Premier League Explodes Back Into Action: Six Burning Questions That Will Define Gameweek 12

November's international break proved to be among the most memorable in recent times for mid-season interruptions. Nevertheless, this weekend's Premier League comeback will be enthusiastically welcomed by fans everywhere.

With championship contention intensifying and the battle against relegation growing fiercer, pivotal matches will unfold nationwide, featuring the north London showdown as the highlight of an action-packed matchday.

Matchweek 12 presents compelling storylines throughout the table's spectrum, so here are six key narratives to monitor as the Premier League resumes.

Chelsea Look to Prevent Another Setback

Chelsea approached the international window displaying mostly positive momentum. Apart from a disappointing stalemate with Qarabağ in European competition, league victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur boosted morale following an unexpected loss to promoted Sunderland in late October.

The Blues were caught off guard in the final moments against the impressive Black Cats and will be concerned about another potential upset when facing Burnley this weekend.

Chelsea launch the Premier League's return with a Saturday afternoon visit to Turf Moor, knowing that three points would bring them within striking distance of Arsenal before the north London clash. While it's premature to dismiss Enzo Maresca's squad from title contention, a stumble in Lancashire would deal another significant setback to their outside championship hopes.

Burnley have found the net more frequently than any other team in the bottom eight, while their home defensive showing has been reasonably solid. They've allowed just four goals across five Premier League home matches, nearly keeping a clean sheet against defending champions Liverpool this season. The Clarets won't be easy opponents.

Rob Edwards' Reign Begins at Molineux

Wolves' season has been an absolute catastrophe. Vítor Pereira's recent departure was predictable considering they've managed only two points from 11 Premier League matches and suffered Carabao Cup elimination. They've scored the fewest goals while conceding the most in England's premier division.

The November hiatus has provided them with a reset opportunity, however, as Rob Edwards was recruited from Middlesbrough to lead the Old Gold. The 42-year-old experienced relegation with Luton Town in his previous Premier League stint, yet guided the Hatters to some creditable performances.

Starting at home is advantageous, though Crystal Palace aren't ideal opponents for Edwards' Molineux return—the former Wales international having both played and coached at Wolves before. Oliver Glasner presents a formidable sideline adversary, and Edwards could face early challenges this Saturday.

Liverpool Start Promising Sequence

Liverpool's brief revival was interrupted before the international window, with the Reds suffering a deserved 3–0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad. Back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and Real Madrid were negated by another lackluster and fragmented showing.

Nevertheless, the Reds can establish momentum upon their return, with Nottingham Forest visiting Anfield to begin what appears a favorable stretch. Liverpool welcome PSV Eindhoven in European action next Wednesday before concluding the month at West Ham United, then opening December against newly-promoted Sunderland and Leeds United.

Arne Slot will aim for five consecutive wins before a challenging San Siro encounter with Inter in the Champions League, and the Dutchman cannot afford further inconsistency. The defending Premier League champions may already be out of title contention, but continued unpredictability could force them into an unwanted top-four struggle.

Liverpool must compile a winning streak after seven losses in their previous ten outings. That process starts against Nottingham Forest—who claimed victory in this same fixture during Slot's inaugural campaign.

Erling Haaland: 32 Goals and Rising

Erling Haaland has been an irresistible presence throughout the 2025–26 season's early stages. The imposing Norwegian has been terrorizing defenses and confounding keepers effortlessly, accumulating a remarkable 32 goals for club and country since the campaign began.

November witnessed Haaland net four more goals during commanding 4–1 victories over Estonia and Italy, securing Norway's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. The prolific striker's confidence peaks as he faces a stern weekend challenge.

Manchester City, who propelled themselves back into title contention with their Liverpool demolition, visit Newcastle United on Saturday seeking to pressure table-leaders Arsenal. Despite disappointing away results, the Magpies have been formidable at home, testing both Liverpool and Arsenal in Premier League encounters.

However, with Haaland in such lethal form—backed by an exceptional supporting cast including Phil Foden and Jérémy Doku—Man City will be expected to claim a fifth consecutive victory across all competitions.

Arsenal's Championship Mettle Examined in Derby

Should Man City close within one point of Arsenal through St James' Park success, pressure will intensify for Sunday's derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners host this season's first competitive encounter between the rivals and will feel confident despite dropping points at Sunderland previously.

Arsenal's outstanding defensive record and Tottenham's unpredictability make the Gunners obvious favorites, though an injury-plagued international period raises fixture concerns. Key center-back Gabriel will be notably absent, while Riccardo Calafiori and Jurriën Timber also sustained defensive injuries.

Modifications to Arsenal's previously impenetrable defense could provide Spurs hope for their Emirates Stadium visit—a ground where they last claimed league victory in November 2010. Tottenham haven't performed optimally recently, yet they remain fifth in the standings and capable of causing upsets.

Sunday's encounter represents a massive examination of Arsenal's title aspirations and nerve-handling ability with Man City pursuing closely. Their resilience faces further testing through the upcoming week with challenging fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Man Utd Aim to Maintain Excellent Home Record

Manchester United's disappointing campaign start has been addressed in recent fixtures, with the Red Devils now experiencing one of their longest unbeaten stretches in recent memory. They've gone five matches without loss, winning three, though consecutive 2–2 away draws have stalled progress.

Yet Ruben Amorim's team has been transformed at Old Trafford this season. Beyond an unlucky opening-day loss to Arsenal, Man Utd have claimed all four home victories, netting an impressive 11 goals during that span. Wins over Burnley, Chelsea, Sunderland and Brighton & Hove Albion have revitalized the Red Devils.

Man Utd have been performing admirably too. Their displays show marked improvement—despite lingering defensive worries—and a talented attacking trio has helped them regain form. Everton's visit, managed by former Man Utd boss David Moyes, presents a challenging yet manageable Monday night test.

The Toffees have secured just one away victory this season, that success coming against bottom-placed Wolves, and Man Utd will sense another table-climbing opportunity. Monday's triumph could restore them to the top four depending on other results.