Fulham kick off the Boxing Day Premiership programme with a home game against West Ham.
Going into game the Hammers are stuck at the bottom of the table but with a win over Fulham and a win for Wolves or Wigan they could get off the bottom and put Fulham into the relegation zone.
Elsewhere, weather-permitting, Manchester United could potentially end Boxing Day with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League if they defeat Sunderland, but neighbours Manchester City will aim to ensure that does not happen when visiting Newcastle.
Second-placed Arsenal are not in action until their London derby against defending champions Chelsea, who sit fourth, on Monday evening.
Sunday 26th December
| Up-Coming Premiership games |
|
Sunday 26th December
|
| 12.00 |
Fulham |
v |
West Ham |
| 15.00 |
Blackburn |
v |
Stoke |
| 15.00 |
Blackpool |
v |
Liverpool |
| 15.00 |
Bolton |
v |
West Brom |
| 15.00 |
Everton |
v |
Birmingham |
| 15.00 |
Man Utd |
v |
Sunderland |
| 15.00 |
Newcastle |
v |
Man City |
| 15.00 |
Wolves |
v |
Wigan |
| 17.30 |
Aston Villa |
v |
Tottenham |
|
Monday 27th December |
| 20.00 |
Arsenal |
v |
Chelsea |
|
Top 4 |
Top 6 |
Top 10 |
Bottom Half |
Relegation |
|
12:00 Fulham v West Ham
Boxing Day's matches begin with rock-bottom West Ham travelling to fellow strugglers and Londoners Fulham in search of their first away league win of the season, with the lunchtime kick-off.
The survival chances of Avram Grant's side are bleak, according to sceptics, but the Hammers could move level on points with their hosts if they win at Craven Cottage.
Under-pressure Fulham boss Mark Hughes has seen his side hampered by a lack of goals and he will therefore be desperate for a little festive fortune.
Mark Hughes will give a fitness test to Mousa Dembele who returned to training this week after spending the last five weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury. Matthew Briggs (calf) is out until next month. Bobby Zamora (leg) and Philippe Senderos (Achilles) should return in February.
West Ham, who are closing in on the signing of midfielder Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa, have striker Freddie Sears available to boost Avram Grant's attacking options after he was recalled from his loan spell with Championship club Scunthorpe.
Last season: Fulham 3 West Ham 2, West Ham 2 Fulham 2
Last five league matches: Fulham D L D L D; West Ham L W L L D
Top scorers: Clinton Dempsey (Fulham) 6; Scott Parker (West Ham) 6
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
15:00 Blackburn v Stoke
Steve Kean takes charge of Blackburn for a second match as Stoke provide the opposition at the end of a week in which the Scot was told he would be manager of the Ewood Park club until June.
The decision of Blackburn's new owners, Venky's, to sack Sam Allardyce and put faith in Kean has proved to be controversial among fans so it will be hoped that there are reasons to be cheerful against Stoke.
The former Fulham, Real Sociedad and Coventry assistant boss has been charged with giving Blackburn's on-field style a facelift, but this could prove difficult against the tactics of Tony Pulis, who has in the past faced similar route-one, rough-house tactical accusations. Stoke sit in 13th spot and trail Blackburn by one position and point.
Blackburn are set to be without captain Christopher Samba who has been quoted declaring his intention to leave the club following the sacking of manager Sam Allardyce and would have been a doubt anyway with an ankle problem. New boss Steve Kean is without Phil Jones, who is likely to miss most of the rest of the season following knee surgery, and striker Jason Roberts (hamstring).
Stoke hope to have Jon Walters back from a bout of flu. Keeper Thomas Sorensen has regained full fitness after being troubled by an elbow injury but will find it difficult to dislodge Asmir Begovic. Mamady Sidibe's progress in recovering from an Achilles injury which has sidelined him since the end of August could see him make a comeback next month.
Last season: Stoke 3 Blackburn 0, Blackburn 0 Stoke 0
Last five league matches: Blackburn W L W L D; Stoke W W D D L
Top scorers: Mame Diouf (Blackburn) 5; Kenwyne Jones (Stoke) 6
Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire).
