Liverpool Aims To Extend Lead On Boxing Day As Arsenal Braces For Tough Test

Christmas Premier League chart-toppers Liverpool are overwhelming favorites to see off struggling Leicester on Boxing Day (Thursday, December 26th).

Amidst their struggles, both Manchester clubs are looking for a boost this festive season, as faltering champions City face Everton at home, while United travel to Wolves.

Second-placed Chelsea host Fulham while in-form Arsenal will fancy their chances against relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday, even without the injured Bukayo Saka.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, reeling from a heavy 6-3 defeat to Liverpool, now faces a challenging task against the in-form Nottingham Forest.

Sportxparte highlights key talking points as we approach one of the busiest periods of the English football season.

Liverpool top of the EPL table

Liverpool are top the table on Christmas Day for the first time since the 2020/21 season and will want to make it count.

In the last seven top-flight seasons where they have been at the top of the table on December 25th, they have managed to secure the title only once.

Arne Slot’s side returned to winning ways in style on Sunday, overwhelming Spurs following two frustrating draws.

They hold a four-point lead over Chelsea with a game in hand. It would be a significant upset if they were to falter against Leicester at home, particularly with Mohamed Salah in exceptional form.

The Egypt international is the first player to reach double figures for both goals (15) and assists (11) before Christmas in the history of the Premier League.

Leicester secured their first victory under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy earlier this month, but they have since managed to earn only one point from their last three matches, during which they conceded nine goals.

The leaky Foxes have not won at Anfield since 2000 and are just two points clear of the drop zone after returning to the top flight this season.

Saka’s Injury Forces Arsenal to Reassess

A buoyant Mikel Arteta said the Premier League title race was “on” after Arsenal swept Crystal Palace aside 5-1 on Saturday.

However, a significant concern emerged as Saka limped off at Selhurst Park, leaving the England winger facing an extended period on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

It is a blow for Arteta, depriving him of his most potent attacking weapon Saka has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season just as Arsenal are finding their form again.

“It’s going to be a really good exercise for all of us to think about ways to overcome another challenge because we’ve already had a lot in the season,” said Arsenal boss Arteta, whose team are third in the Premier League table.

Arteta has several attacking options, with Gabriel Martinelli a candidate to fill the void, but Saka offers something unique.

Forest chasing European dream

Nottingham Forest fans are hoping for a return to the Champions League, more than 40 years after their last appearance in Europe’s premier club competition.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have won seven of their past 10 Premier League games to climb to fourth in the table ahead of their match against Tottenham on Thursday.

Forest has not claimed a major trophy since 1990.

However, they boast a rich history in continental competitions, having been crowned European champions twice under former manager Brian Clough, in 1979 and 1980.

While Forest is not a prolific scorer, they are impressive at the back. Only Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals in the English top flight this season.

Former Spurs manager Nuno is preparing for the unpredictability of facing his old club, which has established a reputation for being a great entertainer.

“You never know what’s going to happen in the game,” he said.

“What we can see is good players, a lot of goals, also conceding goals.”

A complete round of fixtures

Thursday (16:00 CET unless stated):

Manchester City vs Everton (13:30 CET)

Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace

Chelsea vs Fulham

Newcastle vs Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest vs Tottenham

Southampton vs West Ham

Wolves vs Manchester United (18:30 CET)

Liverpool vs Leicester (21:00 CET)

Friday:

Brighton vs Brentford (20:30 CET)

Arsenal vs Ipswich (21:15 CET)