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‘Twas the week before Christmas, when all through the Premier League
Barely a crowd was stirring, not even a Scouse;
The stockings were hung by the shirt sleeves with care,
In hopes that the kit man would soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of goals danced in their heads.
Enough of all that.
MANCHESTER UNITED vs BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
(Postponed – Covid)
ASTON VILLA vs BURNLEY (1500)
One of two top flight games still on for now, and sadly the least appealing of the lot. Villa are flying under Gerrard and will dislodge Spurs in seventh spot if they win this. Burnley, still in the bottom three, have games in hand on those above and will exchange places with Watford if they pick up maximum points today. Home win.
SOUTHAMPTON vs BRENTFORD
(Postponed – Covid)
WATFORD vs CRYSTAL PALACE
(Postponed – Covid)
WEST HAM UNITED vs NORWICH CITY
(Postponed – Covid)
LEEDS UNITED vs ARSENAL (1730)
Well, this one has some appeal to warm your football-deprived cockles. Arsenal’s away form won’t inspire great confidence in their fans, having won just once on the road since September. But they’re on a roll, which will. Poor old Leeds remain perilously close to the drop zone and will be looking for a point at least this evening. Draw.
*SUNDAY*
EVERTON vs LEICESTER CITY
(Postponed – Covid)
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS vs CHELSEA (1400)
After their demolition at the foot of Arthur Masuaku, Chelsea’s fortunes have plummeted. But they’re not top three for nothing and Tommy Tuchel will want to see his side return to title contention. They’ll still be third at the end of this, though. Wolves have struggled for goals this season, although Jimenez returns from suspension to add threat and flair. How much god will it do the hosts? Away win.
NEWCASTLE UNITED vs MANCHESTER CITY (1415)
The Barcodes are increasingly finding the deep midwinter not to their liking and will stay in the bottom three at Christmas whatever happens. Man City, at the summit of the division, will not want to give any advantage to Liverpool who play next. Incentives are there for both sides. But, well, you know. Away win.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs LIVERPOOL (1630)
The last Premier League game before Christmas and, on paper at least, a good one to usher in the Christmas week. However, Covid looks likely to claim more Spurs players, with Emerson and Son-without-emer among those set to miss out. Even if they had played, you’d still fancy the visitors to be too strong. Away win.
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