Key Advantage for Man Utd Over Liverpool and Premier League Rivals This Month
This month presents a strategic advantage for Manchester United over their rivals in the Premier League. The club’s relatively light schedule and favourable match timings could play a pivotal role in their pursuit of higher league standings.
Current Schedule Analysis
Manchester United finds itself in a unique situation this week. For the first time since late August, they have a midweek match with a quick turnaround. Following a difficult Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby, United’s schedule is notably less congested compared to their competitors.
With only 14 matches played this season, United has a significant discrepancy in fixtures relative to teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle, who have all played 20 times. Their recent victory over Crystal Palace was followed by a Thursday match against West Ham at Old Trafford.
Fixture Gaps and Opportunities
The upcoming matches provide United with ample recovery time. Their tight schedule, consisting of only two matches in December before the festive season, allows for advantageous preparation. The club’s fixture list looks as follows:
- December 10: vs. West Ham (Home)
- December 18: vs. Bournemouth (Home)
- December 23: vs. Aston Villa (Away)
- December 26: vs. Newcastle (Home)
- December 30: vs. Wolves (Home)
- January 5: vs. Leeds (Away)
Competitive Landscape
While other Premier League teams engage in midweek fixtures and Carabao Cup quarter-finals, United benefits from a less intense commitment. This situation contrasts greatly with rivals like City and Arsenal, who will be playing twice weekly due to European duties.
Moreover, United’s plans may be impacted mid-December when several key players, including Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo, depart for the Africa Cup of Nations. This could challenge their squad depth at a crucial time.
Current Performance Status
Despite the constraints, Manchester United approaches December with momentum. They have recorded only one loss in their last seven matches, positioning them ambitiously in the league standings. Currently, they rank seventh, just three points behind Chelsea, who occupy the third spot.
Seizing the opportunities presented in December can be vital for United. With their match schedule easing up, they can leverage this period to enhance their position as serious contenders for a Champions League spot in the following season. This month offers a key advantage that can be pivotal for Manchester United over Liverpool and other Premier League rivals.
