The Premier League festive fixture programme is packed with gems – and some managers are under huge pressure
The battle for the title could take some twists on St Stephen’s Day as Liverpool and Chelsea are both in action on home soil before Arsenal get their chance to keep pace with their rivals 24 hours later when they welcome Ipswich to the Emirates Stadium.
The relegation fight is also hotting up, with new Wolves manager Vitor Pereira set for a blockbuster first home game in charge as Manchester United head to Molineux.
Here is your guide to the Premier League matches coming our way over the next week:
ST STEPHEN’S DAY
(All matches on Premier Sports)
Manchester City v Everton (12.30)
This game would have been inked onto accumulators as a certain home win a few weeks ago, but Manchester City’s aura has been shattered by their recent slump in form.
Their title defence may already be over and the club heads into 2025 waiting to discover the outcome of the Financial Fair Play charges they are facing.
Few would be surprised if Guardiola is not the City manager this time next year and a home defeat against Everton would deepen concern at the Etihad.
Verdict: City to find a way to win.
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (3.0)
Andoni Iraola is being linked with some high-profile jobs as he has impressed after overcoming his doubters in his first few months as Bournemouth manager.
The Spaniard may end up moving to the next level at some point in 2025, but for now he is pushing his Cherries towards the top end of the Premier League’s festive cake.
Palace have proved to be more effective away from home than at their Selhurst Park HQ this season, but this will be a step too far.
Verdict: Bournemouth win again.
Chelsea's Malo Gusto, left, puts Brentford's Kevin Schade under pressure. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Chelsea's Malo Gusto, left, puts Brentford's Kevin Schade under pressure. Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
Chelsea v Fulham (3.0)
Chelsea’s serene progress has seen them eat into Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table in recent weeks, but this match has the potential to trip them up.
Fulham’s performance against Liverpool at Anfield last weekend may have been aided by Andy Robertson’s early red card, but they were impressively set up by manager Marco Silva and should have won the match.
They will offer an attacking threat at Stamford Bridge and both teams should score in this match.
Verdict: A draw for Fulham in this west London derby.
Newcastle v Aston Villa (3.0)
Aston Villa have displayed some defensive frailties on their travels in the Premier League this season and boss Unai Emery needs to fix that issue if his side are to challenge for a top-four finish once again.
Villa have conceded 16 goals in eight matches away from home, with Newcastle’s inconsistency the big concern for Eddie Howe.
Newcastle have won their last two home matches against Villa 4-0 and 5-1 and will be hoping for more of the same on Thursday.
Verdict: Score draw.
Nottingham Forest v Tottenham (3.0)
Nuno Espirito Santo has bounced back from his troubled spell as Tottenham manager to fire Forest into contention for a European place in the second half of the season.
Forest’s home form has been built around a solid defensive record and some goals that came late in matches added to their points haul.
Tottenham have suffered some miserable defeats on their travels this season and Postecoglou can’t afford too many more as the pressure is mounting on him.
Verdict: Forest to get the win.
Southampton v West Ham (3.0)
West Ham fans were calling for the removal of manager David Moyes for the first half of 2024 and who they got in his place has seen those same voices calling for change again.
Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui has not brought the open and flowing football West Ham fans seem to expect and this is a relegation battle they dare not lose.
The post-Martin era at Southampton needs to include home wins against teams like the Hammers if they are to keep their survival hopes alive.
Verdict: A tense draw.
Wolves v Manchester United (5.30)
Manchester United’s poor record away from home this season was improved by their late win at the Etihad Stadium last weekend, but these are the games boss Ruben Amorim needs to win consistently if he is to revive United’s underwhelming season.
United have one of the worst goalscoring records away from home in the Premier League and they also rank lowly in shots-on-target, so Amorim has much to do to get those numbers up.
Wolves have won just one game at Molineux all season and that is the primary reason why O’Neil was sacked last weekend.
Verdict: United have too much attacking firepower for Wolves.
Liverpool v Leicester (8.0)
Liverpool have shown some signs of frailty since being installed as title favourites, but this is a game that should be ready-made for Arne Slot’s side to cement their position.
The Reds have the best defensive record on home soil in the Premier League and have conceded just five times at Anfield this season, two of those coming in the hectic 2-2 draw with Fulham last weekend.
The presence of former Manchester United striker Van Nistelrooy in the Leicester dug-out should add extra spice, with the Foxes winning just one match away from home in the Premier League this season.
Verdict: Comfortable win for Pool.
December 27th
Brighton v Brentford (7.30, Premier Sports)
Two of the most respected managers in the Premier League clash in this match, with both eyeing a challenge for a European place.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank was believed to be on Manchester United’s shortlist when Erik ten Hag was ousted, but he needs to sort out his side’s record away from home.
Brentford have scored goals aplenty in front of their home fans but have managed just six in their first eight matches on their travels, losing seven of those games.
Verdict: Evan Ferguson will hope to play a part in a game Brighton will expect to win.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna. Photo: Getty Images
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna. Photo: Getty Images
Arsenal v Ipswich (8.15, Premier Sports)
Arsenal’s title challenge has faltered over the last month as they have struggled to find a cutting edge in their forward line, but the return of Gabriel Jesus has solved that problem.
Ipswich will be eyeing up a special North London away-day double in this match after their impressive win against Tottenham last month.
Verdict: Arsenal will be too strong for Ipswich.