With PSV sitting 6 points clear of the field in the Eredivisie, there is a 5-way battle for the European spots in the division. Feyenoord and Utrecht are at the heart of this battle, with the visiting side just 1 point ahead of a Feyenoord side still adapting to the exit of Arne Slot.

Like last season, Feyenoord’s home record is very impressive. Brian Priske’s side have only lost 1 of their 8 home games this season. They’ve won 5 of these encounters, scoring 17 goals in the process and conceding 9. Their only defeat came against Ajax, who currently sit 2nd in the table, but they were competitive in this game as well, managing to produce an xG of 1.52 compared to Ajax’s 0.81.

Utrecht themselves have a solid away record, but crucially have not managed to get a win against PSV, Ajax or Feynoord in their meetings with the traditional big 3 sides in the Netherlands. They were beaten 5-2 by PSV and 2-0 by Feyenoord in the initial meeting between these sides. They did manage to hold Ajax to a 2-2 draw away from home, suggesting they have enough to compete and score here.

Excluding the 2-0 Feyenoord win in the initial meeting this season between the sides, the last 7 head-to-heads have seen both teams score. Feyenoord ran out 4-2 winners in this fixture last season and a similarly entertaining encounter could be on the cards.

Arsenal’s flat 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the EFL Cup brought an end to their impressive 13-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side have had to contend with injuries to key players, while most recently the absence of Bukayo Saka has certainly stifled their attacking output.

Man United showed that there is still some spirit left in the squad with a valiant performance at Anfield, eventually coming away with a 2-2 draw. The challenge for Ruben Amorim will be motivating his side to reach the same level of performance again, we’ve seen recent United sides struggle for consistency after these positive performances, and a trip to the Emirates will be a good test for that.

Arsenal have seen BTTS in 3 of their last 5 games in all competitions, the Gunners’ defence is still resolute but key absences have allowed the opposition to get a bit more joy against Mikel Arteta’s side. The left hand side in particular is one of the concerns which Man United can target to get some joy, with their new system allowing their wingers and wingbacks to double up on fullbacks, where Arsenal have been vulnerable.

Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle will be a set back for Arteta, but Arsenal have shown enough over the festive period to suggest they are just that step or two ahead of Man United’s project. Amorim’s side should be able to penetrate an inconsistent Arsenal’s defence at least once but should fall just short of victory in this high profile encounter.

Southampton will be relieved to be given a break from Premier League action, Ivan Juric’s appointment has not changed their fortunes, but a cup run could be exactly what the Saints need to breathe some life into their campaign.

Southampton have lost their last 3 games in the Premier League, conceding 8 goals in the process. The most damning of these was a 5-0 loss to Brentford last time out which has all but ensured their relegation back to the Championship next term.

They face a Swansea side managed by Luke Williams who are still struggling to find consistency, like most Championship sides, but his approach is similar to the recently sacked Russell Martin. Swansea will look to build from the back where they can and this has resulted in some entertaining encounters, the Welsh side having seen 60 goals across their 26 Championship games this campaign (30 scored, 30 conceded).

The Swans are just as likely to concede as they are to score. This game has the makings of one that will have plenty of goals, whilst Southampton are struggling in the top division this campaign, their squad is mainly made up of players who performed well in this division last season.

The gap in quality between the Premier League and Championship should show here, but it won’t be plain sailing for the Saints, expect Swansea to find the back of the net at least once against a nervy Southampton defence.