With 20 games now gone in the Premier League this season for all clubs apart from Tottenham and Everton, there are five sides who need to start winning now if they are to escape the drama of the relegation dogfight sooner rather than later.

Another sporting weekend has come and gone and it is time to reflect on what we have learnt from proceedings over the past 48 hours with FA Cup shocks and controversy aplenty (Chelsea 4/1 fav FA Cup Outright).

With the FA Cup third round coming up this weekend, here we look at five potential shocks with Premier League reputations on the line on what is traditionally one of the most exciting dates on the football calendar.

The busy period of Premier League fixtures is about to come to an end with two matches rounding off the festive programme on Wednesday, before taking a break with the FA Cup taking precedence next weekend (totesport – football).

After a busy Bank Holiday in the Premier League, there is no let up in the action as six teams do battle in matches on Tuesday that affect both ends of the table (totesport – Premier League).

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.

There is no let-up in the Premier League over the next few days with the games coming thick and fast and there are two matches coming up on New Year’s Day, as West Brom host Everton before Sunderland entertain Manchester City.

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.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish looks set to turn to struggling striker Andy Carroll for goals for the Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Friday (Liverpool 4/7 draw 3/1 Newcastle United 11/2 – match prices).

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.