The holidays are closing in, so it’s understandable if you need to ignore soccer this weekend, focusing instead on gift-buying and tree-lighting. On the other hand, weekend crowds are madness, and it’s more likely you need an excuse to avoid the crush. The Premier League offers up a few reasons to simply stay inside.
Premier League schedule, news and results from Week 15
Saturday began with Newcastle ending Chelsea’s unbeaten run, winning 2-1, and continued with Arsenal losing to Stoke.
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Newcastle vs. Chelsea
NBCSN and NBC Sports Live (USA); Sportsnet World (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Chelsea. The new Invincibles. There hardly seems a point in tuning in to their matches these days, unless you’re a fan of the different contortions Diego Costa puts his face through when he’s angry. But Newcastle, well, they might write a different script. José Mourinho has struggled at St. James’ Park, and Newcastle has, in general, become a bit of a bogey side for the Blues, having beat them once in each of the past three seasons. With just one loss in their last 12 matches, luck may lie with the Magpies on Saturday.
Liverpool vs. Sunderland
NBC and NBC Sports Live (USA); TSN4 (Canada)
Sorry, Arsenal. When you’re busy struggling for fourth, Liverpool kicks you out of a prime TV slot. The Reds’ woes and struggles this season simply make for more entertaining television drama. Will this be the weekend Brendan Rodgers breaks down on the touchline? Is Steven Gerrard truly refreshed? Will we ever discover the real reason Liverpool spent so much for Dejan Lovren? The hosts may have won their last two matches, but the potential for giggles is never more than a kick away.
Manchester City vs. Everton
NBC and NBC Sports Live (USA); Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1 and Sky Go (UK)
Can City really put any pressure on Chelsea this season? Are Everton really still in the race for fourth, despite sitting tenth? Oh, who cares. You’re watching this to watch Sergio Agüero score seemingly at will. 14 goals in 14 games!
Aston Villa vs. Leicester
NBCSN and NBC Sports Live (USA); Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1 and Sky Go (UK)
Ok, so Super Sunday isn’t so super this weekend. Aston Villa still have just eight goals, the same number some teams enjoy scoring in just one match. Leicester are dead last in the table, and haven’t won a game since beating Manchester United 5-3 back in September. Villa, meanwhile, only broke their nine-game winless streak on Tuesday. The crazed desperation just might explode at Villa park.
Week 15 Schedule and Results
scores updated as available
Newcastle 2-1 Chelsea
Hull City 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool 0-0 Sunderland
Queens Park Rangers 2-0 Burnley
Stoke City 3-2 Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 Crystal Palace
Manchester City 1-0 Everton
West Ham United 2-1 Swansea City
Aston Villa 3-1 Leicester City
Southampton 1-2 Manchester United - Full match report here
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