15:00 Blackpool v Liverpool
After the cancellation of their meeting with Manchester United, Blackpool will be desperate for Bloomfield Road to survive the elements to enable their match against Liverpool to go ahead.
Hosting the big names of English football in league action would have been a mere dream for the Seasiders a couple of years ago amid their struggles in League One. So Liverpool, despite October's visit of Manchester City, will provide the first box-office, traditional heavyweight club of the season.
The Reds are of course not the force that they once were and they will arrive hoping to avoid an embarrassing pair of losses to last season's Championship play-off winners after suffering defeat at Anfield almost three months ago.
Blackpool are without captain Charlie Adam who picked up his fifth booking of the season at Stoke and serves a one-match ban. Matt Gilks, Chris Basham and Billy Clarke (all knee), Marlon Harewood (hamstring) and Louis Almond (shoulder) remain sidelined by injury.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will return from a six-week lay-off with a hamstring tear sustained on England duty. Centre-back Daniel Agger has also finally recovered from a complicated calf problem which has sidelined him since September 25.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Blackpool L D W D W; Liverpool L W L W L
Top scorers: Luke Varney, Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) 5; David Ngog (Liverpool) 8
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
| Premiership table |
| Pos |
Team |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
GD |
Pts |
| 1 |
Man Utd |
16 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
25 |
6 |
1 |
6 |
0 |
11 |
10 |
20 |
34 |
| 2 |
Arsenal |
17 |
5 |
0 |
3 |
19 |
10 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
15 |
9 |
15 |
32 |
| 3 |
Man City |
18 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
9 |
7 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
16 |
8 |
10 |
32 |
| 4 |
Chelsea |
17 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
18 |
4 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
13 |
8 |
19 |
31 |
| 5 |
Tottenham |
17 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
14 |
9 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
11 |
13 |
3 |
27 |
| 6 |
Sunderland |
18 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
11 |
5 |
1 |
5 |
3 |
10 |
13 |
3 |
27 |
| 7 |
Bolton |
18 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
19 |
12 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
11 |
13 |
5 |
26 |
| 8 |
Newcastle |
17 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
19 |
11 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
15 |
1 |
22 |
| 9 |
Liverpool |
17 |
5 |
2 |
1 |
15 |
6 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
6 |
16 |
-1 |
22 |
| 10 |
West Brom |
17 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
11 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
5 |
13 |
19 |
-5 |
22 |
| 11 |
Blackpool |
16 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
11 |
11 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
13 |
18 |
-5 |
22 |
| 12 |
Blackburn |
18 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
12 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
11 |
21 |
-5 |
22 |
| 13 |
Stoke |
17 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
12 |
10 |
2 |
1 |
5 |
9 |
12 |
-1 |
21 |
| 14 |
Everton |
18 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
10 |
12 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
9 |
-1 |
21 |
| 15 |
Aston Villa |
17 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
14 |
10 |
1 |
1 |
6 |
5 |
18 |
-9 |
20 |
| 16 |
Birmingham |
17 |
3 |
4 |
1 |
8 |
6 |
0 |
5 |
4 |
9 |
14 |
-3 |
18 |
| 17 |
Fulham |
17 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
10 |
11 |
0 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
9 |
-4 |
16 |
| 18 |
Wigan |
17 |
2 |
4 |
3 |
8 |
17 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
11 |
-15 |
16 |
| 19 |
Wolves |
17 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
13 |
13 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
5 |
17 |
-12 |
15 |
| 20 |
West Ham |
18 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
11 |
15 |
0 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
16 |
-15 |
13 |
15:00 Bolton v West Brom
Owen Coyle's Bolton could return to the fifth position they occupied earlier in the winter if they defeat West Brom at the Reebok Stadium and other results go their way.
Bolton have been the surprise package of the season and the rejuvenating work of Coyle could be a blueprint for Kean at Blackburn. But pre-season relegation favourites West Brom have also surpassed expectations as Roberto Di Matteo's team sit in 11th position and level on points with the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle.
The Baggies will therefore travel north in a confident frame of mind and hoping to continue to prove their critics wrong.
