The Premier League kicks off 2021 with a bang this weekend with the 17th round of fixtures set to take place over the next four days.
The best betting sites still rate Liverpool as favourites to retain the title despite failing to win any of their festive fixtures to date.
Jurgen Klopp’s side remain top of the table, three points ahead of in-form Manchester United who have a game in hand.
The Red Devils can draw level with Liverpool if they beat Aston Villa on Friday, while the Reds must wait until Monday for their visit to Southampton. Read on as we preview the weekend ahead.
Everton vs West Ham United
Everton tend to have the upper hand when they face West Ham United at Goodison Park and that trend is expected to continue here.
The postponement of their midweek game against Manchester City could work in their favour and this should be a comfortable victory for the Toffees.
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
United are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League outings and they are fancied to enhance that record against Villa.
The visitors have also been in decent form over the past few weeks, but the Red Devils should edge what is likely to be an entertaining contest.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Leeds United
Spurs have gone off the boil in recent weeks, collecting just two points from their last 12 to slip down to seventh in the standings.
Two victories for Leeds over the holiday season have helped them halt their slide down the table and it would be no surprise to see them pick up at least a draw from this game.
Crystal Palace vs Sheffield United
Palace are without a win in their last five league games and are in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle.
They are favourites to beat the Blades, but the visitors can upset the odds by snatching a point at Selhurst Park.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves were unfortunate not to pick up a point at Old Trafford in midweek and can gain compensation against the Seagulls.
Graham Potter’s side have yet to win at the Amex Stadium this term and the visitors can take full advantage in this one.
West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal
Arsenal have steadied the ship with two successive victories and will fancy their chances of adding another to their tally at The Hawthorns.
However, new West Brom manager Sam Allardyce enjoys upsetting the odds against the Gunners and he will be eager to frustrate the visitors.
Burnley vs Fulham
Burnley have shown some signs of improvement over the past few weeks, although goals remain difficult to come by.
Fulham have drawn their last four matches in the Premier League and they can grab another point at Turf Moor.
Newcastle United vs Leicester City
Newcastle held Liverpool to a goalless draw in their latest home match and they will be aiming to make things equally difficult for Leicester.
Jamie Vardy’s return to the starting XI will boost the Foxes and they look a good bet to continue their excellent away form.
Chelsea vs Manchester City
Chelsea have picked up just one point over the festive period and their recent struggles may continue against City.
The visitors should be fresh after the postponement of the Everton game and they are strongly fancied to win at Stamford Bridge.
Southampton vs Liverpool
Liverpool weren’t at their best in their last couple of fixtures as they laboured to draws against West Brom and Newcastle.
However, Southampton have gone off the boil in recent weeks and the reigning champions should return to winning ways here.
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