Premier League fixtures are usually like clockwork every weekend outside of FA Cup fixtures or international breaks.

Despite that there will be no Premier League matches over the weekend period of Friday, January 28 to Sunday, January 30.

The next Premier League game that is scheduled to take place is between Burnley and Watford on Saturday, February 5 and that's only because both sides are not taking part in the FA Cup Fourth Round that weekend.

The reason for the gap in fixtures is that Premier League sides are now on their winter break, which was first introduced during the 2019/20 season.

Managers and players had complained of burnout which was why it was brought it to allow a short period of rest.

The Northern Echo: A winter break is in place for two weeks (PA)A winter break is in place for two weeks (PA)

In the 2020/21 season it was not implemented due to the season having to be compressed to allow games that had been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic to be played.

Despite this season having 22 games cancelled due to Covid cases in squads this season the Premier League has not arranged for any games to take place during the winter break in order to catch up.

This season is scheduled to end on May 22 this year and there are only a limited number of free matchdays to fit in rearranged fixtures.