Premier League preview: Wear-Tyne derby returns, Liverpool move on without Mo

The games come thick and fast in December as the Premier League braces itself for the busy festive period, and there are some early Christmas treats in store this weekend. 

None more so than at the Stadium of Light, where the first Wear-Tyne derby in the top flight since 2016 will take place, while the continued drama surrounding the Premier League champions will continue as they host Brighton. 

Here are the big talking points headed into Matchday 16. 

All eyes on the North East

A welcome addition back to the Premier League calendar this season is the Wear-Tyne derby, following Sunderland's return to the big time, and the first league meeting between the two rivals for almost a decade sees them both sitting in mid-table, with only a point separating the sides. 

It's probably not where most expected either side to be before the start of the campaign, with the Black Cats bucking the recent trend of promoted clubs and threatening the European places, while Newcastle have taken time to find consistency - especially away from home. However, it sets up an added strand to what is always a game full of fireworks. 
 

Sunderland have hit their worst run of the season, with only one win in their last five, whereas the away side comes into it with three wins from four, so Eddie Howe's team will be the favourites. 

However, over the years, in a derby that has seen such iconic moments as Shearer sitting in the rain, Defoe netting a worldie, and Nolan's famous hat-trick, form completely goes out the window when these sides meet. 

In all, the Magpies have won 54 to Sunderland's 53 during their battles against each other, proving that it's always a tough one to call, but a game not to be missed. 

 

No Mo again? 

Liverpool's season went from disappointing to crisis point last weekend, as Mo Salah decided to put the boot in on the club's manager and their current form with a seemingly calculated post-match statement after the draw with Leeds. 

It's the last thing Arne Slot needed in a campaign that has already seen their title defence go up in smoke after a dismal run of form. Now, his star player's outburst has many predicting we may have seen the last of the Egyptian in a Liverpool shirt, with Saturday's game the last time he'll be available before he meets up with the national team ahead of AFCON. 



With no sign of an apology from Salah, it's hard to see a way back, which would be quite the abrupt conclusion to a career on Merseyside where he's become a modern-day legend of the club. 

Somehow Slots' team now need to block out that noise and try to salvage what remains of their season without their talisman, starting with the visit of the Seagulls. Imago Images

Top vs bottom could get messy 

The decorations are up, and we're counting down the days, but all Wolves want for Christmas is an actual Premier League win before the big day.

Unfortunately, this weekend doesn't look like it will be full of too much festive cheer as they make the trip to The Emirates to face league leaders Arsenal. 

The Gunners got back on track midweek in the Champions League and will now try and strengthen their grip at the top of the table after dropping points in their two league games. 

Mikel Arteta welcomed back Gabriel Jesus for the victory in Brugge, and he'll be added to an array of attacking options that will be licking their lips given the way Wolves defended against Manchester United on Monday. 

Rob Edwards has to keep the home side at bay for as long as possible; otherwise, conceding an early goal could make for a nightmare before Christmas type of afternoon for his side.

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Who can step up? 

The Gunners' lead at the top has been cut down to two points in the last fortnight, and now they'll have their eye on the chasing pack behind them. 

Manchester City are once again the club to be concerned with, fueling Arsenal fans with fears of previous failed title bids, thanks to the form of Pep's side, and they warmed up for this clash with Crystal Palace this weekend by beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. However, the Eagles are in form too, and have become a bit of a thorn in City's side over recent years. 

Aston Villa have also put themselves into the conversation after their win over the North Londoners last weekend, and they head to West Ham on Sunday as the league's most in-form team. 

With Arsenal entertaining Wolves, both City and Villa will need to keep up the pace to pile on the pressure at the top. 

Must win for Parker Burak Akbulut/Anadolu via Getty Images

It still feels a bit too early to start calling games 'must-win' for teams embroiled at the bottom of the Premier League, but Burnley really do need to start picking up points. 

With Wolves already doomed, Scott Parker's side runs the risk of joining the bottom-placed team in the 'already relegated' narrative, if they don't turn their fortunes around. 

This weekend sees them entertain Fulham, a game that the Clarets should be earmarking as a potential victory, especially as it would drag Fulham further into the scrap. 

Anything but a victory, and it's hard to see where Burnley will think about getting enough points from to stay in the division. 

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