Bolton midfielder Mark Davies returns from a one-match suspension following his sending off in the victory over Blackburn a fortnight ago. Owen Coyle is otherwise likely to have an unchanged squad with Joey O'Brien, Sean Davis, Ricardo Gardner and Jlloyd Samuel all still sidelined. Winger Lee Chung-yong could be playing his last game before joining up with South Korea for the Asia Cup in Qatar.
West Brom's leading scorer Peter Odemwingie has recovered from a calf injury. The fitness of Chris Brunt (groin) is being monitored while the postponement of the Wolves game has enabled midfielder Graham Dorrans (illness) and defender Paul Scharner (leg) to fully recover.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Bolton W D L W L; West Brom L L W W L
Top scorers: Johan Elmander (Bolton) 8; Peter Odemwingie (West Brom) 6
Referee: Howard Webb.
15:00 Everton vs Birmingham
On the back of their victory over Manchester City, Everton will host Birmingham at Goodison Park hoping that the win at Eastlands can prove a belated springboard in a misfiring season.
David Moyes had eyes on the European places at the start of the season, but the Toffees are currently only five points above the bottom three.
Alex McLeish's Birmingham have far greater relegation concerns going into the second half of the season and the Midlanders need to address a winless record on their travels
Phil Jagielka is a major doubt for Everton after picking up a thigh injury against Manchester City. Johnny Heitinga is also struggling to be fit because of a knee problem. Steven Pienaar is hoping to return after missing the win at Eastlands with a groin injury and playmaker Mikel Arteta returns after suspension. Striker Victor Anichebe is banned after his sending off against City.
Birmingham have defender Liam Ridgewell poised to return after missing the Wolves clash through illness when he was replaced by David Murphy. Midfielder Alexander Hleb has returned to training after being sidelined for almost a month with a hamstring injury suffered in the 1-1 draw at Fulham and Blues boss Alex McLeish has to decide if he has regained sufficient sharpness to be involved.
Last season: Birmingham 2 Everton 2, Everton 1 Birmingham 1
Last five league matches: Everton D L D D W; Birmingham D W D D L
Top scorers: Tim Cahill (Everton) 9; Craig Gardner (Birmingham) 5
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
15:00 Man Utd vs Sunderland
Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United could strengthen their position at the summit against Sunderland.
The Old Trafford club occupy top spot at Christmas, with a game in hand, and they could have a significant lead at the end of the weekend.
But Sunderland, managed by former United captain Steve Bruce, will arrive with their own ambitions of reinforcing European credentials after an excellent first half of the season.
Nemanja Vidic and Anderson have returned to training following a flu virus that has swept through United's Carrington training ground and are expected to be available. Paul Scholes (groin) and John O'Shea (calf) are both sidelined.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is without suspended skipper Lee Cattermole and Danny Welbeck is ineligible under the terms of his loan from United. Centre back John Mensah is facing a three-week lay-off with an ankle injury and joins Titus Bramble and Michael Turner (both knee) on the sidelines.
Last season: Sunderland 0 Man Utd 1, Man Utd 2 Sunderland 2
Last five league matches: Man Utd D D W W W; Sunderland D L W D W
Top scorers: Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd) 12; Darren Bent (Sunderland) 9
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).
15:00 Newcastle vs Man City
Manchester City could make sure bitter rivals United do not begin to impose themselves at the top if Roberto Mancini's men can inflict a first defeat on Alan Pardew at Newcastle.
City's loss to Everton meant they missed out on top spot and left them trailing United by two points and Arsenal by goal difference. Billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour will therefore be expecting a response when his club visit St James' Park.
However, due to last weekend's postponements, Pardew has still only been in charge for one match and after an impressive victory over Liverpool he will hope that his honeymoon period continues.
Newcastle have striker Shola Ameobi struggling to recover from a hamstring injury. Sol Campbell has shaken off a bout of illness and he and Steven Taylor will fight to keep their places as Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson return from suspension. Keeper Steve Harper, an unused substitute for the victory over Liverpool on his return from shoulder surgery, is pushing to replace Tim Krul.
