Arsenal v Everton

Arsenal, at the moment, look the only team who want to win the league in terms of their recent results - and all that without Robin van Persie, whose return towards the end of the season could prove absolutely crucial.

Everton have improved of late and I think the signing of Landon Donovan on loan is a decent one. But, while their results and performances are on the right trend, I don't see them getting anything at all from the Emirates.

Verdict: 2-0

MONDAY

Tottenham v West Ham (1245 GMT)

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp had striker Jermain Defoe on the bench against Fulham but I think he will unleash him against his former team. Spurs have started to show defensively they can keep clean sheets and with that base you have to fancy them as they have pace and power in all areas.

BOXING DAY

Birmingham v Chelsea (1245 GMT)

Birmingham have been on an excellent run of nine games without defeat, which has more or less coincided with the new owner taking over.

However, it puts Blues under a little bit of pressure going into this game. Normally most of their supporters would not expect them to take any points from this fixture but now there is a level of expectation to obtain a result.

Chelsea could do with a victory and I think that they will end Birmingham's unbeaten sequence.

SATURDAY 26 DECEMBER

Celtic v Hamilton

Celtic will be really disappointed with what happened at Tynecastle last week. Leading 1-0, I just couldn't see Celtic letting it slip, but it just didn't go for them. If they had won that match, it would really have set them up nicely for the festive fixtures. They are at home to Hamilton, which ought to be the ideal chance for three points.

Hamilton will cause them problems, though, and will have a few moments in the match where they will have to score. They must take their chances. But if Celtic can keep it tight at the back, it should be a comfortable home win.

SATURDAY

Portsmouth v Liverpool (1245 GMT)

Portsmouth got a good draw with a late equaliser last Saturday and by all accounts produced a decent performance as well at Chelsea.

There's no doubt that Portsmouth's performances have not been reflected in the number of points they've won - they are a little better than their points tally would suggest.

SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER

Aberdeen v Hibernian

Aberdeen are under pressure, especially being at home. After their win over Rangers, they've suffered defeats to Celtic and Hamilton.

Hibs are still doing well overall, but need to do a lot better on the road.

Both sides will, of course, be looking to win the game, but it looks like a draw to me.

Prediction: 1-1