Liverpool start mammoth schedule in style, while Jose Mourinho's popularity soars at Spurs: The Premier League predictions

A look ahead to the action in England's top flight and a good day for Tammy Abraham

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  Newcastle v Manchester City, Saturday, 4.30pm: Raheem Sterling is certainly an inspirational figure at Manchester City, on and off the field. That has been recognised with his appearance on the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Footballers don't tend to win that award, but it's a trophy in itself to make the last six. He's having another great season for City, and will relish this trip. AFP PREDICTION: Newcastle 1 Manchester City 3

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  Burnley v Crystal Palace, Saturday, 7pm: Chris Wood has scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances, as many as he'd bagged in his previous 19. They were 3-0 winners at Watford last time out, and are up to sixth. Another great season for manager Sean Dyche, while Palace are placed just above danger. Getty. PREDICTION: Burnley 2 Crystal Palace 0

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  Chelsea v West Ham, Saturday, 7pm: You know things are not going great when fans turn against their own goalkeeper. West Ham gave Roberto some terrible stick against Tottenham from the moment he came out for a punch and missed the ball. Ironic cheers accompanied the simplest of kicks and catches. Obviously not going to help the confidence of a team already struggling. Tammy Abraham v Roberto? Look away now Hammers fans. Reuters PREDICTION: Chelsea 4 West Ham 1

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  Liverpool v Brighton, Saturday, 7pm: Liverpool are unbeaten in 30 Premier League matches. Only Arsenal (49 in 2004) and Chelsea (40 in 2005) have had longer runs without defeat. With the best will in the world, that's not going to change this weekend, and Roberto Firmino finding the goal again against Crystal Palace will give him a lift and make things even tougher. Getty PREDICTION: Liverpool 4 Brighton 0

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  Tottenham v Bournemouth, Saturday, 7pm: The remarkable Harry Kane has now scored 177 goals for Tottenham - only Jimmy Greaves (266) and Bobby Smith (208) have netted more. He only turned 26 in July, so there will be many, many more as long as he stays injury free. Harry and Jose? The jury's out, but if Spurs want those future goals to be for them, then Mourinho will have to be collecting silverware to keep the stars happy. Getty PREDICTION: Tottenham 3 Bournemouth 1

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  Southampton v Watford, Saturday, 9.30pm: Quique Sanchez Flores returned to Watford in September charged with turning round the awful start under predecessor Javi Gracia. They have scored eight goals all season and won once, so not quite going to plan. Troy Deeney will be fitter after a couple of games back from injury, and they certainly need his leadership against a Southampton side that earned a point at Arsenal last weekend. Getty PREDICTION: Southampton 1 Watford 1

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  Norwich v Arsenal, Sunday 6pm: Unai Emery - surely it's just a question of when that he becomes 'the former Arsenal manager'. The fans don't believe in him, and the players are not exactly making a compelling case for him to remain in charge. This surely is last-chance saloon, and anything but a victory at struggling Norwich will be the end. Reuters PREDICTION: Norwich 1 Arsenal 2

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  Wolves v Sheffield United, Sunday, 6pm: Wolves are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games, their longest run in the top flight for 35 years, and have scored at least once in the last 12. However, perhaps even more impressively, Sheffield United are yet to lose away since their promotion. Something has to give, surely, this weekend. PA PREDICTION: Wolves 2 Sheffield United 1

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  Leicester v Everton, Sunday, 8.30pm: It's quite a surprise Mauricio Pochettino was the only manager to get the boot in November. Several others are doing an excellent job of being the next candidate, and Everton's Marco Silva is certainly one of those. Leicester are simply brilliant at the moment, and Silva will not be looking forward to what happens next. Getty PREDICTION: Leicester 3 Everton 1

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  Manchester United v Aston Villa, Sunday, 8.30pm: Manchester United had to score three to get a point against Sheffield United; at least they're now finding the back of the net, largely down to Marcus Rashford. Villa are unpredictable but United need to get back on track. PA PREDICTION: Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 0

Liverpool face a mammoth nine games in December, and surely that workload will be the only threat to lifting the Premier League trophy in May.

The fact they still need a positive result to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages will not help, meaning Jurgen Klopp can't rest as many players as he would want.

Saturday's home game against Brighton is still in November, but the first of 10 games in 30 days. We've seen clubs fold before under such expectations, but it seems Liverpool have mastered the art of winning in the last few minutes if that's what is required.

Brighton will not be the toughest task before the New Year, and should be the first win ticked off after their game at 7pm on Saturday.

Manchester City are one of three clubs in pursuit, and have nine points to make up. They start the ball rolling this weekend at 4.30pm on Saturday with a trip to Newcastle.

High flying Chelsea host struggling West Ham at 7pm, while the final game on Saturday is unlikely to empty the streets as Southampton face bottom club Watford.

Four games on Sunday start at 6pm with Norwich against Arsenal and Wolves at home to Sheffield United, while the 8.30pm kick-offs sees Leicester v Everton and Manchester United hosting Aston Villa.

Ahead of the games, Dominic Hart provides his predictions in the photo gallery above. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.