Many believe that December is an integral part to the season as any- tomorrow sees the start of the Premier League's busiest month. We look ahead to this weekend's action.
Saturday 1 December
West Ham vs Chelsea- Another London derby for The Blues where they will be looking to break the goal duck under Benitez. Chelsea are again without Terry and Lampard, whilst The Hammers are not without injury problems.
Arsenal vs Swansea- A win for the in-form visitors will take them above their London rivals. Key player Lukas Podolski will return for The Gunners after sitting out the midweek game against Everton.
Fulham vs Tottenham- Both sides will be buoyed by the midweek displays, so expect an exciting London derby. Keiran is available for the home side, whilst Spurs are expected to start Steven Caulker.
Liverpool vs Southampton- The Seasiders will be looking to improve on thier new found form of late, whilst Liverpool will be disappointed at not getting atleast a point from their midweek fixture against Spurs.
Manchester City vs Everton- This will be a tough test with both looking to secure all three points. The Toffees main man Leighton Baines looks doubtful following the midweek game against Arsenal.
QPR vs Aston Villa- A fixture that could prove vital for both teams, in the relagation battle. The two teams will be without important players in their defense- Rangers miss goalkeeper Julio Cesar, whilst Ron Vlaar sits out for Villa.
West Brom vs Stoke- Steve Clarke's Baggies slipped up midweek with a 3 - 1 defeat at Swansea, and Potters will hope to act upon this. But will West Brom crumble or get back on track?
Reading vs Man United- Struggling Reading play host to the league leaders. Brian McDermott has to contend with numerous injuries. Rio Ferdinand returns for the Red Devils- who will be buoyed from the news Vidic is set to return soon.
Sunday 2 December
Norwich vs Sunderland- Martin O'Niell's men pulled themselves out of the bottom three midweek, but key man Lee Cattermole has since been ruled out with a long term injury. Norwich are not sitting too distant from the relegation zone either.
