixtures |
| Chelsea | Everton, Fulham, Ipswich Town |
| Manchester City | Aston VIlla, Everton, Leicester City |
| Arsenal | Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Leicester City |