The battle to be Christmas number one will be fought out at
Villa Park and The JJB Stadium, as Manchester United and Chelsea
face tricky away trips.
United handed Chelsea a window of opportunity by being beaten at
West Ham, but Sir Alex Ferguson can tuck into his turkey on a high
provided his charges beat Aston Villa.
Chelsea will be primed to pounce on any scraps, although Wigan are
sure to put up a stiff fight.
There are interesting games towards the foot of the table, none
more so than at The Riverside as Middlesbrough host Charlton.
Fulham boosted their survival hopes with a fine win over
Middlesbrough on Monday and they will be seeking another three
points at home to West Ham.
Two sides who enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the Carling Cup meet
at St James' Park, as Newcastle host semi-finalists Tottenham,
while there is a North West derby at Eastlands as Bolton travel to
Manchester City.
Liverpool have found some good form in recent weeks and basement
boys Watford will not be relishing a trip to Anfield, while fellow
Merseysiders Everton are on the road at Reading.
Arsenal seem to have been in the last chance saloon for a number of
weeks, but a home clash with Blackburn hands them the chance to
revive their hopes, while sixth-placed Portsmouth host improving
Sheffield United.
Fulham v West Ham preview - 12.45pm - live on Sky Sports 2
The Hammers have won all three away games to Fulham in the
Premiership era. Only one of West Ham's 17 points has been accrued
away from home this season.
Arsenal v Blackburn preview - 3pm
Arsenal have won the last three home games against Blackburn
without conceding a goal.
Aston Villa v Manchester United preview - 3pm
United have won nine of the 14 games against Villa at Villa Park -
no side has won there more often.
Liverpool v Watford preview - 3pm
Tommy Mooney gave Watford their only Premiership away victory in 27
attempts (up to Dec 11 2006) when he scored the only goal of the
game at Anfield in 1999.
Manchester City v Bolton Wanderers preview - 3pm
None of the five Premiership matches between Bolton and City in
Manchester has ended as a draw - City won the first three while The
Trotters have won the last two.
Middlesbrough v Charlton Athletic preview - 3pm
Middlesbrough and Charlton have met seven times in the Premiership
on Teesside and five of the games have ended as draws with one win
apiece.
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur preview - 3pm
None of the last 14 meetings between Spurs and Newcastle in the
Premiership have ended as draws.
Portsmouth v Sheffield United preview - 3pm
Pompey have won only one of the last seven meetings with Sheffield
United.
Reading v Everton preview - 3pm
Reading and Everton have only ever met three times in all
competitions and The Toffees have won all of them.
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea preview - 5.15pm - live on PremPlus
Chelsea have won both Premiership meetings with Wigan by a 1-0
scoreline.