Battle for Premier League top spot intensifies

Posted Thursday, December 26, 2013 by Goal.com

While several countries in Europe pause for a winter break, the Premier League steps up a notch with three games in less than a week - beginning on Boxing Day - as the halfway point of the season rapidly approaches.

A goalless draw between Arsenal and Chelsea on Monday night ensured Liverpool would be top of the Premier League table on Christmas day.

But the Anfield outfit, who were already celebrating Luis Suarez's new contract, face a huge test of their title credentials against Manchester City on Boxing Day, with Manuel Pellegrini's men able to leapfrog Brendan Rodgers' side with a win at the Etihad Stadium, where they are in free-scoring form this season.

Arsenal travel to West Ham, while Chelsea are hosting Swansea. Everton, who have impressed this season, are just two points behind Liverpool ahead of their clash against struggling Sunderland, who desperately need a win in their fight against relegation.

Elsewhere, Tim Sherwood will be targeting a first victory after taking the Tottenham job permanently against West Brom, after picking up a 3-2 win away to Southampton.

Relegation-threatened Fulham and Norwich meet at Carrow Road, while Crystal Palace could move out of the bottom three with victory over Aston Villa.

Cardiff City fans, meanwhile, will be hoping to know the future of manager Malky Mackay after hosting Southampton, with Vincent Tan yet to wield the seemingly inevitable axe.