Premier League predictions: Manchester City win again, Arsenal maintain hot streak

We pick out the winners and losers from the latest round of English top-flight fixtures

Manchester City v Leicester (7pm): There's no stopping Pep Guardiola's men at the moment. City's 4-0 victory at Newcastle last time out was their eighth on the spin and they sit three points clear at the top of the table. Leicester are capable of springing an upset but the City machine looks relentless. Prediction: City 3 Leicester 1. Getty

Norwich v Arsenal (7pm): The Gunners have blasted their way into the top four thanks to three wins in a row, the last of which was an impressive 4-1 demolition job on Leeds at Elland Road. Norwich are in dismal shape, bottom of the table, three points from safety after managing just two wins and eight goals all season. Prediction: Norwich 1 Arsenal 3. Getty

Tottenham v Crystal Palace (7pm): The Antonio Conte influence is kicking in at Spurs, who are unbeaten in the league since the Italian's arrival as manager on November 2 and have reached the semi-finals of the League Cup. Palace, though, are no mugs this season and Spurs will be made to work for the points. Prediction: Spurs 2 Palace 1. Getty

West Ham v Southampton (7pm): A slight stumble in West Ham's fine progress this season has seen them win just once in five games and been knocked out of the League Cup by Spurs. But the Hammers still sit fifth in the table and face a Saints outfit without a win since November 6. Prediction: West Ham 2 Southampton 0. Getty

Aston Villa v Chelsea (9.30pm): Steven Gerrard has enjoyed an impressive start as Villa manager winning four out of six games with defeats coming against Manchester City and Liverpool. Chelsea have suffered two frustrating draws in successive league matches and Gerrard's side can make it three in a row at Villa Park. Prediction: Villa 1 Chelsea 1. PA

Brighton v Brentford (midnight): Brighton are without a win since September 19 and in desperate need of three points as they are dragged slowly but surely into the relegation dogfight. These two teams are currently level on points in the table and it will be honours even at the Amex. Prediction: Brighton 1 Brentford 1. Reuters

MONDAY - Newcastle v Manchester United (midnight): The Magpies gave a masterclass on how not to defend in their disastrous 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City last week. The Red half of Manchester are next up on Tyneside and another defeat is in the Christmas post for Eddie Howe's hapless side. Prediction: Newcastle 1 Man United 3. Getty

The traditional Boxing Day programme in the Premier League has taken a hit this year with coronavirus forcing the cancellation of three games.

The early games scheduled for Sunday — Liverpool against Leeds United on Merseyside and Wolves versus Watford at Molineux — have become the latest victims of the pandemic which has resulted in England's traditional busy festive schedule taking a major hit in recent weeks.

And Burnley's home match with Everton has also bitten the dust with Rafa Benitez's squad decimated by Covid and injuries.

Still going ahead is Manchester City against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium, Norwich City's game with Arsenal at Carrow Road and Tottenham Hotspur versus Crystal Palace.

West Ham United tackle Southampton at the London Stadium, Aston Villa face Chelsea in the Midlands while Brighton against Brentford on the south coast brings the day to a close.

Newcastle United's home clash with Manchester United is the lone game on Monday, before we hurtle head first into the next round of midweek games — Covid-allowing, of course.

In the gallery above, you can see our predictions for the matches. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.