A harsh lesson for Chelsea, and another masterclass from Manchester City: The Premier League predictions

A look ahead to the action in England's top flight on Saturday and Sunday

Everton v Arsenal, Saturday, 4.30pm: Managerless Everton against Arsenal. An intriguing battle between Duncan Ferguson, who doesn't want the job at Goodison, and Freddie Ljungberg, who just wants Arsenal to make up their minds (although they have with Mikel Arteta). Big Dunc has certainly galvanised Everton, while the Gunners appear to have no backbone at the moment. Reuters PREDICTION: Everton 2 Arsenal 0

Aston Villa v Southampton, Saturday, 7pm: There is no predicting Villa, although for the sake of predictions that doesn't really work. Defeats to Chelsea, Leicester and Sheffield United in the Premier League, followed by all but booking their League Cup semi-final place with a 5-0 trouncing of Liverpool's youngsters. That, at least, should build some confidence in Dean Smith's side. PA PREDICTION: Aston Villa 2 Southampton 2

Bournemouth v Burnley, Saturday, 7pm: Chelsea may be out of sorts at the moment, but even so what a win for Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge last weekend. It's very tight in the bottom half of the Premier League and those three points have given Eddie Howe just a little bit of breathing space. AP PREDICTION: Bournemouth 1 Burnley 1

Brighton v Sheffield United, Saturday, 7pm: Sheffield United are in seventh after beating Aston Villa 2-0, both goals coming from John Fleck, his first double in 314 English league games. The Blades are out performing all expectations with their away form, and adding home results will be the icing on the cake. Reuters PREDICTION: Brighton 1 Sheffield United 1

Newcastle v Crystal Palace, Saturday, 7pm: Only bottom club Watford have scored fewer than Palace's 15 Premier League goals. The Eagles' total number of shots this season - 161 - is lower than anybody else in the top flight, and yet they are in the top half. And they somehow still have the outrageously talented Wilf Zaha in their ranks. AP PREDICTION: Newcastle 1 Crystal Palace 1

Norwich v Wolves, Saturday, 7pm: An unlikely but impressive point at Leicester last time for lowly Norwich, with Teemu Pukki scoring their goal and playing the second half with a broken toe. They remain 19th but in touch with the teams above, and Wolves have started to look a bit shaky at the back. Reuters PREDICTION: Norwich 1 Wolves 1

Manchester City v Leicester, Saturday, 9.30pm: Brilliant Belgian Kevin de Bruyne seems to get better and better. His destruction of Arsenal was a masterclass, and he has been directly involved in 19 Premier League goals in 2019 (seven goals, 12 assists), the most of any midfielder. Leicester will face a tough day if he plays like that again. EPA Manchester City 3 Leicester 1

Watford v Manchester United, Sunday 6pm: What an tremendous period for United's Mason Greenwood, who levelled against Everton just three days after scoring twice in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar. The Old Trafford hierarchy don't get everything right but they can't be accused of ignoring young talent. Watford need their talent to start performing. Getty PREDICTION: Watford 1 Manchester United 3

Tottenham v Chelsea, Sunday, 8.30pm: Jose Mourinho has not lost any of his last 54 Premier League games when his side has scored the opening goal. Frank Lampard, somewhat newer to the managerial game, has seen his side stutter lately and struggle in defence. First goal, therefore, rather crucial in this one AFP PREDICTION: Tottenham 3 Chelsea 1

With Liverpool away at the Club World Cup, there are just nine Premier League matches this round as football heads into the magnificently busy festive period.

Jurgen Klopp's side hold a ten point lead, so little damage can be done before they play their next game, away to their current nearest challengers Leicester, on Thursday.

This is often the significant period in the Premier League, for teams both at the top and the bottom. Come through this cluster of games successfully and cruise into spring with a bounce in the step.

However, lose a few more and if you're in the danger areas at the bottom, suddenly the season is disappearing very quickly and relegation casts a dark shadow.

Everton are still in danger of being drawn into that latter battle, though temporary manager Duncan Ferguson has certainly injected some resilience. They face Arsenal in the opening game on Saturday at 4.30pm.

The 7pm games on Saturday include Newcastle v Crystal Palace and Aston Villa v Southampton, while the late fixture at 9.30pm is between Liverpool's distant pursuers Manchester City and Leicester.

Sunday offers lower than lowly Watford against Manchester United at 6pm, then the final match of the round sees Tottenham hosting Chelsea at 8.30pm.

Ahead of the 18th round of the season, Dominic Hart provides his predictions in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.