The first Premier League winter break will be split over two weekends, giving players, managers and fans some time to recharge their batteries for the run-in.
While most of Liverpool’s squad have used the opportunity to get away for some warm-weather relaxation, it will have been business as usual for the eight teams involved this weekend.
Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points across the latest round of Premier League fixtures.
Fun in the sun
Survival battle rages on
? “The mood of the group has been really good, that’s the encouraging thing.
“The @premierleaguetests you, the performances have been mixed. But the determination and spirit of the players has been good, we need to carry that forward.”#BHAFC ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/5bbbi9RnMF
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) February 6, 2020
Sun loungers and cocktails will be furthest from anyone’s minds when Brighton host Watford in Saturday’s televised late kick-off. The Seagulls will take heart from the way the team battled back to earn a 3-3 draw at West Ham as they aim to keep some daylight between themselves and the bottom three. Watford, meanwhile, find themselves back in trouble following the bounce under new boss Nigel Pearson – and will be kicking themselves after last week’s late capitulation at home against Everton.
Toffees eye the top six
Can resurgent Cherries blunt the Blades?
EH: “I don’t think anything has necessarily changed. We won the game against Brighton, it was a key game. It was a battling performance, a performance full of heart.
“Villa was much a improved overall performance. The challenge now is to back it up.”#afcb ? pic.twitter.com/HblKgvDAW2
— AFC Bournemouth (@afcbournemouth) February 7, 2020
When Sheffield United opened the Premier League campaign at Bournemouth, few would have predicted the fortunes of both clubs some six months down the line. Chris Wilder’s well-organised side could end the weekend in fifth – but the Cherries head to Bramall Lane with a point to prove after back-to-back Premier League wins lifted them out of the relegation zone.
