The Premier League has finally chosen to add a much-needed winter break this season after clubs and players repeatedly wanted some time off during the festive period.
This break means the EPL will now follow in the footsteps of the Bundesliga, the Serie A and the La Liga who all provide breaks in and around the Christmas period.
But unlike these leagues where all the teams get time off during the same period, the Premier League has chosen to do things a bit differently thanks to all the television commitments.
Here’s all you need to know about the Premier League winter break:
When is the winter break going to start?
The break, unlike the other league, will not be during December/ January but it will rather be in February.
Precisely between Feb. 8 and Feb 22.
Will the break affect any other leagues?
The winter break is only meant for the top division meaning games in the Championship as well as the EFL will go on as per schedule.
What about the cup competitions?
The Fa Cup fifth-round traditionally falls during the break period but it will now be played in the first week of March.
Also, there will be no replays for the fifth round. Any drawn ties will go to extra time and then penalties.
Will there be no games during the break?
Well, the Premier League winter break has been divided into two halves meaning there would still be games during the break.
Unlike the other leagues, the EPL has decided to split one week’s fixtures into two due to television broadcasters’ demands meaning one-half of the teams will play games while the other half gets a rest. And then vice versa.
Which fixtures will be affected?
The following fixtures will be affected though, the final schedule is yet to come out.
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton v Watford
Chelsea v Manchester United
Everton v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v West Ham United
Norwich City v Liverpool
Sheffield United v A.F.C. Bournemouth
Southampton v Burnley
Wolverhampton v Leicester City
