As Covid-19 continues to disrupt English football, particularly in the lower divisions, the Premier League will carry on this weekend with plenty of teams competing at both ends of the table.
Chelsea and Manchester City feature in the biggest match of the weekend, going head-to-head at Stamford Bridge despite a recent outbreak of coronavirus in the City squad.
The two are level on 26 points in sixth and eighth respectively, and a result for either side would propel them back into the top four.
The first match of the New Year features Everton, who host West Ham hoping to go second in the league, for a few hours at least.
Their game is swiftly followed by current second-placed side Manchester United, who welcome fellow high-flying club Aston Villa.
A win could see United go level at the top of the table with Liverpool, while three points for Villa could see them move as high as third in the league.
Dean Smith’s side have been on great form coming into the New Year, having not lost in the month of December despite facing the likes of Chelsea and Wolves.
Current title holders Liverpool welcomed back Thiago, during Wednesday’s goalless stalemate at Newcastle, and will look to his influence this time out in order to avoid their third successive draw.
The Reds visit Southampton on Monday night hoping to hold on to top spot, but a shock result for the Saints could move them back into the top six.
Tottenham host Leeds on Saturday, looking to get their title challenge back on track after a series of poor results.
Jose Mourinho’s side have failed to beat the likes of Leicester and Wolves in recent weeks, and after their game against Fulham was postponed, they will be looking to pick something up against Leeds.
Leeds, though, have been on a roll after an impressive win against Burnley and the 5-0 thrashing of West Brom.
The other club left in the top half, Leicester, will play against Newcastle United looking to close the gap between them and Liverpool.
A relegation scrap featuring Burnley and Fulham is set to take place on Sunday, despite a Covid-19 outbreak in Scott Parker’s side postponing their match against Spurs in midweek.
Three points for the London club will see them move out of the relegation zone, depending on Brighton’s result.
The Seagulls host Wolves, heading into the New Year with just one league win at the Amex in the last 12 months.
Arsenal will also look to continue the run of form they are putting together when they travel to West Brom.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last two games and will look again to put distance between themselves and the bottom three.
Finally, Sheffield United will be aiming to win their first game of the season, or at least keep their first clean sheet, when they play against Crystal Palace.
By Ali Pollock
