Premier League Matchweek 23 Preview: Fixtures, Times and Talking Points

Premier League Matchweek 23 delivers a packed weekend of football across Saturday and Sunday, before Monday Night Football rounds it off. Below is the confirmed fixture list (as shown in the schedule), plus the key themes to watch as the season enters a decisive stretch.

Matchweek 23 Fixtures and UK Kick-off Times

Saturday 24 January

West Ham United vs Sunderland – 15:30
Fulham vs Brighton & Hove Albion – 18:00
Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur – 18:00
Manchester City vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 18:00
Bournemouth vs Liverpool – 20:30

Sunday 25 January

Newcastle United vs Aston Villa – 17:00
Brentford vs Nottingham Forest – 17:00
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea – 17:00
Arsenal vs Manchester United – 19:30

Monday 26 January

Everton vs Leeds United – 23:00

Headline Matches to Watch

Arsenal vs Manchester United

One of the weekend’s marquee fixtures comes at the Emirates. Arsenal will want to keep their momentum, while United arrive looking to make a statement in a high-profile away test.

Manchester City vs Wolves

City at home is always a major event. Wolves are typically well organised and can be dangerous on the break, so this has the feel of a tactical chess match.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool

A tricky trip on the south coast can be awkward for any side. Liverpool will aim to control the game early, but Bournemouth’s intensity at home can shift momentum quickly.

The Bigger Storylines This Week

The title race pressure

At this stage of the season, small margins matter. Teams at the top cannot afford off-days, especially with tough fixtures arriving every week.

European spots in focus

Mid-table clashes can turn into “six-pointers” fast when the table tightens. Results from the Sunday block of games may have a bigger impact than they look on paper.

Survival points matter

For sides near the bottom, a single win can change the mood instantly. Monday night’s Everton vs Leeds meeting could be a pivotal moment for both clubs.

When is Premier League Matchweek 23?

Matchweek 23 is scheduled across Saturday 24 January, Sunday 25 January and Monday 26 January.

What is the biggest game of Matchweek 23?

Arsenal vs Manchester United is the standout headline fixture, with Manchester City vs Wolves also drawing major attention.

Which matches are on Sunday?

Sunday includes Newcastle vs Aston Villa, Brentford vs Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace vs Chelsea, and Arsenal vs Manchester United.

Extended Analysis: Why Matchweek 23 Matters in the Premier League Season

Premier League Matchweek 23 often marks a turning point in the season. By this stage, teams have settled into their tactical identities, squads are tested by injuries and fixture congestion, and league positions begin to reflect true performance levels rather than short-term form.

For clubs chasing the title, consistency becomes non-negotiable. Dropped points in late January can carry long-term consequences, especially with European competitions resuming soon after. Teams such as Arsenal and Manchester City are fully aware that momentum built during this phase can define the final run-in.

Mid-table sides also face crucial decisions during Matchweek 23. A strong result can push a club toward European contention, while a poor run may quickly drag them into relegation conversations. Fixtures between evenly matched teams are often decided by game management, set pieces and in-game discipline rather than attacking flair.

At the lower end of the table, psychological pressure increases significantly. Matches involving relegation-threatened teams tend to be tighter, more physical and less predictable. A single win at this stage can shift confidence levels dramatically, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

From a tactical perspective, Matchweek 23 highlights squad depth. Managers must balance fatigue, rotation and results, especially with FA Cup and European fixtures approaching. This often leads to subtle tactical tweaks rather than wholesale changes.

In short, Premier League Matchweek 23 is not just another set of fixtures. It is a strategic checkpoint that shapes title races, European ambitions and survival battles alike.