Man City, Arsenal and Top 6 Clubs Next 6 Premier League Games Compared

• The Premier League returns on Boxing Day and there are tasty fixtures lined up
• All eyes will be on leaders Arsenal and Manchester City, the early contenders
• The other top six sides are also in action and will look to keep pace with the top four
• Here's how their next six fixtures compare

After a long break, the 2022/23 Premier League season returns on Boxing Day 26th December. Leaders Arsenal are looking to strengthen their grip on top of the table.

Defending champions Manchester City are hoping to close the gap on Mikel Arteta's side.

The likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Newcastle United are vying for a top-four place.

The Magpies have been the surprise package this season. They are third in the table, seven points behind Arsenal and two behind Man City. Eddie Howe's side have the joint-best defensive record.

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The first 14 matches have shown the league battle will be between Arsenal and Man City. The title race and the top four race is set to be exciting for the second half of the season.

How do the next six fixtures compare?

1. Arsenal - 37 points

West Ham United (H) - December 26

Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - December 31

Newcastle United (H) - January 3

Tottenham Hotspur (A) - January 15

Manchester United (H) - January 22

Everton (A) - February 4

The Gunners' fixtures are tough on paper. the north London derby away from home, Man United's test at home and Newcastle's clash are big games that would go a long way in deciding if Arsenal can go all the way, per Eurosport.

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2. Manchester City - 32 points

Leeds United (A) - December 28,

Everton (H) - December 31,

Chelsea (A) - January 5,

Manchester United (A) - January 14,

Tottenham Hotspur (H) - January 19,

Wolves (H) - January 22,

City lost their last league game before the break, allowing Mikel Arteta's side to open a five-point gap. A Manchester derby away from home and an away clash at Chelsea are tough assignments. Considering Erling Haaland took a long break, they should comfortably win most of those matches.

3. Newcastle United - 30 points

Leicester City (A) - December 26

Leed United (H) - December 31

Arsenal ( A) - January 3

Fulham (h) - January 15

Crystal Palace (a) - January 21

West Ham (h) - February 4

Newcastle have won their last five league games in a row. They are third in the table and most of their next six fixtures are winnable as they look to secure a place in the top four, per Goal.

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4. Tottenham Hotspur - 29 points

Brentford (A) - December 26

Aston Villa (H) - January 1

Crystal Palace (A) - January 4

Arsenal (H) - January 15

Manchester City (A) - January 19

Fulham (A) - January 23

Spurs struggled a bit in their last few games before the break but finished on a high by beating Leeds 4-3. They have won two of their last four games. On current form, their next six fixtures are tough. A top-four place could be in jeopardy if they can't regain their early-season consistency.

5. Manchester United - 26 points

Nottingham Forest (H) - December 27

Wolves (A) - December 31

Bournemouth (H) - January 3

Manchester City (H) - January 14

Arsenal (A) - January 22

Crystal Palace (H) - February 4

Erik ten Hag's team narrowly beat Fulham in their last game and caught fire at the right time. Their home fixture against Man City and an away showdown with Arsenal will be difficult. However, they've shown they can go toe to toe with the best in the business.

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6. Liverpool - 22 points

Aston Villa (A) - December 26

Leicester City (H) - December 30

Brentford (A) - January 2

Brighton & Hove Albion (A) - January 14

Chelsea (H) - January 21

Wolves (A) - February 4

Liverpool regained form before the World Cup but an injury setback to Luis Diaz a few days ago disrupts their preparations. Their next six games, however, are favourable.

7. Chelsea - 21 points

Bournemouth (H) - December 27

Nottingham Forest (A) - January 1

Manchester City (H) - January 5

Fulham (A) - January 12

Crystal Palace (H) - January 15

Liverpool (A) - January 21

Chelsea's form under Graham Potter has deteriorated after a great start. They have lost five of their last six matches. Can Potter arrest the terrible form? Potter remains under pressure, per FourFourTwo.

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Sports Brief earlier reported on five managers who could replace Potter as Chelsea boss if Todd Boehle decides to make a decision because of the poor form.

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A run of poor results has seen Chelsea manager Graham Potter come under increased pressure from fans, with some calling for the former Brighton boss to be fired.

Despite only being appointed manager in early September, Potter could be walking on thin ice, with no Premier League win in Chelsea's last six matches.