Premier League predictions: Rangnick wins with Man United, Chelsea stay top

Picking out the winners and losers from the latest round of English top-flight fixtures

SATURDAY - West Ham v Chelsea (4.30pm UAE): Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was frustrated after his side's "lucky" midweek win against Watford - but the fact the league leaders still took three points is an ominous sign. West Ham's good form has stalled of late, taking one point from last three games. Prediction: West Ham 1 Chelsea 2. AP

Newcastle v Burnley (7pm): Will it be 15th-time lucky for Eddie Howe's struggling side? They take on third-bottom Burnley knowing anything less than first a win of the season will leave them with an ever growing mountain to cilmb to avoid the drop. Burnley, after five draws in seven games, could do with turning one point into three. Prediction: Newcastle 2 Burnley 1. Reuters

Southampton v Brighton (7pm): It shows how good Brighton's start to the season when you consider they still sit ninth in the table, despite having gone nine games without a win, with seven of those draws. The Saints are hovering two places above the bottom three having taken one point from their last three games. Prediction: Southampton 1 Brighton 1. Getty

Wolves v Liverpool (7pm): The Liverpool goal machine is currently in top gear after the Reds smashed local rivals Everton 4-1 - the third game in a row they have scored four. Wolves have the joint best defensive record in the division - level with Liverpool in conceding only 12 goals - but also the second worst attacking, scoring just 12. Prediction: Wolves 0 Liverpool 2. Getty

Watford v Manchester City (9.30pm): Claudio Ranieri is struggling to prevent the Hornets being dragged into a relegation battle after losing five of his seven games in charge. They are three points and once place outside the bottom three and face a Manchester City side who have won four on the spin. Prediction: Watford 1 City 4. AFP

SUNDAY - Leeds v Brentford (6pm): Raphinha's injury-time penalty earned Leeds a much-needed win against Crystal Palace. After a bright start to the season, newly promoted Brentford are finding life tough in the top-flight, winning once in seven games. Prediction: Leeds 2 Brentford 0. PA

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the 3-2 during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC in Manchester, Britain, 02 December 2021. EPA/PETER POWELL EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club / league / player publications

Tottenham v Norwich: Antonio Conte's reign at Spurs has seen them take seven points out of a possible nine and they sit sixth in the table, two points outside the top four. Second-bottom Norwich earned a late draw at bottom side Newcastle on Tuesday but Teemu Pukki's superb volley on Tyneside was only their eighth goal in 14 games this season. Prediction: Spurs 3 Norwich 0. AP

Aston Villa v Leicester (8.30pm): James Maddison scored for the third game in a row to grab Leicester a late point at Southampton that leaves them 10th in the table after an erratic start to the season. Villa's new manager Steven Gerrard tasted defeat for the first time as they were narrowly beaten by Manchester City on Wednesday. Prediction: Villa 3 Leicester 2 PA

MONDAY - Everton v Arsenal (midnight): Could Rafa Benitez's reign at Everton be coming to an end already? Their 4-1 Merseyside derby humbling by Liverpool saw furious home fans make their feelings clear about the manager and the club's board. Eight games without a win is about to become nine in front of a hostile Goodison Park. Prediction: Everton 1 Arsenal 2. EPA

Forget about the managers moaning about tired players, just sit back and savour the relentless December playing schedule.

Just two days after the midweek fixture list came to an end, the Premier League is back in action once again.

Starting us off on Saturday is the London derby between West Ham United and table-toppers Chelsea. Rock-bottom Newcastle entertain Burnley, Southampton take on Brighton at St Mary's Stadium, Wolves face Liverpool in the Midlands and Watford play host to Manchester City.

Sunday kicks-off with Leeds United versus Brentford in Yorkshire, Manchester United tackle Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, Tottenham Hotspur are at home to Norwich City and Aston Villa face Leicester City at Villa Park.

Finally on Monday, Everton take on Arsenal at Goodison Park.

In the gallery above, you can see our predictions for the midweek games. To view the next image, click on the arrows or swipe if on a mobile device.