With Liverpool away at the Club World Cup, there are just nine Premier League matches this round as football heads into the magnificently busy festive period.
Jurgen Klopp's side hold a ten point lead, so little damage can be done before they play their next game, away to their current nearest challengers Leicester, on Thursday.
This is often the significant period in the Premier League, for teams both at the top and the bottom. Come through this cluster of games successfully and cruise into spring with a bounce in the step.
However, lose a few more and if you're in the danger areas at the bottom, suddenly the season is disappearing very quickly and relegation casts a dark shadow.
Everton are still in danger of being drawn into that latter battle, though temporary manager Duncan Ferguson has certainly injected some resilience. They face Arsenal in the opening game on Saturday at 4.30pm.
The 7pm games on Saturday include Newcastle v Crystal Palace and Aston Villa v Southampton, while the late fixture at 9.30pm is between Liverpool's distant pursuers Manchester City and Leicester.
Sunday offers lower than lowly Watford against Manchester United at 6pm, then the final match of the round sees Tottenham hosting Chelsea at 8.30pm.
Ahead of the 18th round of the season, 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.