Every year, the Boxing Day produces some of the most entertaining games of the season in the Premier League. This year is no different, with teams around the country fighting for every point on offer.
Like every other matchweek, there are quite a few games that can have a direct effect on the Premier League points table this week.
But what are the most interesting things to look out for on this matchweek? Here are five things to look forward to in matchweek 19 of the Premier League, on Boxing Day:
Premier League matchweek 19 – 5 things to look forward to on Boxing Day
Carlo Ancelotti’s return, with Everton
Everton have pulled off a blinder bringing Ancelotti back to England, and the Italian’s first test will be at home against Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s side are traditionally difficult to face and will only make life tougher for the new-comer at Goodison Park.
Burnley are on the back of consecutive wins in the league, but Everton have shown signs of improvement in their last few games. This could be a cracker of a game, with both teams firmly setting their sights on nothing less than three crucial points.
Battle for Survival
Like last week, will Villa Park hold yet another virtual six-pointer of a game in the top flight this week. Dean Smith’s side, who are three points from safety after last week’s loss to Southampton welcome Norwich City, who can draw level with Villa with a win in this game.
Both teams have played some decent football, but have not been able to register enough points at the end of 18 games.
Three points in this game could push Villa out of the drop zone, but a win for The Canaries will make the relegation battle that much more interesting. Either way, this game could have a huge bearing on the futures of at least one of the club.
Liverpool’s King Power Test
Jurgen Klopp’s side have passed every test so far this season with three points, except on their trip to Old Trafford.
On what will be their most important away trip of the season so far, Liverpool travel to King Power on Boxing Day, in one of the most awaited fixtures of the festive period.
The Foxes are 10 points off the league leaders, that could potentially turn 13 at the end of this game. Liverpool also have a game in hand, so winning this fixture could put enough space between the two teams for the Liverpool fans to skip watching Leicester City ever week.
Wolves trouble for Pep
Since returning to the Premier League, Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves have taken as many points from Manchester City as they have lost in games against Pep Guardiola’s side.
They beat City in the reverse fixture at Etihad earlier in the season, and also held them to a draw on their trip to Molineux last season.
Guardiola’s side cannot afford to drop any points for the next few games in the title race, but this trip to Wolves could be a real test for his side.
If City’s struggles against Nuno’s men continue, the gap of the top of the table could be huge come the end of this matchweek.
Arsenal’s new era under Mikel Arteta
Arsenal have handed Mikel Arteta the manager’s role at Emirates. The former midfielder has been vocal about his methods which will be put to test at Dean Court this weekend.
In what will be the first game for Arteta as a manager, Arsenal face a Bournemouth side who have won just one of its last seven league games.
Arsenal have not been consistent this season, but need to now step up if they are to keep their chances of a top 4 finish alive.
How the Gunners work under Arteta, and how the new manager gets a grip on the disjointed dressing room will be interesting to watch apart from what they do on the field in this game.
