Premier League Boxing Day fixtures investigated: some Christmas cheer for Manchester United

Van Gaal’s Stern Test After discussions between Manchester United’s senior players and manager Louis van Gaal about how to halt its decline in form, the squad heads to Stoke under intensifying pressure to ease the scrutiny surrounding the Dutchman. With that in mind, we may see United play a more offensive game than we’ve seen in recent weeks.

“I think we aren’t ready to fight to be champions, ” he said, even as Leicester sits two points in front of Arsenal and six ahead of Manchester City.

Things also look good for Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Chelsea vs Sunderland match at Stamford Bridge drew attention for the poisonous atmosphere that prevailed at Stamford Bridge. He could be blamed for their failure to get the national team to the Euro 2016 finals but we won’t go into that now. They have won their last three Boxing Day games but prior to that failed to win one since 2005, on the way enduring disappointing results against the likes of Birmingham, Fulham and Aston Villa.

Chelsea are reportedly showing an interest in signing the English striker, who has two-and-a-half years left on his current deal.

The club’s top hit man who doubles as the leading scorer in the premier league, Jamie Vard, y surrenders himself wholly to the spiritual exercise as the monk performs all “necessary” rights. This time a year ago the Foxes were rooted to the bottom of the table and faced nearly certain relegation. They’ve spread out the games this year too, putting them in four different television slots.

He takes his side to Liverpool and, although Klopp’s team has struggled recently, Ranieri is expecting a hard match.

Tottenham faces Norwich at White Hart Lane on Saturday and, with the club having lost only twice in 17 league games this season, Mauricio Pochettino’s side heads into a busy period with plenty of momentum. Injuries and suspensions • Liverpool: Sturridge, Lovern, Milner, Skrtel, Gomez and Ings are all injured for Liverpool • Leicester: Schlupp and Drinkwater will be missing for Leicester Verdict: This game has goals written all over it and should be one of the more entertaining games this weekend. Arsenal on the rise Arsenal travel to Southampton with growing belief of mounting a serious title challenge.