This is the last matchday before the entire league goes on a month-long break for the World Cup. On the one hand, the clubs welcome this. Those who do not send players to the World Cup have six weeks to recover and train. In addition, it is an opportunity for clubs in bad luck to try to answer some questions about their problems.
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 games loading in the first half of this campaign. Also, just as some clubs have a break to recover, the World Cup writes off some clubs at a high level. Brighton, Newcastle, Manchester City and Arsenal are all in stellar form in the last two weeks. Now, there is a six-week break between games.
Matchday 16 begins at 7:30 am ET when Manchester City hosts Brentford. City are second behind Arsenal, but the Citizens’ three consecutive league wins aren’t necessarily comfortable. One-goal wins over Fulham and Leicester set the stage for this clash with Brentford.
The highlight game of the week is Saturday’s midpoint. Newcastle, a club in top form, are unbeaten in their last nine league games. The Magpies’ only loss this season was that added-time heartbreak at Anfield when Fábio Carvalho scored in the 98th minute. On the other hand, Chelsea are on the fight bus at the moment. Winless in their last four Premier League games and eliminated from the Carabao Cup, Graham Potter wants to send his club to the World Cup on the right note. St. James Park presents a challenge to 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 have Premier League Mornings starting at 7am on Saturday and 8am on Sunday. Premier League Live is between games, while the Goal Zone wraps up all the action.
GOAL RUSH is very busy this weekend. The lightning show covers all the notable moments during kickoffs at 10 a.m. on Saturday. During that time, there are five games. Consequently, there should be goals in abundance.
Also, make sure to watch the Premier League in 4K. This weekend, the couple of matches in higher resolution are the aforementioned Newcastle-Chelsea. Then on Sunday, the weekend finale of Manchester United’s trip to Fulham is also in 4K. Make sure you have the right tools to watch the Premier League in 4K.
EPL commentators on NBC: November 12 and 13
Saturday, November 12
7:30 a.m. — Manchester City vs. Brentford. USA Network, Universe, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Jim Proudfoot and Jim Beglin.
10 a.m.: Liverpool vs. Southampton. USA Network, Universe, 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.
10am – Tottenham v Leeds United. Peacock Premium: Pien Meulensteen and Efan Ekoku.
10am: West Ham v Leicester City. Peacock Premium: Tony Jones and Tony Gale.
10 a.m.: Nottingham Forest vs. Crystal Palace. Premium Peacock: Steve Banyard and Garry Birtles.
12:30 p.m. Newcastle v Chelsea. NBC, Universe, 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 v Arsenal. USA Network, Universe, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Jon Champion and Andy Townsend.
Sunday, November 13
9am – Brighton and Hove Albion v Aston Villa. USA Network, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — Joe Speight and Matt Holland.
11:30 a.m. — Fulham vs. Man Utd. USA Network, Universe, fubo TV, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV. — IN 4K. —Peter Drury and Lee Dixon.
