What To Look Out For In The Premier League After The Final International Break Of 2025
by Sam Cox | by Tyler Doty
The first 11 matchdays of the Premier League season felt a bit stop-start with a string of international breaks. England’s topflight can get into some rhythm with the current break being the last of 2025 – there isn’t another disruption in domestic action until the end of March.
Teams have another 20 league fixtures to play before then. Some conclusions drawn 11 matches in are bound to look foolish by that point. Contests for the title, Champions League qualification, and to avoid relegation could look very different.
Here are some key storylines to follow in the coming weeks:
Pressure Mounting on Eddie Howe
Newcastle have lost three of their last four, and four of their last six, Premier League matches. Strong Champions League performances have saved Eddie Howe from too much criticism, but that could quickly change.
The Magpies are at home to Manchester City this weekend before facing Marseille in the Champions League. A trip to Everton follows, with Tottenham visiting St. James’ Park a few days later.
This Newcastle ownership group have been patient with Howe compared to how other mega-rich owners have behaved. It’s not out of the question that Newcastle are in the relegation zone in a couple of weeks – how much time does he get to right the ship?
How Resilient are Arsenal?
Holding a four-point lead, Arsenal couldn’t have asked to be in a stronger position. It’s worth noting, though, that Mikel Arteta’s team had a blip before the break, drawing 2-2 with Sunderland to end a 10-match winning streak.
Their goals conceded tally jumped to five. It’s still an historic pace, but any hopes of breaking Chelsea’s record of 15 took a hit.
The season resumes with the Gunners hosting Tottenham and Bayern Munich before travelling to Stamford Bridge. Manchester City face Leeds and Fulham after their trip to Newcastle – will Arsenal still be sitting atop the table on Dec. 3?
Relegation Showdowns
Wolves host Nottingham Forest, Fulham visit Burnley, and Forest make the trip to Craven Cottage before Christmas. Three points separate 14th-placed Newcastle and Forest in 19th.
While Wolves look like they could be cut adrift, it’s not out the question that they claw their way back towards the pack before Christmas. Burnley’s underlying numbers are the worst in the league by a distance, and they face Chelsea on Saturday.
With three points from their last four matches, Leeds’ clash with Aston Villa this weekend is crucial before they face City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Will Bournemouth Get Back on Track?
The Cherries lost their last two matches before the break. Lowly West Ham, overachieving Sunderland, and stubborn Everton are their next three opponents.
Bournemouth have slipped to ninth yet remain one point off the top four. Antoine Semenyo, one of the star performers in the Premier League so far this season, aggravated a knee injury on international duty and could miss time.
Unlike last season, Andoni Iraola’s side are only middle of the pack in expected goal difference. West Ham, Sunderland, and Everton is a run that could bring nine points – anything less than seven points would be disappointing before duels with Chelsea and Manchester United.
Liverpool’s Favorable Run
The defending champions have been porous defensively and their attack is outside the top six in expected goals. Mo Salah looks a million miles from the player we saw last season, and the Alexander Isak acquisition is yet to reap rewards.
Arne Slot isn’t going to lose his job, but five losses in six matches is enough to generate some concern about his long-term future. Forest, Sunderland, West Ham, and Leeds represent some respite for Liverpool, though each of those sides will be confident of getting a result with how Slot’s team have been playing.
Just four points behind City, the title isn’t out of reach just yet, and a top four finish is very much in play. Winning at least three of their next four is key, though.
