Liverpool hosts Foxes, Arsenal prepares for life without Saka

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah

English Premier League chart-toppers Liverpool are the overwhelming favourites to see off struggling Leicester on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, both crisis-hit Manchester clubs will seek a festive fillip, with faltering champion City at home to Everton and United away to Wolves.

Second-placed Chelsea hosts Fulham while in-form Arsenal will fancy its chances against relegation-threatened Ipswich on Friday, even without the injured Bukayo Saka.

Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham, licking their wounds after a brutal 6-3 hammering by Liverpool, faces a tough assignment at high-flying Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool are top of the table on Christmas Day for the first time since the 2020/21 season and will want to make it count.

Just once in the past seven top-flight campaigns in which they have sat at the summit on December 25, has it gone on to win the title.
Arne Slot’s side returned to winning ways in style on Sunday, overwhelming Spurs following two frustrating draws.

They are four points clear of Chelsea with a game in hand. It would be a huge surprise if it slipped up against Leicester at home, especially with Mohamed Salah enjoying a purple patch.

The Egypt international is the first player to reach double figures for both goals (15) and assists (11) before Christmas in the history of the Premier League.

The leaky Foxes have not won at Anfield since 2000 and are just two points clear of the drop zone after returning to the topflight this season.

A buoyant Mikel Arteta said the Premier League title race was “on” after Arsenal swept Crystal Palace aside 5-1 on Saturday.

But one dark cloud was Saka limping off at Selhurst Park with the England winger set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

It is a blow for Arteta, depriving him of his most potent attacking weapon - Saka has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions this season - just as Arsenal are finding their form again. (Agencies)