Premier League

Brentford returned to action in typically entertaining fashion and can be expected to adopt a positive approach again at West Ham. The Bees did the double over the Hammers last season, netting twice on each occasion, and look capable of hurting United up front again.

Chelsea will be hoping to make a fresh start to their Premier League campaign following the World Cup break when entertaining Bournemouth. The Blues need to get back on track quickly after losing their last three games in this competition and should be fired up for this return.

Manchester City sensation Erling Haaland will be even more fired up than usual for Wednesday’s Premier League trip to Leeds. The 22-year-old Norway international returns to the place of his birth, with his dad Alfie having played for the Whites from 1997 to 2000.

It will be back to business for most of Tottenham’s World Cup players when they take on Brentford on Boxing Day. Harry Kane will look to move on from England’s World Cup heartbreak after missing a penalty in the last-eight defeat by France.

Aston Villa were rejuvenated by the arrival of Unai Emery before the World Cup break and are fancied to give Liverpool a tough test. The Midlands outfit memorably thrashed the Reds 7-2 at this venue two seasons ago and have been competitive in three narrow defeats since.

Southampton need to hit the ground running after the international break but past history points to a close encounter with Brighton. Since the Seagulls secured promotion to the Premier League, four of the five stagings of this fixture at St Mary’s have ended in stalemate.

Two teams desperate for a win for Christmas meet at Goodison Park when Everton host Wolves. The Toffees are hovering just above the relegation zone after just three wins this season but that is one more than their opponents who are rooted to the foot of the table.

Crystal Palace and Fulham will both be looking to bounce back from defeats when they finally resume their campaign. Palace suffered a dismal loss at Nottingham Forest while Fulham were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United deep into added time.

Man Utd have shown their good and bad sides over the past week but should have too much firepower for Fulham if on their best behaviour. The Cottagers will be content with a mid-table position but have generally come up just short against the bigger clubs.

Brighton took a while to come to terms with a change of manager but now look firmly back on track ahead of hosting Aston Villa. The visitors have had mixed fortunes since their own leadership switch and may need the World Cup break before fully embracing fresh tactics.

The hype around Newcastle has been growing recently, whereas Chelsea have been criticised during a poor run of results. However, we feel bookmakers may have overreacted in making the Blues 2/1 underdogs, having won seven of the last eight renewals of this fixture.

Wolves fared better than Arsenal in the EFL Cup this week but it is hard not to go for an away win on Premier League form. The Gunners will be determined to stay on top of the table heading into the World Cup break, while struggling Wanderers are in the relegation zone.