Liverpool host Arsenal in battle for Premier League Christmas No. 1

[FILE] Liverpool’s Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (L) runs with the ball as Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel closes in during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London. (Photo by Catherine Ivill / POOL / AFP)

Liverpool and Arsenal will battle for the Christmas number one spot when they meet on Saturday, each with a golden chance to open up a significant lead over absent champions Manchester City.

If there is not a winner at Anfield, third-placed Aston Villa could be top at Christmas for the first time since 1999 should their phenomenal home form continue against bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United.

The festive Premier League programme also features Manchester United’s trip to West Ham and in-form Everton’s visit to fifth-placed Tottenham.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend action.

Liverpool and Arsenal vie for top spot

Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table with 39 points from 17 matches, one ahead of Liverpool and five clear of Manchester City, who are on Club World Cup duty in Saudi Arabia.

The defending champions’ run of one win in six games prior to heading to the Gulf has opened the door to a fascinating title race.

If the Gunners win at Anfield, Pep Guardiola’s men, currently in fourth spot, would find themselves eight points adrift by the time they return to top-flight action at Everton on December 27.

Last year City put on the afterburners to chase down long-time leaders Arsenal, eventually overhauling them to win a third straight Premier League title.

But Mikel Arteta’s men look better equipped to last the course this season.

Liverpool could open up a 10-point advantage over City as they are in action twice before their