Christmas Premier League leaders Liverpool are strong favourites to extend their lead over struggling Leicester on Boxing Day (Thursday).
Meanwhile, both Manchester clubs, enduring tough seasons, will look to revive their fortunes. Champions Manchester City, faltering at home, face Everton, while Manchester United travel to Wolves in search of a crucial win.
Second-placed Chelsea host Fulham, while in-form Arsenal, despite the absence of injured Bukayo Saka, will target a victory against relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday.
Tottenham, fresh off a heavy 6-3 defeat to Liverpool, will be looking to bounce back against a high-flying Nottingham Forest side in one of the key Boxing Day matchups.
Liverpool’s Christmas lead: Can they capitalize?
Liverpool sit at the top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the first time since the 2020/21 season, and they will be determined to make the most of their position. Historically, the Reds have a mixed record when topping the league at this stage, with only one title from the past seven seasons they have spent at the summit on December 25.
Jürgen Klopp’s side made an emphatic return to winning ways last Sunday, overpowering Spurs after a series of frustrating draws. They are currently four points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand, and a slip-up against Leicester at Anfield would be a major surprise. Mohamed Salah is in sensational form, becoming the first player in Premier League history to register double figures for both goals (15) and assists (11) before Christmas.
Leicester, now under the management of Ruud van Nistelrooy, may have won their first match under his guidance earlier this month, but they have collected just one point from their last three games, conceding nine goals. The Foxes have not won at Anfield since 2000 and are only two points above the relegation zone.
Arsenal’s Saka setback forces tactical shift
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were riding high after a 5-1 demolition of Crystal Palace, with the title race heating up. However, the injury to Bukayo Saka, who limped off with a hamstring issue, is a significant blow. The England winger has been in stellar form this season, with nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
While Arteta will have options to cover for the absence of Saka, including Gabriel Martinelli, the 23-year-old’s absence leaves a void in Arsenal’s attack at a crucial time. Arteta remains confident that his squad can rise to the challenge.
Nottingham Forest dream of European return
Nottingham Forest’s resurgence has fans dreaming of a return to European competition, more than 40 years after their last appearance in the Champions League. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have won seven of their last 10 league games and sit fourth in the Premier League, ahead of Thursday’s clash with Tottenham.
Forest’s defensive solidity has been key to their rise, with only Liverpool and Arsenal conceding fewer goals this season. Although not prolific in front of goal, Nuno’s side has proven tough to break down.
For Tottenham, the 6-3 defeat at Anfield left them licking their wounds. Nuno’s former club will face a tough test as they try to regroup and recover from their bruising loss.
Fixtures
Thursday (1500 GMT unless stated)
- Manchester City vs Everton (1230)
- Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
- Chelsea vs Fulham
- Newcastle vs Aston Villa
- Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham
- Southampton vs West Ham
- Wolves vs Manchester United (1730)
- Liverpool vs Leicester (2000)
Friday
- Brighton vs Brentford (1930)
- Arsenal vs Ipswich (2015)
