Premier League Matchday 21: City aim to close gap on Liverpool

Premier League Matchday 21 begins with five matches this weekend as half of the division enjoys a winter break.

Manchester City's trip to Newcastle and Manchester United's clash with Tottenham top the billing, while there is also a West London derby and a crunch relegation six-pointer.

Read on for all the key facts and stats ahead of the next round of matches, with the remaining ten teams in action next week.

Burnley vs Luton (Friday, 7.45pm, TNT Sports)

This huge game at the bottom of the Premier League could breathe fresh life into the winner and do considerable damage to the loser.

Burnley are the first side in English top-flight football history to lose nine of their first 10 home matches of a campaign and could become just the second in Football League history to be defeated in 10 of their first 11.

If they are to avoid an unwanted entry to the record books they will need to stop Luton's Alfie Doughty, who is second only to James Ward-Prowse for chances created and assists from set-pieces.

Chelsea vs Fulham (Saturday, 12.30pm, Sky Sports)

Chelsea have won five of their last seven home games, drawing 4-4 with Manchester City and overcoming Newcastle on penalties in the Carabao Cup in the other two.

And they have a promising record against Fulham, losing to their local rivals in just one of the last 23 Premier League meetings between the sides.

The Cottagers have lost their last four league away games, conceding three or more goals in each.

Newcastle vs Manchester City (Saturday, 5.30pm, Sky Sports)

Newcastle are aiming to improve a terrible record against City, having won just one of the teams' last 32 league meetings.

City have won more games (30), scored more goals (98) and kept more clean sheets (22) against the Magpies than any other Premier League opponent.

The hosts are aiming to avoid losing back-to-back league home games for the first time under Eddie Howe.

Everton vs Aston Villa (Sunday, 2pm, Sky Sports)

Aston Villa have won their last three league games at Everton — as many as in their previous 19 visits.

And the Toffees are on their poorest run of this campaign, without a win in five matches across all competitions.

Since beating Arsenal in his first game in charge, Sean Dyche has not led his side to victory against any team starting the day in the top six of the division, losing eight times and drawing once.

Manchester United vs Tottenham (Sunday, 4.30pm, Sky Sports)

None of the last 17 Premier League meetings between these sides at Old Trafford have finished as a draw, with United victorious on 13 occasions.

But it is Tottenham aiming to complete their first league double over United since 1989-90 on Sunday.

Spurs have scored in their last 32 league matches — the longest ongoing run of any team in the competition.