It is another bumper few days in the Premier League, with all 20 sides in action over the next three days, as the festive football bonanza continues for fans up and down the country.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the action which will be unfolding right before our very eyes – in the final top-flight games of this calendar year.
MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA – LOUIS VAN GAAL IN LAST CHANCE SALOON
Monday could prove to be a decisive day for Manchester United manager, Louis Van Gaal, who is on the brink of being relieved of his duties by the Red Devils, following a poor start to the season.
United have lost their last four games in the league – and are winless in seven of those encounters, following the Boxing Day defeat away at Stoke City – a run of form which sees them reside in sixth in the standings.
German international, Bastian Schweinsteiger, is likely to return to the fold following a three-match ban, meanwhile Matteo Darmian and Wayne Rooney could also feature under the Old Trafford floodlights.
Visitors Chelsea come into the game sitting in 15th in the league after the 2-2 draw with Watford – in a game that Diego Costa netted a brace.
Interim Manager, Guus Hiddink, will be without Costa, who picked up a fifth booking in the stalemate at home to the Hornets.
FOXES LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK AGAINST FREE-SCORING MANCHESTER CITY
Table-topping Leicester City return to the King Power Stadium when they host Manchester City on Tuesday evening.
Claudio Ranieri’s side top the tree, having attained 38 points from their 18 games to date, two points ahead of second placed Arsenal. so will be hoping to end the year in positive fashion.
However, the Foxes task against the league favourites will be made even tougher due to the perceived absence of Jamie Vardy – who is doubtful for the visit of the Citizens with an illness.
Danny Drinkwater, Ritchie De Laet, Matthew James and Jeff Schlupp all remain out with their respective injuries.
The visitors, who got back to winning ways against Sunderland, will, like their opponents, be wanting to cement their place at the summit, come full-time.
Vincent Kompany, Fernando, Samir Nasri and Pablo Zabaleta are all expected to miss the game in the East Midlands.
ARSENAL HOPE TO RECOVER AFTER SOUTHAMPTON SET-BACK
Arsenal are back at the Emirates Stadium to contest a tie against another south coast club, this time in the guise of the upwardly moving, AFC Bournemouth side, who are high on confidence – having moved up to 14th in the table.
The Gunners were stuffed 4-0 at Southampton’s St Mary’s home, missing the chance to go top of the league.
Subsequently, the North Londoners have been plagued by injuries, as they are without, Sánchez (hamstring, 9 Jan), Wilshere (fractured leg, 9 Jan), Arteta (calf, 16 Jan), Rosicky (knee, 24 Jan), Welbeck (knee, Feb), Coquelin (knee, Mar), Cazorla (knee, Apr) – in what is yet another injury crisis for Arsene Wenger to deal with.
Bounemouth got a deserved point at Dean Court against high-flying Crystal Palace, a result which maintains the Cherries unbeaten run.
Eddie Howe will definitely be without, Elphick (ankle, 8 Jan), Gradel (knee, Mar), Wilson (knee, Apr), and Mings (knee, Sep) while Atsu (calf), King (hamstring), Pugh (ankle), Stanislas (hamstring), Tomlin (groin) all remain doubtful.
BEST OF THE REST:
Below are the rest of the Premier League games being played over the coming days:
Monday:
Crystal Palace vs Swansea City
Everton vs Stoke
Norwich vs Aston Villa
Watford vs Tottenham
West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle
West Ham United vs Southampton
Wednesday:
Sunderland vs Liverpool
