The Premier League returns on Boxing Day and here are the key things to look out for with the festive fixtures.
Can Arsenal maintain their lead?
Arsenal are top of the table at Christmas for the first time in 15 years.
Seeking their fourth Premier League title, they will be encouraged by the fact that the team who sit top of the tree on 25 December usually go on to lift the trophy.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side are being chased by a Manchester City team who have won half of their titles when trailing at this time of year.
They also have to defend their lead for a period of time without their main striker, Gabriel Jesus, who injured a knee at the FIFA World Cup 2022.
See: Does Christmas No 1 win the title?
The story of 2022/23 so far 📈#PLReturns pic.twitter.com/BLAkDbLi5r
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 23, 2022
World Cup stars' return
Premier League players were heavily involved at the World Cup, with 133 going to Qatar and 120 seeing action on the pitch.
In this unique season, how will they respond as they return to domestic action? Some will be back with their reputations enhanced after starring on the global stage. Others have suffered heartbreak with their nations.
Who will immediately hit top form after a short time back with their team-mates and who will need a little more time? How will managers handle their squads? All will be revealed in the coming days.
See: World Cup club player tracker
Players taking the knee
Premier League players will use the matches from 26-28 December as one of their dedicated match rounds to take the knee to amplify the message that racism has no place in football or society.
Players took the knee on the opening weekend and in October for Matchweeks 10-11, which were dedicated to the No Room For Racism campaign.
Kane targets festive records
Christmas tends to be a wonderful time of the year for Harry Kane and this one could be his most memorable yet.
If he scores against Brentford, the Tottenham Hotspur forward will reach 10 goals, a new mark for strikes on Boxing Day. He could also surpass Alan Shearer’s leading total of 23 for the most goals over the whole festive period. Kane is just four goals away.
On top of that, the Spurs striker is just five shy of his 200th Premier League goal. And with his team-mate Son Heung-min needing four more to reach 100, there could be milestones to celebrate in north London over the turn of the year.
See: Kane targets festive goal records
Can Haaland pick up where he left off?
Erling Haaland is well on course to win the Castrol Golden Boot in his debut Premier League season, returning to action with 18 goals to his name already.
Worryingly for rival defences, the Norwegian has been resting during the World Cup and scored in his only friendly match during the tournament. Can anyone stop him from rewriting the records books?
See: Clinical Haaland has edge over chasing pack
Can rested Salah find his form?
Three-time Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah is playing catch-up this season, scoring only six times so far. But, like Haaland, the Egyptian has had the benefit of a rest during the World Cup.
With fresh legs and a more central role up front in a new Liverpool formation, it would be no surprise to see Salah returning to his blistering best and firing sixth-placed Liverpool up the table.
FPL managers enter Second Chance league
There is great news for Fantasy Premier League managers who missed the start of the 2022/23 season or are disappointed with their world ranking after 16 Gameweeks.
A new Second Chance league has begun, where everyone starts from zero and scoring begins in Gameweek 17, with special prizes to be won at the season's end.
Since managers have unlimited transfers until 11:00 GMT on Monday 26 December, there is every incentive for them to refocus and pick the best possible squad.
See: More on the Second Chance league
More rest for players between matches
The festive fixtures traditionally come thick and fast, but this season special arrangements have been made for players to allow more time between matches played across the three festive rounds.
The rest period between Matchweeks 18-19 has been increased to ensure no club play within 48 hours of another of their matches.
New managers aim to make an impact
There were managerial changes shortly before the World Cup, and the new men in charge will be keen to instil their ideas as the league resumes.
Julen Lopetegui faces an immediate six-pointer at the bottom of the table, with his Wolverhampton Wanderers side visiting 17th-placed Everton on Boxing Day.
Nathan Jones is set for his second fixture with Southampton, while Unai Emery will look to pick up where he left off with Aston Villa, having won his last two matches, although he faces Liverpool and Spurs in his next two.
Gary O'Neil must also navigate tough festive fixtures after taking permanent charge of AFC Bournemouth during the World Cup. The Cherries visit Chelsea on 27 December and Manchester United on 3 January.
