Why are only half of the Premier League playing this weekend?

It has been a thrilling start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, with battles at both ends of the table starting to heat up.

And as we enter the second half of the season, fans are wondering why only half of the top flight are playing this weekend – SunSport has the reason why.

The Premier League winter break is in full forcePA

Why are only half of the Premier League playing this weekend?

There will only be ten Premier League teams in action this weekend.

This is because the other ten sides will be on their winter break following a gruelling Christmas period.

Gameweek 21 has been split across two weeks, so each Premier League team will have a weekend off, but limited live football will still be on for fans to enjoy.

Five games will take place between the 12th and 14th of January, while the other five will take place between the 20th and 22nd.

The Premier League will then return back to normal with a full round of fixtures between January 30th and February 1st.

What are the Premier League fixtures over the winter break?

Gameweek 21 Premier League fixtures:

Friday, 12 January

• Burnley vs Luton Town – 19:45

Saturday, 13 January

• Chelsea vs Fulham – 12:30
• Newcastle vs Man City – 17:30

Sunday, 14 January

• Everton vs Aston Villa – 14:00
• Manchester United vs Tottenham – 16:30

Saturday, 20 January

• Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 12:30
• Brentford vs Nottingham Forest – 17:30

Sunday, 21 January

• Sheffield United vs West Ham – 14:00
• Bournemouth vs Liverpool – 16:30

Monday, 22 January

• Brighton vs Wolves – 19:45