A look at the Premier League predictions for Saturday’s action involving the biggest London clubs.
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Saturday sees the London clubs return to Premier League action for the first time after Christmas, with the usual Boxing Day flurry of fixtures delayed by a day this year. But the games should be worth the wait, and the fixture of the weekend is arguably the all-top four clash between Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Elsewhere, Arsenal take on Brighton as they look to protect top spot and Tottenham take on Crystal Palace in a battle between two London sides who are very much out of form. Here we round up the predictions for all those games from SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson and BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton.
Arsenal vs Brighton
Paul Merson
“Arsenal have had some injuries to deal with in recent weeks, but I still think they win this game comfortably. There's a lot of talk about Arsenal facing a tough run of fixtures over the next few weeks. However, purely based on their performances this season, it's quite clear they are well-equipped to deal with this run.
“If they beat Brighton and follow that up with a win over Aston Villa on Tuesday, I believe they have sealed the Premier League title! I just can't see them not winning the league if that happens. Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Brighton & Hove Albion.”
Chris Sutton
“People are saying that Arsenal are wobbling but I think they have had their wobble, really, when they scraped past Wolves. The Gunners won 1-0 at Everton last time out, and it was a bit of a battle, but they were up against a David Moyes side so I didn't expect anything else.
“My only criticism of Arsenal at the moment is that Viktor Gyokeres shouldn't be taking their penalties - Bukayo Saka should, because he is in my Fantasy team. It really annoyed me to see Gyokeres scoring from the spot against the Toffees. It won't be easy for them against Brighton, but I still think they should win this one. The Seagulls are such a strange team, and they are extremely difficult to predict.
“They have not won any of their past four games but they pushed Liverpool all the way when I watched them at Anfield recently, and I think they will do the same here. Prediction: 2-0.”
Chelsea vs Aston Villa
Paul Merson
“It's Morgan Rogers vs Cole Palmer this weekend, isn't it? What a brilliant game this will be! A year ago, it was certain that Palmer would be part of the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. But now, Rogers has gotten ahead of him.
“Palmer has actually scored fewer league goals than Emile Smith Rowe in this calendar year! We're talking about two individuals here, but football is a team game as well all know it. And if we look at these teams as a whole, there isn't a lot between them.
“Aston Villa weren't at their best against Manchester United. They got that point thanks to Rogers' two incredible goals. Villa can't keep hoping for Rogers to do that every weekend. I'm not saying they are a bad team, but if they want to win the league, we need to see more from them as a unit.
“I'm going for a draw here, but if someone told me I had to pick a winner, I would go with Chelsea and I don't know why I get that feeling! Prediction: Chelsea 2-2 Aston Villa.”
Chris Sutton
“I could not believe that Aston Villa were getting criticism on the Monday Night Club because they are only winning games by the odd goal. I made the point that I don't remember going in the dressing room as a player and being down about only winning 2-1.
“They are on an incredible run of 10 wins on the spin, including beating Arsenal and Manchester City. Morgan Rogers is on fire, and I think you have to respect them as title contenders. This is a real test for them, however, and it is only a few weeks since we were saying the same about Chelsea being in the title race after they drew against Arsenal with 10 men.
“I played for both these clubs and am highly thought of by both sets of fans. It is the Chelsea fans who I think will be smiling at full-time, though, once they've finished singing my name. I have got a lot of time for Blues boss Enzo Maresca, who is like Villa manager Unai Emery in the way he sticks to his footballing principles.
“Chelsea showed their resilience when they fought back from 2-0 down to draw with Newcastle and I can see them digging in again here, to end Villa's winning run. Prediction: 2-1.”
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace
Paul Merson
“That loss to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup would have hurt Crystal Palace. Every time I see Palace play, they give me the impression of a team that looks tired. These many games have surely stretched them a bit too much. Palace could leapfrog Manchester United if they win this game though.
“Tottenham were poor against Liverpool. I can't see them winning this game either. Is this a do-or-die game for Thomas Frank? Well, Spurs have had many other top managers who have failed at the club. So there is a clear problem at the club that no one has been able to fix.
“If Spurs can sign Semenyo, that will give them a huge boost. It will inspire the fans because Tottenham have always missed out on big signings to their rivals in the past. I believe that the signing of Semenyo could buy Frank some much-needed time. Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur.”
Chris Sutton
“Both teams have got problems at the moment. Crystal Palace have been feeling the effects of a heavy schedule, and at the moment their squad seems really stretched. That's the main reason I am thinking Tottenham might get something at Selhurst Park and, let's face it, Thomas Frank really needs to.
“Frank must be hoping the way his team played with nine men against Liverpool can kick-start his side's season, but I'm not sure that will happen. I am certainly not going to back them to win this one, but I am hardly confident about Palace's chances either. Prediction: 0-0.”