It’s Christmas cracker time in the English Premier League, with the festive season in full swing between Boxing Day and 28 December.
Arsenal are top of the tree coming into the Yuletide match week – and will have to wait until Thursday night for their London derby with West Ham.
The Emirates Stadium expects, as Mikel Arteta’s Gunners go up against a Hammers side in impressive form themselves.
North London rivals Tottenham are also in EPL action on Thursday.
Ange Postecoglou takes his Spurs to Brighton off the back of three straight wins, thrusting themselves into title contention.
There’s plenty to go at on Boxing Day too, thanks to five Premier League fixtures.
Manchester United have endured a downright miserable Christmas so far and must now attempt to fashion something at home to third-placed Aston Villa.
The Villans are in prime position to launch an unlikely title tilt in the new year, heading to Old Trafford brimming with confidence under the canny charge of Unai Emery.
Liverpool, along with the Birmingham club, have the opportunity to sneak above Arsenal at the top of the EPL table when they go to Burnley.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have lost just once this season ahead of the Turf Moor trip, while the Clarets won just their third league match of the campaign last time out.
Wednesday sees a further three top flight games crammed in, headlined by another all-capital city clash between Chelsea and Crystal Palace.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are clinging on to their top ten status by the skin of their teeth, while the Eagles are increasingly looking over their shoulder towards the relegation zone.
Reigning champions Manchester City have won just one of their last five in domestic football, but can console themselves with their freshly-crowned status as Fifa Club World Cup winners.
Pep Guardiola’s charges have a short trip down the M62 motorway to play Everton, who are thoroughly galvanized in their drive away from relegation trouble despite their points deduction.
Brentford and Wolves meet in Wednesday’s other contest, with the hosts awaiting the return of star striker Ivan Toney from his gambling ban – if they can ward off the attentions of his suitors in the January transfer window.
The Boxing Day programme kicks off at lunchtime at St James’ Park, as everyone shakes from their post-Christmas dinner slumber.
Injury-hit Newcastle were already flagging ahead of their game with Nottingham Forest, with three EPL defeats in four as well as a group stage Uefa Champions League exit.
A relegation six-pointer, meanwhile, pits Sheffield United against Luton at Bramall Lane.
The pair meet with an instant return to the Championship on the cards, despite both showing signs of improvement throughout December.
Bournemouth and Fulham wrap up the action when they tackle each other at the Vitality Stadium, with the hosts rocketing towards the top half as English football’s in-form team.
English Premier League predictions for 26 – 28 December
Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest
Result prediction: Newcastle United to win
Over/Under prediction: under 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: draw / Newcastle United to win
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: n/a
AFC Bournemouth v Fulham
Result prediction: AFC Bournemouth to win
Over/Under prediction: over 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: draw / AFC Bournemouth to win
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: D. Solanke(AFC Bournemouth)
R. Jiménez(Fulham)
Sheffield United v Luton Town
Result prediction: Luton Town to win
Over/Under prediction: under 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: Luton Town / Luton Town to win
Team to Score prediction: Luton Town
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: n/a
Burnley v Liverpool
Result prediction: draw
Over/Under prediction: over 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: draw / draw
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: n/a
Manchester United v Aston Villa
Result prediction: Aston Villa to win
Over/Under prediction: under 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: Aston Villa / Aston Villa to win
Team to Score prediction: Aston Villa
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: L. Bailey(Aston Villa)
Brentford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Result prediction: draw
Over/Under prediction: under 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: draw / draw
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: n/a
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Result prediction: Chelsea to win
Over/Under prediction: under 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: Chelsea / Chelsea to win
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: n/a
Everton v Manchester City
Result prediction: Everton to win
Over/Under prediction: over 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: draw / Everton to win
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: J. Grealish(Manchester City)
Brighton & Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
Result prediction: Tottenham Hotspur to win
Over/Under prediction: over 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: Tottenham Hotspur / Tottenham Hotspur to win
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: Son Heung-Min(Tottenham Hotspur)
Richarlison(Tottenham Hotspur)
Arsenal v West Ham United
Result prediction: Arsenal to win
Over/Under prediction: over 2.5 goals
HT / FT prediction: Arsenal / Arsenal to win
Team to Score prediction: both teams
Anytime Goalscorer prediction: J. Bowen(West Ham United)
M. Kudus(West Ham United)