December can be a frenetic and chaotic time for most of the Premier League. Add into the mix that several derbies can take place, and it can become a very challenging month.
Games come thick and fast for clubs in England’s top-flight, with matches having to be played over a short period of time. For some, it’s possible that they will have to play games every three days or so, especially if they are still involved in other competitions.
With the added inclusion of derbies and the emotional and physical demands that these fixtures can have, they can truly take their toll on teams. Nonetheless, football fans won’t care.
Derbies are the games that fans look forward to. With the added spice and feistiness that can be achieved because of what these games bring, it’s these matches that fans become truly excited about.
Derby Matches Come In Two Forms
Given the quality of the teams in the Premier League, the traditional sense and form of the term ‘Derby’ have been slightly altered over the years.
Most will associate a derby with being a match that is between two clubs that are located close to each other geographically. Teams from the same area competing for bragging rights, so to speak. We’ve all heard that Manchester, London, and Merseyside are described as being a certain colour at one point, due to the rivalries that each other has.
However, derbies have also become those that have seen two teams that share a competitive history. Clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool might not be too close to each other geographically, but because of the history they have, it’s a fixture that has become a rivalry and described as a derby.
December’s EPL Derbies & Rivalries
With several games to be played over the course of December across the Premier League, football fans haven’t been left empty-handed. There will be numerous derbies to take place over the festive period, helping to add further excitement to a time of year that is known for giving.
The current schedule has offered up the following games that can be considered a derby across the two instances of the term:
- Arsenal vs Manchester United – 4th December
- Everton vs Liverpool – 7th December
- Fulham vs Arsenal – 8th December
- Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – 8th December
- Brighton vs Crystal Palace – 15th December
- Manchester City vs Manchester United – 15th December
- Chelsea vs Brentford – 15th December
- Crystal Palace vs Arsenal – 21st December
- Chelsea vs Fulham – 26th December
With nine fixtures possible to identify as derbies, the Premier League will provide fans with no shortage of top action – in addition to the usual quality that is offered between sides with no affiliation with each other besides being in the same division.
Derbies Add To The Excitement For Everyone
As noted, derbies can get the blood flowing for fans. It can also get the adrenaline going for punters who like to place a wager on the matches in a league that has become one of the most popular to bet on.
When it comes to making a football prediction, blogs can often be consulted when there is the added spice of a derby. This is because bettors can often seek detailed information about the games that are played, as little nuances can make a huge difference in these matches compared to other fixtures.
Experts can provide detailed knowledge about an upcoming fixture, providing insight into what might happen. With Matchweek 14 upon us, the competitive and historical derby between Arsenal and Manchester United is one that may attract fans.
Arsenal are back to their very best after a demolition job against West Ham United (another derby) at the weekend. Manchester United appear to be on the right path under Ruben Amorin, albeit still being very early days. They were victorious against Everton at the weekend and will have confidence on their side. However, the Gunners will be their biggest test under the new coach.
An expert-led opinion from a betting blog can provide punters with information that can help them make an informed decision, especially when it contains data and statistics.
Derby Mahem!
The festive period in the Premier League is always very competitive and frantic with the number of matches being played. It’s a time when football fans are often left feeling thankful, as there are matches seemingly being played almost every day.
Add in the excitement that derby days can provide, and it’s definitely the best time of year to be watching the games that are played!
