With five EPL clubs appearing to have legitimate title hopes this season, every game matters. Unfortunately, with the Africa Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup taking place throughout January and early February, Premier League teams in the title race will be without important players in key games. The knowledge of those absences could have a profound impact on soccer betting for individual games and the overall title race. Let’s look at some of the specific games over the next month that will have key players missing and an impact on the Premier League title race.
Manchester United vs Tottenham, January 14
Tottenham has endured so many injuries this season but remains in the title hunt. They are also going to feel the effects of the international tournaments more than any other title contender with Son Heung-min, Pape Matar Sarr, and Yves Bissouma all leaving the club. The timing is particularly bad with a trip to Old Trafford set for January 14. Losing Son, in particular, with playmaker James Maddison not yet back from injury figures to hurt the most. It’s worth noting that Manchester United goalie Andre Onana will be missing the first game of the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, allowing him to face Spurs in this match, meaning the Red Devils won’t be short handed but Tottenham will for a match Spurs will need to win to keep pace in the title race.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool, January 21
Typically, a trip to Bournemouth wouldn’t be too worrisome for a team at the top of the table. But Liverpool has four other teams chasing them and will be without Mo Salah and Wataru Endo for the time being. Obviously, Salah is a huge loss, but Endo’s absence will hurt Liverpool’s depth during a busy time of the season with the Reds playing both legs of the Carabao Cup semifinals against Fulham in January. Plus, Bournemouth is not far removed from a seven-match unbeaten streak with the Cherries being a well-known giant killer at home. Therefore, this may not be a routine match for Liverpool, which knows its lead atop the Premier League could be a little tenuous while Salah is away.
Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal, January 30
International absences could potentially help Arsenal during a January 30 trip to Nottingham Forest. The Gunners will see their defensive depth depleted with Takehiro Tomiyasu playing for Japan. But losing Mohamed Elneny to Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations shouldn’t have a huge impact on Arsenal. Meanwhile, Forest is losing six players to the Africa Cup of Nations, depleting the depth of the Tricky Trees significantly. That could make Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham at the end of January a little easier than some other clubs have faced when visiting Forest this season.
Liverpool vs Chelsea, January 31
Obviously, Chelsea hasn’t looked like a top-flight team this season. But the Blues have picked it up a little lately and will pose a tough challenge for Liverpool, even at Anfield. To be fair, Chelsea will be without Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, who is the club’s second-leading scorer this season. But Liverpool will still be without Mo Salah for this match, which will level the playing field a little and give Chelsea a better chance to take points away from the Reds.
Arsenal vs Liverpool, February 4
It should go without saying that this game could have huge ramifications in the title race. A six-point swing in this match could be the difference if Arsenal and Liverpool end up being the two top contenders for the Premier League title. As mentioned, the Gunners aren’t suffering huge losses due to the two international tournaments outside of the loss of Takehiro Tomiyasu. However, if Egypt reaches the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations, there is no way Mo Salah will be available for this game. Even with plenty of attacking depth available, Jurgen Klopp won’t like the Reds going on the road for one of their biggest games of the season without Salah available.
Tottenham vs Brighton, February 10
Spurs recently suffered a 4-2 loss against Brighton and the reverse fixture is likely to be a tough test as well. This game is the same day as the finals of the Asian Cup, so if South Korea reaches the finals, or even the semifinals, Tottenham is unlikely to have Son Heung-min back for this critical game. There is no guarantee that Pape Matar Sarr or Yves Bissouma will return to the squad by February 10 either. Even though Spurs will be at home, this could be the most challenging of up to four Premier League matches Tottenham may have to play without Son over the next month during a stretch of the season that could determine if they stay in the title race or not.
