An extended round of Premier League games begins the always-intense Christmas period that can go a long way towards deciding who wins the title and
The round of games kicks off on Thursday as Crystal Palace entertains Brighton in a match that has seen an intense rivalry build up in recent years.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (R) kicks the ball during the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United in Liverpool, Britain, on Dec. 17, 2023. (Xinhua)
Palace was boosted by a 2-2 draw away to Manchester City at the weekend, but has only one win in 10 games, and coach Roy Hodgson needs a win to end talk of his replacement.
Aston Villa will go top of the Premier League (if only for 48 hours) if they beat struggling Sheffield United on Friday night. Although Chris Wilder has brought some defensive order to his struggling side, it will be a challenge for the visitors to stop Aston Villa from making it an incredible 16 consecutive home wins, especially with Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey in such good form.
Current leader Arsenal visits second-place Liverpool on Sunday evening in the biggest game of the weekend. Arsenal has a one-point lead over Jurgen Klopp's side, and the match on Saturday is a huge test of their title credentials.
If Arsenal can come away from Anfield intact, they have to be viewed as favorites for the title. However, if Liverpool, who rested key players in the Carabao Cup, takes all three points, the usual questions will be asked over Arsenal's resilience.
West Ham suffered a painful Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool on Wednesday night, but coach David Moyes will make changes for their game at home to Manchester United.
Harry Maguire and Casemiro are still injured for United, while Bruno Fernandes is suspended. Under-pressure Erik ten Hag's side defended well at Anfield last weekend, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans keeping a tight central defense.
Tottenham has recovered their early-season form, despite a long injury list, but this situation worsened with Yves Bissouma's second red card of the season as they won away to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Ange Postecoglou hopes his side's momentum can carry them through against a rock-solid Everton, who, despite a 10-point penalty, has moved seven points clear of the relegation zone after four consecutive wins.
Spurs' win away at Nottingham Forest saw the club replace the popular Steve Cooper with Nuno Espiritu Santo. The former Wolves and Spurs boss makes his debut at home to an in-form Bournemouth, whose game against Luton was halted last weekend after Luton captain Tom Lockyer suffered a heart attack.
Lockyer is currently recovering in hospital, and his future in football is uncertain. This incident will no doubt affect the atmosphere when Luton takes on Newcastle at Kenilworth Road on Sunday.
The club will look to dedicate the win to Lockyer, and a victory is plausible against a rival spread thin due to a packed fixture list and an even longer list of injuries, leaving Newcastle coach Eddie Howe with few options to rest players.
Fulham is without striker Raul Jimenez as they host second-from-bottom Burnley, and a defense that has conceded more than two goals a game will be glad not to face the Mexican.
Finally, Wolverhampton hosts Chelsea, who might be fatigued after the drama of their Carabao Cup win at home to Newcastle during the week.
