This is the final matchday before the entire league takes a monthlong hiatus for the World Cup. On one hand, clubs welcome this. Those that are not sending players to the World Cup have six weeks to get healthy and train. Also, it is a chance for clubs on poor runs of form to try and answer some questions over their struggles.
For other clubs, the World Cup poses challenges. There is the ever-present risk of injury. That risk seems more prevalent now more than ever with the load of games in the first half of this campaign. Also, just like some clubs get a break to recuperate, the World Cup cancels some clubs on a high. Brighton, Newcastle, Manchester City and Arsenal are all on stellar form over the last couple weeks. Now, there is a six-week break in between games.
Matchday 16 starts at 7:30 a.m. ET as Manchester City host Brentford. City sits in second behind Arsenal, but the Citizens’ three straight wins in league play are not necessarily comfortable. One-goal wins over both Fulham and Leicester set the stage for this clash with Brentford.
The highlight game of the week is the midpoint on Saturday. Newcastle, a club on blistering form, is unbeaten in its last nine games in league play. The Magpies’ lone loss this season was that stoppage time heartbreak at Anfield when Fábio Carvalho scored in the 98th minute. On the other hand, Chelsea is on the struggle bus right now. Winless in its last four Premier League fixtures and knocked out of the Carabao Cup, Graham Potter wants to send his club out to the World Cup on the right note. St. James Park presents a challenge for that hope.
NBC Coverage this weekend
Rebecca Lowe, Robbie Earle and Tim Howard are the names behind the desk for NBC’s studio coverage of the Premier League this weekend. The trio has Premier League Mornings starting at 7 a.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. on Sunday. Premier League Live is between each game, while Goal Zone wraps up all the action.
GOAL RUSH is extra busy this weekend. The whip-around show covers all the notable moments during the 10 a.m. kickoffs on Saturday. During that time, there are five games. Consequently, there should be goals galore.
Also, be sure to check out the Premier League in 4K. This weekend, the pair of games in higher resolution are the aforementioned Newcastle-Chelsea contest. Then, on Sunday, the weekend finale of Manchester United’s trip to Fulham is also in 4K. Make sure you have the proper tools to watch the Premier League in 4K.
EPL Commentators on NBC: Nov. 12-13
Saturday, Nov. 12
7:30 a.m. — Manchester City vs. Brentford. USA Network, Universo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Jim Proudfoot and Jim Beglin.
10 a.m. — Liverpool vs. Southampton. USA Network, Universo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — David Stowell and Michael Bridges.
10 a.m. — Bournemouth vs. Everton. Peacock Premium — Gary Taphouse and Glenn Murray.
10 a.m. — Tottenham vs. Leeds United. Peacock Premium — Pien Meulensteen and Efan Ekoku.
10 a.m. — West Ham vs. Leicester City. Peacock Premium — Tony Jones and Tony Gale.
10 a.m. — Nottingham Forest vs. Crystal Palace. Peacock Premium — Steve Banyard and Garry Birtles.
12:30 p.m. — Newcastle vs. Chelsea. NBC, Universo, Peacock Premium, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — IN 4K. — Peter Drury and Graeme Le Saux.
2:45 p.m. — Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Arsenal. USA Network, Universo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Jon Champion and Andy Townsend.
Sunday, Nov. 13
9 a.m. — Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Aston Villa. USA Network, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Joe Speight and Matt Holland.
11:30 a.m. — Fulham vs. Manchester United. USA Network, Universo, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — IN 4K. — Peter Drury and Lee Dixon.
