The traditional New Year fixtures throw up several intriguing contests in the Premier League on Monday with Chelsea, in particular, desperate to bounce back from their 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa. Here we preview the games.

While most of us have lost track of the days over the Christmas period, New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday this year, and as such there is a bumper day of Premier League action to look forward to. We look at the three best bets that could have you cracking open the champagne a bit before midnight.

The traditional Christmas fixtures are in full swing, here we look at some key moments.

Six Premier League teams enjoyed a rare Boxing Day off, but they will return to action on Tuesday with three fixtures to look forward to. North London top-four hopefuls Arsenal and Tottenham are among those looking to close the gap at the top, while all-three promoted teams will be seeking a crucial three points in the battle to avoid the drop.

There are seven Premier League matches taking place on Wednesday, with five of the top seven teams in action. While the two Manchester clubs attempt to open up a gap at the top, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle will all be looking to keep pace in the chase for Europe.

Three of the top four in the Premier League are in action on Sunday on what is a pre-festive treat for armchair fans and punters alike. Here we preview the games.

The Barclays Premier League returns on Saturday afternoon with five 3pm kick offs and a teatime clash at the DW Stadium as Wigan entertain 8/1 title shots Chelsea. With the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool not playing until Sunday, the less glamorous clubs get the chance to take centre stage.

The Premier League teams will be tested to the maximum over the festive period, with a packed fixture list. Injuries and suspensions are starting to kick in and could have a major impact this weekend – with the rarity of all seven matches kicking off at 3pm.

Arsenal may have already secured top spot in Champions League Group F but there is still plenty to play for on match-day six with Marseille, Olympiacos and even a remote chance Borussia Dortmund can qualify in second place.

Sunday throws up potentially the first ’six-pointer’ of the Premier League season as Wolves welcome Sunderland to Molineux. Both teams are in rotten runs of form and are in desperate need for three points. Elsewhere, Everton will be hoping Stoke have another European hangover when they head to Goodison Park for what should be a physical encounter.