The Premier League exploded back into life during the traditionally busy Boxing Day schedule as the day job of domestic football returned.
The World Cup break placed the Premier League on hiatus for six weeks, from November 13 onwards, as attention turned to Qatar 2022.
However, as fans begin to settle back into the routine of club matters, another Premier League break is on the horizon over the weekend of January 7-8.
After just three matchdays back in action, the FA Cup third round brings the Premier League to a standstill early in the new year.
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Why are there no Premier League matches this weekend?
The Premier League does not take place over the weekend of January 7-8 due to the FA Cup third round, which is a key date on the English football calendar as the oldest club competition in world football gathers pace.
All 20 Premier League sides make their entrance in the 2022/23 competition this weekend, alongside the 24 clubs from the EFL Championship. Premier League football is therefore paused.
The third-round weekend is the most disruptive one for Premier League clubs. During the matchdays of later rounds, top-flight teams can play outstanding Premier League games if they have been eliminated from the FA Cup.
Premier League teams in 2022/23 FA Cup
All 20 Premier League teams will feature at the third-round stage with five clashes between top-flight sides on offer.
| Fixture | Date | Kickoff time (GMT) | Kickoff time (ET) |
| Manchester United vs. Everton | Fri Jan. 6, 2023 | 20:00 | 15:00 |
| Tottenham vs. Portsmouth | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 12:30 | 07:30 |
| Gillingham vs. Leicester City | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 12:30 | 07:30 |
| Crystal Palace vs. Southampton | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 12:30 | 07:30 |
| Middlesbrough vs. Brighton | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Bournemouth vs. Burnley | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Blackpool vs. Nottingham Forest | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Hull City vs. Fulham | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Brentford vs. West Ham | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 17:30 | 12:30 |
| Sheffield Wednesday vs. Newcastle | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 18:00 | 13:00 |
| Liverpool vs. Wolves | Sat Jan. 7, 2023 | 20:00 | 15:00 |
| Cardiff City vs. Leeds United | Sun Jan. 8, 2023 | 14:00 | 09:00 |
| Manchester City vs. Chelsea | Sun Jan. 8, 2023 | 16:30 | 11:30 |
| Aston Villa vs. Stevenage | Sun Jan. 8, 2023 | 16:30 | 11:30 |
| Oxford United vs. Arsenal | Mon Jan. 9, 2023 | 20:00 | 15:00 |
FA Cup dates in 2022/23
| Round | Date (weekend of) |
| Third Round | Jan. 7, 2023 |
| Fourth Round | Jan. 28, 2023 |
| Fifth Round | Mar. 1, 2023 |
| Quarterfinal | Mar. 18, 2023 |
| Semifinal | Apr. 22, 2023 |
| Final | Jun. 3, 2023 |
When does the Premier League return?
Premier League clubs are understandably looking to get back on track as quickly as possible after the FA Cup break at the start of January.
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Due to the disruption caused by the World Cup, the Premier League will add an extra midweek matchday schedule before the FA Cup third round and immediately return after the final game on January 9.
| Fixture | Date | Kickoff time (GMT) | Kickoff time (ET) |
| Fulham vs. Chelsea | Thu Jan. 12, 2023 | 20:00 | 15:00 |
| Aston Villa vs. Leeds United | Fri Jan. 13, 2023 | 20:00 | 15:00 |
| Man United vs. Man City | Sat Jan. 14, 2023 | 12:30 | 07:30 |
| Brighton vs. Liverpool | Sat Jan. 14, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Everton vs. Southampton | Sat Jan. 14, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Nottingham Forest vs. Leicester City | Sat Jan. 14, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Wolves vs. West Ham | Sat Jan. 14, 2023 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| Brentford vs. Bournemouth | Sat Jan. 14, 2023 | 17:30 | 12:30 |
| Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace | Sun Jan. 15, 2023 | 14:00 | 09:00 |
| Newcastle vs. Fulham | Sun Jan. 15, 2023 | 14:00 | 09:00 |
| Tottenham vs. Arsenal | Sun Jan. 15, 2023 | 16:30 | 11:30 |
