The English Premier League calendar is shifting into its traditional festive rhythm.
According to İdman.Biz, Matchday 18 will be spread over three days and features several games with a direct impact on the top of the table, including a head-to-head meeting between title contenders.
Ahead of the round, the title race is extremely tight. Arsenal lead the standings with 39 points, Manchester City follow two points behind on 37, while Aston Villa sit just one step away with 36. Chelsea are fourth on 29 points, level with Manchester United and Liverpool, meaning any slip could immediately reshape the standings.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa (December 27)
The centerpiece of the round will take place at Stamford Bridge, with kickoff scheduled for 21:30 local time. Aston Villa arrive in third place and hold a seven-point advantage over Chelsea, sitting directly above the London side in the table.
The main positive news for the hosts is that Enzo Maresca has confirmed the availability of Estevao Willian and Liam Delap. Both players have returned to training and are fit for selection. The status of Cole Palmer is also important, as the head coach stated that the midfielder is ready to play the full 90 minutes if needed.
However, Maresca himself will not be on the touchline due to a suspension accumulated through yellow cards. Discipline remains a notable issue for Chelsea, who have already received seven red cards this season. The London club’s injury list includes Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo, while Aston Villa are without Tyrone Mings, Ross Barkley and Pau Torres.
Aston Villa enter this crucial stretch of the season in excellent form, having won 10 consecutive matches across all competitions. Upcoming games against Chelsea and Arsenal are viewed as key tests in the title race.
Other Matchday 18 Premier League fixtures
December 26
Manchester United vs Newcastle 1:0
December 27
Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City
Arsenal vs Brighton
Brentford vs Bournemouth
Burnley vs Everton
Liverpool vs Wolverhampton
West Ham vs Fulham
December 28
Sunderland vs Leeds
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Premier League standings at the moment
1. Arsenal – 39
2. Manchester City – 37
3. Aston Villa – 36
4. Chelsea – 29
5. Manchester United – 29
6. Liverpool – 29
7. Sunderland – 27
8. Crystal Palace – 26
9. Brighton – 24
10. Everton – 24
11. Newcastle – 23
12. Brentford – 23
13. Fulham – 23
14. Tottenham – 22
15. Bournemouth – 22
16. Leeds – 19
17. Nottingham Forest – 18
18. West Ham – 13
19. Burnley – 11
20. Wolverhampton – 2
Teymur Tushiev
