Liverpool hope to extend lead against Leicester City

Liverpool's recent form and challenges

After two disappointing draws, Liverpool returned to winning ways with an impressive 6-3 victory over Tottenham last Sunday. This win extended their lead over second-place Chelsea to four points with a game in hand. However, manager Arne Slot noted that the performance wasn’t perfect, stating, "You have to be at your best throughout the game, and we did not do that."

Historic Christmas Day lead

Following the win, Liverpool secured the lead on Christmas Day for the 21st time in their history, more than any other club. They have won the title 11 times after holding the lead on Christmas Day. The Reds have also enjoyed a strong record on Boxing Day, winning their last seven matches with 20 goals scored and just one conceded.

Leicester City's struggles

Liverpool’s chances of overcoming struggling Leicester look promising. The visitors have not won at Anfield since 2000 and are currently just two points clear of the relegation zone after returning to the Premier League this season.

Ruud van Nistelrooy's focus on the bigger picture

Despite Liverpool’s dominance, Leicester’s coach Ruud van Nistelrooy remains focused on the long-term goal. He said, "If you evaluate every week as a drama or a success, that is not the professional way of working. The season is long, and we know that the end of the season is the finish line, that is the big picture for me."

Chelsea's title ambitions and focus

Chelsea's Italian coach Enzo Maresca has rejected any talk of competing for the title, saying, "I would like to be under this kind of pressure, and I hope we will be soon, but the reality is that we are not there yet." Maresca emphasiسed that Chelsea is ahead of expectations in terms of performance and points but stressed that the focus is on player and team development.

Arsenal’s bid for top spot

Arsenal, currently in third place and six points behind the top, will look to overcome Ipswich on Friday, though they will be without star Bukayo Saka, who is out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.

Manchester clubs seeking solutions

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City is searching for a way to return to winning ways after a disappointing run, winning only one of their last 12 matches. The defending champions will look to regain form when they face Everton, who have been impressive recently, going unbeaten in their last six matches.

Guardiola explained, "The problem is with many small or big details that caused us not to be as good as we were, but we have a new opportunity on Boxing Day."

Everton’s strength under Dyche

Everton manager Sean Dyche is confident his team can perform well against Manchester City, stating, "Manchester City have had so much success under Pep Guardiola, and everyone seems to have the impression it is only a matter of time before they return to winning." Dyche, however, stressed the importance of playing strongly and with determination.

Manchester United in crisis

Manchester United, under Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim, are hoping to bounce back from two consecutive losses in the league and League Cup. Amorim acknowledged the challenges, saying, "I understand that it is a difficult moment, and it is the same for me," but emphasized the need for improvement.

Nuno Espirito Santo prepares for Tottenham clash

Nottingham Forest’s coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who previously managed Tottenham, is preparing to face his former team at the City Ground. Nottingham, currently in fourth place, are hoping to secure a Champions League spot after a 40-year absence. Santo acknowledged the quality of Tottenham’s squad, saying, "What we can see is good players at Tottenham, a lot of goals scored, and they concede goals as well."