The Premier League resumes today after the winter break for the World Cup in Qatar.
It's hard not to feel football festive with seven fixtures down for decision.
Who's in your team to take on @BrentfordFC today? 🤔
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 26, 2022
The early kickoff sees Antonio Conte's Tottenham Hotspur make the trip to Brentford for a 12:30 start.
Conte admits this season has thrown up a "strange situation" for Premier League clubs.
Speaking before the game, he says he won't be alone in feeling that the turnaround between the end of the World Cup and the resumption of the top flight is too short.
"To play so quickly after only one week, after the World Cup, I'm not happy. But, I think that all managers will think like me," he said.
There are four fixtures pencilled in for 3 pm kickoffs.
Crystal Palace plays host to Fulham and Leicester welcomes high-flying Newcastle.
Waking up for the return of the Premier League like... pic.twitter.com/arQawXjZGi
— Leicester City (@LCFC) December 26, 2022
Wolves make the trip to Goodison Park and Everton boss Frank Lampard believes the home crowd can help get them over the line today.
"The onus will be on us, myself and the players, to inject the energy and engage the crowd. If we can do that, it's always a big strength of ours," Lampard said in his pre-game press conference.
"If you're a supporter, support this." 👊#NoRoomForRacism // @PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/AXCIqMOA1O
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 26, 2022
The last of the 3 pm fixtures sees Southampton playing host to Brighton.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool is on the road for the day's 5:30 start.
They face an Aston Villa side with aspirations of climbing into the top half of the table.
Today's final fixture is set for 8 pm and has top-spot Arsenal hosting London rivals, West Ham.
The leaders go into their London derby five points clear of Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta says they'll look to continue doing what they did before the break for the World Cup.
"We showed real maturity in certain moments, especially against big opponents," he said.
"The focus is to play better every single day, to keep growing individually and collectively.
"Keep deserving to win matches and that's all we can hope. Football is a very tricky game."
We've been waiting a while to say this...
Premier League football is back ❤️ pic.twitter.com/m8i52XYHXo
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 26, 2022
