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The final round of the first half of the 2018-19 Premier League season will conclude on Boxing Day. As is the norm in England, there is no time to unwrap any Christmas presents, and football will take centre stage.
Liverpool are seeking their 26th win of the calendar year when former manager Rafael Benitez brings his Newcastle team to Anfield.
Defending champions, Manchester City, will want to bounce back from their recent defeat to Crystal Palace at home when they travel to the King Power Stadium for the second time this season.
The Premier League’s bottom side, Fulham, recorded a rare clean sheet in their 0-0 draw at Newcastle last weekend, and will entertain fellow promoted club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are sitting comfortably in 10th position.
Everton travel to Burnley in an attempt to shake off that horror show against Tottenham. Mauricio Pochettino’s side are now considered title contenders by sitting third just 6 points behind leaders Liverpool. Spurs entertain Bournemouth at Wembley.
Cardiff travel to Selhurst Park to face a buoyant Crystal Palace team, while Unai Emery’s Arsenal travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton.
Manchester United will hope to give a cult-hero’s welcome to their caretaker boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, when he takes his place in the Old Trafford dug-out for the first time as Huddersfield visit the Theatre of Dreams.
Chelsea’s shock defeat to Leicester had Maurizio Sarri fuming. That loss has taken Chelsea out of the title picture for the moment. The Blues travel to Watford, the scene of one of Antonio Conte’s miseries last season.
Southampton seem to be enjoying playing football again. St. Mary’s will be bouncing when West Ham come to town, and new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will be keen to keep the impressive run going.
Predictions for matchday 19
Fulham vs Wolves (12:30 UK time) - Fulham win
Burnley vs Everton (3pm UK time) – Burnley win
Crystal Palace vs Cardiff (3pm UK time) – Palace win
Leicester City vs Manchester City (3pm UK time) – Man City win
Liverpool vs Newcastle (3pm UK time) – Liverpool win
Manchester United vs Huddersfield Town (3pm UK time) – Manchester United win
Tottenham vs Bournemouth (3pm UK time) – Tottenham win
Brighton vs Arsenal (5:15pm UK time) – Arsenal win
Watford vs Chelsea (5:30pm UK time) – Watford win or a draw
Southampton vs West Ham (7:45pm UK time) – Southampton win or a draw
