As we approach the busiest time of the season, Premier League clubs arguably face their most testing period, each playing three matches between 21 December and 2 January.
So, which teams have the toughest and easiest fixtures during this spell? We've crunched the numbers to provide the answer.
We've calculated the average current league position of each side's next three opponents.
The teams with the lowest numbers in the table below have the hardest fixtures ahead, because overall their opponents will generally be closer to first place in the table than 20th.
Average position of PL opponents MW18-20
| Club | Average pos. | Club | Average pos. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnley | 5.3 | Bournemouth | 11.0 |
| West Ham | 5.7 | Fulham | 11.3 |
| Arsenal | 7.0 | Luton | 12.0 |
| Everton | 7.3 | Newcastle | 12.3 |
| Sheff Utd | 8.3 | Wolves | 12.7 |
| Liverpool | 8.7 | Spurs | 13.0 |
| Nott'm Forest | 9.0 | Man City | 14.0 |
| Brighton | 9.3 | Brentford | 15.0 |
| Man Utd | 9.3 | Aston Villa | 15.3 |
| Crystal Palace | 10.3 | Chelsea | 15.3 |
Burnley's hopes of making up ground in the relegation fight could take a major hit over the festive period.
They have the toughest run of fixtures, with their opponents' league position across the next three matches averaging 5.3. They face two title contenders in Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Things aren't much easier for West Ham United, as their credentials for another European finish are given a serious test.
The Hammers take on Manchester United this Saturday before facing league leaders Arsenal and finishing off against another European rival in Brighton & Hove Albion.
Could Villa's title charge gain more momentum?
At the other end of the table in terms of fixture difficulty, Aston Villa have a wonderful opportunity to further cement themselves as Premier League title contenders, as they have the joint-best run of matches.
Unai Emery's side have won their last 15 Premier League home matches and will now host the bottom two teams - Sheffield United and Burnley - either side of a trip to Man Utd.
Chance for Chelsea to show consistency
Meanwhile Chelsea, whose average opponent rating is the same as Villa's, also have a great chance to put a run together and boost their bid for European qualification.
None of the Blues' opponents sit higher than 13th in the table, and they have been given a significant boost with Christopher Nkunku making his return from the injury that has kept him out all season up until now.
