Aston Villa vs Sheffield United
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Odds: Aston Villa +210, Draw +230, Sheffield United +130
Last Game: Sheffield United 2 : 0 Aston Villa
Watch: NBCSN
Aston Villa entered the break on a poor run of form, losing four straight matches. The Villians find themselves in 19th, but sit only two points from safety. Keeper Tom Heaton and striker Wesley are not fit and will sit this one out, while John McGinn looks set to return to the midfield.
Sheffield United entered the break on a strong run of form that saw them go unbeaten in their last four matches. Sheffield sit in 7th but are only two points from a European spot. Sheffield are expected to be at full strength for this one.
These two recently promoted sides have had a much different experience in their first year back in the Premier League with Aston Villa fighting off relegation and Sheffield United battling for a spot in Europe. While both sides are in the lower half of the league in goals scored they are wolds apart defensively where Villa have allowed the most goals against and Sheffield have allowed the 2nd fewest. These sides have only met at Vila Park 4 times since the 2007 season with each side taking 1 game and 2 draws. Expect a low scoring game with a draw looking likely.
Manchester City vs Arsenal
Time: 3:15 PM EST
Odds: Manchester City -320, Draw +470, Arsenal +700
Last Game: Arsenal 0 : 3 Manchester City
Watch: NBCSN
Hosts Manchester City entered the break following a 2-0 derby loss to rivals Manchester United. City sit comfortably in 2nd, with the title out of reach but a 4 point lead on 3rd place Leicester. Leroy Sane has returned to training and looks likely to be available in this one.
Arsenal entered the break with the second best form in the league, going unbeaten over their last six matches and winners of three in a row. The Gunners sit in 9th, but a win here could see them jump into 6th and within 2 points of a European spot. Calum Chambers and Lucas Torreira will be unavailable for this one.
Arsenal have not enjoyed their recent trips to the Etihad, losing their last three and only managing one win and one draw in their last six visits. City have only lost twice at home this year outscored their opponents 33 to 12 this year, and are unbeaten in their last five at home. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven matches away from home but have only managed a single win in that stretch. City are the heavy favorites here and their depth combined with the new substitution rules should help them secure a win in this one.