Hectic programme set to provide twists and turns

In this frantic Christmas period, where clubs are involved in four fixtures over a 13-day period, anything can happen at both ends of the Premier League standings.

Until the New Year, we could well have a new team in the top four and a reshuffle is expected in the drop zone where various teams are embroiled to avoid the dreaded drop.

Chelsea lost two priceless points at home to Everton last weekend but Manchester United failed to profit as they suffered an unexpected home defeat to Aston Villa. For the Villains, it was their first victory at Old Trafford in 26 years.

In midweek, we had the first programme of the four scheduled for this time of the year.

Title rivals Chelsea and United registered home victories over Portsmouth and Wolves respectively but Arsenal, who did so well last Sunday to beat Liverpool away, were held to a one-all draw by Burnley on Wednesday.

Liverpool, still out of the top four, got back to winning ways when they edged Wigan 2-1 at Anfield. However, it's Aston Villa who are the team of the moment. In midweek, they chalked up a second successive away win when they beat Sunderland 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.

This weekend, Chelsea, still unbeaten at home, will be involved in a London derby when they play West Ham away.

The Hammers are currently languishing in the bottom places of the standings and need to find the form of last season if they are to survive.

Their record with Chelsea is not really encouraging as they lost all their last four matches against the Blues at home.

United will also be in London to tackle Fulham at Craven Cottage. On Wednesday, Fulham booked their place in the knock-out stages of the Europa League after a 3-2 win over Basel in Switzerland. The Cottagers boast a significant record at home in all competitions as they have gone eight matches without defeat. Their last upset came in the derby against Arsenal.

This afternoon Arsene Wenger's Arsenal entertain Hull City at the Emirates. Last Saturday, the Tigers gained a useful point at Blackburn in their fight to retain their status. In their last six league matches, Hull lost only once.

Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa will be keen to add to their excellent home record, losing only once this season, when they host Stoke City today.

In their two meetings in the Premier League last term, the Potters claimed a draw at Villa Park and won 3-2 at the Brittania Stadium.

After their loss at Tottenham in midweek, Manchester City square up to Sunderland at Eastlands.

The Citizens are undefeated in front of their own fans but before their win over Chelsea, they were held at home by Hull, Burnley and Fulham.

Some quarters in the UK media reported that City's rich owners already have a £10m deal waiting for Jose Mourinho to take over the managerial seat for next season.

Liverpool travel to the south coast to play guests to Portsmouth this afternoon. The way the Reds keep losing matches after holding an early lead is frustrating to the players and fans.

Portsmouth will be keen to add to Liverpool's woes with another victory today as they look to boost their bid to move out of the bottom place.

Tottenham are also on their travels today and play Blackburn at Ewood Park.

In the past six years, the Londoners won only once at the Rovers' backyard, 1-0 in December 2004.