We look at the big talking points ahead of another key round of top-flight fixtures.
Sunday 28 December 2014 13:16, UK
With another huge round of Premier League contests ahead of us, we ponder 10 questions that will be answered by the end of Monday....
Can Man City make it a perfect 10 against Burnley?
Manuel Pellegrini’s men are just one win away from breaking a club record for consecutive victories after equalling the record in the win over West Brom on Boxing Day.
Their recent nine match winning hot streak has catapulted City back into the title race and if Chelsea were to lose at Southampton then a 10th straight win could see the current Premier League champions end 2014 top of the table on goal difference.
Will the Premier League’s most clinical attack break down a stingy Southampton defence?
Despite losing four games on the spin earlier this month, Southampton still have the second best defensive record in the Premier League and will be a tough nut for 40-goal Chelsea to crack.
Saints have turned the corner with back-to-back victories against Everton and Crystal Palace while Jose Mourinho’s men are in rampaging form, winning their last five matches in all competitions.
Wayne Wonder: Can Rooney continue to shine in deeper role?
Following his two goals and an assist against Newcastle, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said Wayne Rooney is currently playing better as a midfielder than he does as a striker.
Rooney has scored nine goals in 13 Premier League appearances for United against Sunday’s opponents Tottenham and he’s just six goals away from becoming the Premier League's second highest scorer.
One in a Millen: Can Palace’s chief firefighter put out QPR’s smoking home record?
Following the sacking of Neil Warnock after a run of just one win in 12 games, Keith Millen will lead Crystal Palace for the fourth time as a caretaker manager for their crucial trip to west London.
The R’s have won all of their 17 points at Loftus Road this season and Millen, who has spoken about his desire to land the Palace role on a full-time basis in the past, could throw his hat into the ring for the position by beating Harry Redknapp’s side.
Will Arsenal continue to be West Ham’s bogey team?
The Hammers have won six of their last seven home games in the Premier League but the thought of Arsenal knocking on their door will be enough to draw sweat from their brows.
West Ham have won none of the last 12 Premier League games against the Gunners (W0 D2 L10), losing the last seven in a row.
Is it time to ask the question “are Everton moving forward with Roberto Martinez?”
Everton’s struggles on Merseyside have been overshadowed by Liverpool’s fall from grace this season but the table doesn’t lie and the reality is that Martinez’s side are just six points above the drop zone.
A defeat at struggling Newcastle, who have lost the last four, may just push the gaffer into the spotlight.
Striking sensation: Can Raheem Sterling be on the money again for Liverpool?
Since his failure to find the net against an inspired David de Gea, Raheem Sterling has scored three in three games, including firing the winner at Burnley on Boxing Day.
The England man is an interesting long-term proposition playing as a centre-forward as he has the magic in his boots to take full advantage of only half a yard of space. Swansea will need to be on their guard.
Actions speak louder than words: Will West Brom start delivering for Alan Irvine?
“We’ve not been getting the results our performances have deserved,” said Alan Irvine after West Brom slipped to their sixth defeat in their last eight games against Man City.
Well, the time is now for key players like Ben Foster and Joleon Lescott, who have made terrible individual errors in recent weeks, to put it all together for their manager. However, points will be hard to attain travelling to Stoke City.
Is a 0-0 nailed on when wayward Villa host toothless Sunderland?
This fixture at Villa Park has produced two goalless draws in the last three and the case is strong for another.
The Black Cats have failed to score in five of their last seven Premier League away matches while Villa are the lowest scorers in the division, having found the net just 11 times in 18 games.
Will the Leicester board stick or twist with Nigel Pearson if poor results continue?
Leicester travel to Hull knowing that they will end the year bottom of the Premier League table following their 2-1 Boxing Day defeat at home to Tottenham.
Now one club has taken the plunge and sacked a manager will this have an effect on the way the Leicester hierarchy assess their current predicament?
Watch Southampton v Chelsea live from 1.55pm on Sky Sports 1 HD (Sunday) and Liverpool v Swansea from 8.00pm on Monday. Plus, you can follow all the goals as they go in on Sky Sports News HQ or via our interactive blog.
