Eagled-eyed fans of Premier League clubs will have spotted that their team is playing a club this midweek that they have already faced this season. Aston Villa face league leaders Arsenal for a second time in the first half of the season, despite not yet facing Nottingham Forest. Premier League sides will instead play the remaining team that they have not faced at the weekend in round 20. The Premier League also stays in regular contact with clubs regarding scheduling and it also helps satisfy various date requests that clubs may have. For example, in 2021-22, Villa played away at Chelsea in round four and faced the Blues again at home in round 19.

Source: BBC December 30, 2025 13:28 UTC