Liverpool nudge clear at the top, Chelsea bounce back at Wolves: Premier League predictions

Top-of-the-table clash at Anfield the pick of the games in the midweek fixture list

TUESDAY: Wolves v Chelsea (kick off 10pm) – Chelsea’s encouraging run of form hit a setback last time out with defeat away to an Everton side that appeared to have lost its way after a blistering start. Blues manager Frank Lampard bemoaned the absence of his wide players at Goodison Park, with Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech out injured, but his injury concerns are perhaps not as pressing as Nuno Espirito Santo's. The Wolves manager is without his finest goalscorer, and since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull against Arsenal, Wolves have not scored in successive defeats to Liverpool and Aston Villa. Chelsea should prove the Everton defeat was a blip and heap more misery on struggling Wolves. PREDICTION: Wolves 0 Chelsea 2 AP Photo

Manchester City v West Brom (midnight) – It has been a decidedly non-Pep Guardiola sort of season for City so far with a league-leading five clean sheets and just 17 goals (placing them 12th behind the likes of Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and West Ham). Saturday’s Manchester derby looked to be an opportunity for City to pile more pressure on a United side with a dismal home record, but instead a dour goalless draw ensued. Second-bottom West Brom have played some decent football at times, despite numerous attempts at self-sabotage, but even without needless red cards and squandered chances, they face a thankless trip to the Etihad. PREDICTION: Manchester City 3 West Brom 0 AP Photo

WEDNESDAY: Arsenal v Southampton (10pm) – Regardless of opposition, the last thing Arsenal need right now is another home game, never mind against a high-flying Southampton side who have really clicked into gear. The same certainly cannot be said about Mikel Arteta’s Gunners after Sunday’s loss to Burnley made it four successive home league defeats for the first time in 61 years. Sitting 15th in the table after seven losses in the first 12 games, Arsenal are in deep trouble heading into the Christmas period. Meanwhile, the festive spirit couldn’t be any jollier at Southampton, who motored past Sheffield United to move into the top four. Could Arsenal really lose five in a row at home? They should get an unconvincing point out of this one. PREDICTION: Arsenal 1 Southampton 1 PA

Leeds United v Newcastle United (10pm) – For all the praise levelled at Marcelo Bielsa, there’s no escaping the reality that Leeds are struggling. Down in 14th place and coming off back-to-back home defeats, Leeds are hardly setting the Premier League alight the way their early displays suggested they would. Two places above them, Newcastle head to Elland Road having won their past two games, albeit by no means in dazzling fashion. Both sides possess match-winning centre-forwards in Patrick Bamford and Callum Wilson, so there should be a few goals. PREDICTION: Leeds 2 Newcastle 2 AP

Leicester City v Everton (10pm) – After faltering a bit with defeats to an understrength Liverpool and at home to promoted Fulham, Leicester have bounced back with wins over Sheffield United and Brighton. The return of James Maddison has given Brendan Rodgers’ side a big boost and Jamie Vardy is, as always, among the goals. Everton’s grinding win over Chelsea offers them their own timely boost and this should be a good game between two evenly matched teams. Leicester have been a touch prone to a dodgy home result this season, so Everton could claim a mini shock win. PREDICTION: Leicester 1 Everton 2 AP

Fulham v Brighton & Hove Albion (midnight) – Granted, it is a small sample size but Fulham do appear to be adjusting to life in the Premier League. They were exceptional on the break in the win at Leicester and outplayed Liverpool in the first half at Craven Cottage. Two points and places above Fulham, Brighton head to London off the back of successive defeats. Premier League safety is often secured by how well teams fare against fellow relegation scrappers, so this could be a big game. Fulham’s mini momentum should give them the win. PREDICTION: Fulham 2 Brighton 0 EPA

Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur (midnight) – Anfield hosts a battle between the top two teams with identical records and who both missed the chance to move clear after being held to surprise draws over the weekend. Tottenham hold the edge on goal difference as Jose Mourinho’s defensive brilliance begins to take shape, but with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, Spurs are capable of scoring against any team. Liverpool are nowhere near the levels of last season (a near impossible task) but despite not yet hitting top gear, are firmly in the title hunt. That is very much down to their flawless home record of six wins from six (by comparison, they have the fifth-worst away record in the league). This should be an intriguing, exciting game with Liverpool to edge it. PREDICTION: Liverpool 1 Tottenham 0 EPA

West Ham United v Crystal Palace (midnight) – West Ham were expected by many to struggle this season but so far so good in East London, even in the absence of star man Michail Antonio. David Moyes’ Hammers are sixth in the table having won four of their past five. Goals and assists are being shared around the team and in Declan Rice have one of the league’s best central midfielders. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have been up-and-down this season but are a team that possess enough talent to trouble any side on their day. The form guide suggests West Ham should win this one, but it’s the sort of fixture that could go either way, especially with Wilfried Zaha on the pitch. PREDICTION: West Ham 1 Crystal Palace 3 EPA

THURSDAY: Aston Villa v Burnley (10pm) – Aston Villa and Burnley could not have had more contrasting starts to the season. While Villa were busy sticking seven past Liverpool and winning their first four games to sit top, Burnley couldn’t buy a victory. Villa have since lost four of their past six but earned a morale-boosting derby win over Wolves last time out. Burnley have managed to steady the ship somewhat and have won two of their last three, including away at Arsenal on Sunday. The flair and attacking prowess of Villa will make them favourites for this but Sean Dyche’s side have become more solid in recent weeks (the drubbing to Man City, aside). PREDICTION: Aston Villa 1 Burnley 0 AP

Sheffield United v Manchester United (midnight) – These are desperate times at Bramall Lane, as the club that finished last season in ninth are now eight points from safety after a solitary point from their first 12 games. If the venues were reversed, Chris Wilder and his side might be confident of getting something at Old Trafford, but United have been a different beast on the road, winning all five games. While the Premier League has produced a fair few surprises this season, this won’t be another one. PREDICTION: Sheffield United 1 Manchester United 4 Reuters

It's that time of year again when Premier League matches come thick and fast. While Jurgen Klopp may not be particularly delighted about the congested schedule, millions of fans around the world would beg to differ.

The hectic festive fixture period is now underway with a round of midweek games, starting with Chelsea's trip to Wolves on Tuesday evening followed by Manchester City welcoming West Brom to the Etihad.

On Wednesday, Arsenal aim to avoid a fifth straight home loss when they host in-form Southampton, while Leeds United entertain Newcastle United and Everton visit Leicester City. Later that same evening, Fulham and Brighton clash at Craven Cottage, and Crystal Palace make the short trip across London to take on West Ham. The biggest game of the round, also on Wednesday night, sees champions Liverpool face leaders Tottenham at Anfield.

The two remaining matches will be played on Thursday when Aston Villa host Burnley at Villa Park, before Manchester United travel to bottom side Sheffield United.

Ahead of the latest round of fixtures, Jon Turner has provided his predictions in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.