Nigel de Jong returns from suspension for City. Mario Balotelli has shrugged off a minor knee ailment and is expected to be part of Roberto Mancini's squad, while Pablo Zabaleta (ankle)is also set to report fit.
Last season: No corresponding fixture
Last five league matches: Newcastle D L D L W; Man City W D W W L
Top scorers: Andrew Carroll (Newcastle) 10; Carlos Tevez (Man City) 10
Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside).
15:00 Wolves vs Wigan
Wolves are experiencing a frustrating season and Mick McCarthy's side are stuck in the relegation zone in the build-up to what has been dubbed a 'six-pointer' against fellow drop-zone occupants Wigan.
Two wins in their last three matches have added optimism ahead of kick-off at Molineux, but McCarthy will be aware that this game could be decisive come the end of the season.
Eighteenth-placed Wigan are only one point above Wolves after taking just two points from a potential 12 in their last outings.
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will check on the fitness of Christophe Berra (thigh), Nenad Milijas (foot), Matt Jarvis and Michael Mancienne (both knee), Kevin Doyle (thigh), David Jones (foot), Jody Craddock (hip) and Steven Mouyokolo (back). Skipper Karl Henry is unlikely to have recovered from a knee setback.
Wigan will be without Honduras internationals Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa who are serving one-match suspensions. Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) and Franco Di Santo (ankle) are still not fit to return and club captain Gary Caldwell and on-loan midfielder Tom Cleverley remain doubtful with thigh and hip problems respectively.
Last season: Wolverhampton 0 Wigan 2, Wigan 0 Wolverhampton 1
Last five league matches: Wolverhampton L L W L W; Wigan W L L D D
Top scorers: Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolverhampton) 4, Steven Fletcher (Wolverhampton) 4; Hugo Rodallega (Wigan) 4, Charles N'Zogbia (Wigan) 4
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral).
17:30 Aston Villa vs Tottenham
The second live offering on Sky Sports HD1/1 sees Tottenham take on Aston Villa at Villa Park in the teatime match.
Fifth-placed Spurs have been touted as title contenders, but they are beginning to slip off the pace and if results do not go their way Harry Redknapp and his men could find themselves as low as seventh.
Villa boss Gerard Houllier needs to win over his doubters after disappointing results and reports of training ground bust-ups. A victory against Tottenham would go some way to easing the pressure after only two league wins since the end of September.
Ashley Young is a doubt for Villa because of a knee injury and neither he nor Luke Young (groin) have trained this week. Midfielder Steve Sidwell is out of the reckoning as he closes in on a move to West Ham but midfielders Stiliyan Petrov and Fabian Delph are returning to fitness following ankle and knee injuries respectively and either could feature on the bench.
Tottenham should welcome back Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring), Jermaine Jenas (calf) and Younes Kaboul (hip), the trio having missed the game against Chelsea. William Gallas will undergo a fitness test to see if he recovered from a hamstring injury. Ledley King (groin) has trained this week but is not fit enough to play.
Last season: Tottenham 0 Aston Villa 0, Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 1
Last five league matches: Aston Villa D L L L W; Tottenham W W W D D
Top scorers: Stewart Downing (Aston Villa) 6; Roman Pavlyuchenko, Gareth Bale (Tottenham) 9
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Monday
27th December
20:00 Arsenal v Chelsea
With Chelsea's clash against Manchester United postponed possibly until March, the Blues' trip to Arsenal takes on added significance as they could strike another hammer blow to the Gunners' title hopes with victory at the Emirates.
Even in the midst of a blip in form, Chelsea have the run of recent results against Arsenal, who have not even managed to score a goal against them in their last three games. Arsene Wenger's side last won against the Premier League champions in November 2008 and the Frenchman has yet to find a way of stopping striker Didier Drogba, who has bagged 13 goals in 13 games in meetings between the teams.
The Gunners are slowly getting back to full strength as Fabregas continues to recover from a hamstring injury, but defensively a lot of the burden has been placed on new-boys Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscielny.
They have struggled more at home than away this season and, facing the current champions, will certainly be keen to end 2010 on a high at the Emirates.