Premier League Round 21 Preview: The Lowdown for Every Top-Flight Game this Week

Premier League Gameweek 21 Preview

From relegation battles, West London derbies and title races to contend with this week, Gameweek 21 offers everything for fans to keep an eye on. Here is a preview of every encounter taking place this week in the Premier League.

West Ham vs Nottingham Forest

This is an important game for both sides with West Ham sitting in 18th place and Forest four points above in 17th position. For West Ham, if they are to lose on Tuesday night then they would find themselves seven points from safety and a place in the Championship next season would look more and more likely. Whereas, for Nottingham Forest there isn’t as much pressure on this game, but a loss could drag them right back into a scrap at the bottom of the table. Can the former Forest boss come back to haunt them?

🚨⚒️ Nuno Espírito #Santo is on the verge of being sacked at West Ham. He is expected to get at most one more game, against Forest on Tuesday.

It would be the decisive match. #WHUFC@SkySportDE 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ulusdVhH61

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 4, 2026

Bournemouth vs Tottenham Hotspur

This could be Antoine Semenyo’s farewell game for Bournemouth with a move to Manchester City looking imminent, so can he lead the Cherries to their first win in twelve games? It won’t be an easy task for Andoni Iraola’s side though, with Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur having the second-best away record in the Premier League.

Brentford vs Sunderland

A match between two sides that are definitely exceeding expectations as they sit 7th and 8th in the Premier League table going into the second half of the season. However, they are both a lot stronger sides at home so does this give the bees a slight advantage in this match. They are coming off the back of a huge performance away at Everton winning 4-2 on Saturday. Whereas the Black Cats earned themselves a big point away at Tottenham Hotspur.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa

This is a very tough game to call with Aston Villa in third place in the Premier League travelling away from home to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace. Villa will be going into the match as favourites based on recent performances, however Crystal Palace are unbeaten in the last six meetings between these sides, winning five of those.

Everton vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

A few weeks ago, Everton would have been seen as huge favourites going into this game. However, in their last two outings, Wolves have drawn away at Manchester United and beaten West Ham United at home so this could be closer than many would think. However, Everton will be confident going into the game with Wolves still only on six points after twenty matches.

Fulham vs Chelsea

This is a tough West London Derby to call with it being uncertain who will be the Chelsea manager at kick off. Calum McFarlane managed to earn a draw away at Manchester City on Sunday evening on his managerial debut. On the other side, Fulham are unbeaten in their last six league games and are climbing up the table as a result of this. Chelsea have a far superior record in the past in the West London Derby so can Fulham pick up a win against the odds?

🚨 Liam Rosenior will return to Strasbourg to hold a press conference on Tuesday morning. He is expected to say his farewells ahead of a move to Chelsea.

Calum McFarlane will take charge of Fulham. pic.twitter.com/FXPG6hqjic

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 5, 2026

Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Pep Guardiola’s side are desperate for a win following two draws in the past week and therefore are now six points behind league leaders Arsenal. Brighton are coming into the game looking to earn their first win at Etihad Stadium and possibly climb into a European spot in the Premier League table.

Burnley vs Manchester United

After the sacking of Ruben Amorim today, Darren Fletcher will be taking charge for the trip to Turf Moor, where the Red Devils will be hoping to get back to winning ways following draws to both Wolves and Leeds. Burnley will be hoping to get a win on the board as their fight for survival continues, however United are unbeaten in the last eight meetings between these sides.

BREAKING: Manchester United have released a club statement confirming the sacking of Ruben Amorim, adding that Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SQQiJ2yke0

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 5, 2026

Newcastle United vs Leeds United

Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten in their last seven league matches, which is a club record since 2001 in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have begun to turn their fortunes around with back-to-back wins against both Burnley and Crystal Palace so they will see this as an opportunity to make it three wins from three. Four of the last five meetings between these clubs have ended in a draw.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

This is a game between the current league leaders and last seasons league champions. Arsenal come into the game with five league wins on the bounce and are six points above second place Manchester City. Whereas, Liverpool have had a rather underwhelming season so far and are out of the title race but did beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield earlier in the season.