Arsenal v Newcastle, 5.30pm Saturday 29 December
Fortune is not being any kinder to Alan Pardew, whose casualty list was extended at Old Trafford by the injury to Vurnon Anita and who now must face an Arsenal team who enjoyed a restful Boxing Day when their game against West Ham United was postponed. Pardew, who will have Cheik Tioté available again after his suspension, has spoken about his frustration at Newcastle's poor recent form, with his side having lost seven of their past nine Premier League games following the defeat by Manchester United. Expect Arsenal to take advantage of their midweek rest, and Theo Walcott to be keen to make a big impact as a central striker before the January transfer window opens. Paul Doyle
Aston Villa v Wigan, 3pm Saturday 29 December
This promises to be a tense affair and one of those games when the first goal could be crucial. Aston Villa, reeling from conceding 12 goals in their last two matches, welcome Wigan, who have picked up only four points out of 27. Wigan, though, have a decent record at Villa Park – only one defeat in seven league visits. Stuart James
Everton v Chelsea, 1.30pm Sunday 30 December
Only two points separate these sides, yet while Everton want a Champions League place, Chelsea seek a Premier League title. A visit to Goodison Park, where they have lost their past three league games, should indicate the seriousness of their challenge. John Terry is out, while Darron Gibson and Seamus Coleman may be fit for Everton. Rob Smyth
Fulham v Swansea, 3pm Saturday 29 December
Martin Jol described himself as a "thunderstorm" after the spluttering draw with Southampton on Boxing Day, his frustration heightened by a run of one win in 11 matches that stretches back to mid-October. Pressure is mounting on the Dutchman, who will surely make changes against Swansea, with Aaron Hughes set to be restored and Bryan Ruiz and Mahamadou Diarra likely to start. The visitors arrive ninth after successive draws, if only four points clear of their hosts and without the injured Michu. Something has to give. Dominic Fifield
Manchester United v West Brom, 3pm Saturday 29 December
Sir Alex Ferguson has scrutinised every detail of the slew of goals that United have conceded and his conclusion is that there is no conclusion, no common thread. And so his answer is to carry on scoring and letting "our supporters live through the agony of 4-3s". West Bromwich Albion intend to open eyes further after a stunning first half to the season. David Hytner
Norwich v Man City, 3pm Saturday 29 December
Manchester City are hurting after the loss at Sunderland but panic is not a related emotion. Talk of misfiring strikers has dominated the preparations for Norwich yet there is conviction that quality will tell over the season. This is the time for champions to show their mettle against a team who have accounted for Manchester United and Arsenal on home turf. David Hytner
QPR v Liverpool, 4pm Sunday 30 December
It feels remarkable that Queens Park Rangers, like Reading, remain only six points from safety despite winning only one game over the first half of the Premier League season yet, if Harry Redknapp's side are to stage a revival, it must begin now. Defeat by West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day felt crushing and they must start against Liverpool as they finished against the Baggies, all urgent attack. Certainly they must consider the prospect of the Merseysiders prevailing at Loftus Road, with the Rangers youth-team graduate Raheem Sterling in their number, as unthinkable if the scramble for survival is to begin. Dominic Fifield
Reading v West Ham, 3pm Saturday 29 December
Reading did the double over West Ham last season on their way to winning the Championship but while the Hammers have adapted to the Premier League, Brian McDermott's side have floundered. Nothing but a win will do for Reading against West Ham, who are struggling with injuries but have Carlton Cole available after his red card against Everton last weekend was rescinded. Jacob Steinberg
Stoke v Southampton, 3pm Saturday 29 December
Tony Pulis, the Stoke City manager, has predicted that "the expectations will be massive" for this game after their impressive 3-1 win over Liverpool on Boxing Day. Stoke are unbeaten at home this season while the visitors have picked up only four away points. Stuart James
Sunderland v Tottenham, 12.45pm Saturday 29 December
Three wins in four games have altered the entire topography of Sunderland's season. Suddenly talk of Martin O'Neill's future and relegation are off the agenda but they face a tough test against Gareth Bale and crew. It is complicated by the ineligibility of Danny Rose, the Spurs left-back or midfielder currently on loan on Wearside, who has been Sunderland's best player this term. Louise Taylor
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