The Premier League title race faces a pivotal test during a packed festive schedule, with three rounds of matches set to reshape the standings.
WHILE most leagues enjoy a winter break, the English Premier League continues with a weekend round to start an intense week of three matches.
The traditional Boxing Day fixtures have nearly all moved to Dec 27.
The only game on Dec 26 is at Old Trafford, where Manchester United host Newcastle United.
Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim has lost key midfielder Bruno Fernandes to injury.
With Kobbie Mainoo also out and Casemiro suspended, Amorim faces a selection headache, especially as forward Bryan Mbeumo is at the African Cup of Nations.
Newcastle travel after a 2-2 home draw with Chelsea but need to cut out the habit of dropping points from winning positions.
Second-place Manchester City are first in action on Saturday with a visit to Nottingham Forest.
A win gives Pep Guardiola’s side the chance to leapfrog Arsenal to the top of the table, if only for a few hours.
Arsenal are at home to Brighton.
Coach Mike Arteta will be without defenders Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes for the holiday season, limiting his options to rotate his back four.
Ten consecutive wins in all competitions mean Aston Villa are very much in the title race ahead of Saturday’s visit to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that Liam Delap and Estevao Wilian are both available for what looks like a must-win match.
His side goes into the holiday period 10 points behind Arsenal and seven behind Aston Villa.
Liverpool have lost Alexander Isak with a broken leg, while Mohamed Salah is at the African Cup of Nations.
Hugo Ekitike will lead the attack at home to bottom-of-the-table and winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Crystal Palace are at home to a Tottenham side that tends to play better away from home.
Sunderland have five players on African Cup duty for their home match against a rugged Leeds United.
West Ham need to win at home to Fulham to avoid being cut adrift in the bottom three.
Brentford are at home to a Bournemouth side denied its first win in two months by Burnley’s late equaliser at the weekend.
That goal ended Burnley’s run of seven consecutive defeats.
With just 11 points, Scott Parker’s side desperately needs a win at home to Everton, who travel north after consecutive losses.
