Why are only half of Premier League fixtures being played this weekend?

THE Premier League campaign is now past the halfway mark, with battles at both ends of the table starting to heat up.

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.

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

There will only be five fixtures – or 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 January 12 and 14, while the other five will take place between January 20 and 22.

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

What are the Premier League fixtures over the winter break?

Gameweek 21 Premier League fixtures:

Friday, 12 January

• Burnley vs Luton Town – 7.45pm

Saturday, 13 January

• Chelsea vs Fulham – 12.30pm
• Newcastle vs Man City – 5.30pm

Sunday, 14 January

• Everton vs Aston Villa – 2pm
• Manchester United vs Tottenham – 4.30pm

Saturday, 20 January

• Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 12.30pm
• Brentford vs Nottingham Forest – 5.30pm

Sunday, 21 January

• Sheffield United vs West Ham – 2pm
• Bournemouth vs Liverpool – 4.30pm

Monday, 22 January

• Brighton vs Wolves – 7.45pm