1. How will the Chelsea players react to Mourinho’s sacking?
CONSIDERING HOW SHAMBOLIC Chelsea’s Premier League campaign has been, it appeared to be only a matter of time before Jose Mourinho’s second spell was brought to an end.
That said, it still came as a shock to most when the news broke on Thursday afternoon. With his replacement yet to be announced, the Blues head into Saturday’s home game against Sunderland with first team coach Steve Holland rumoured to be taking charge.
There’s no doubt several of the club’s key players downed tools in recent months and it will be interesting to see if there’s a reaction from them at Stamford Bridge.
The visit of Sam Allardyce’s Black Cats, second from bottom in the table, is unlikely to provide the toughest of tests but Chelsea really must start picking up wins as just one point separates them and the relegation zone.
2. Can Leicester stay top for Christmas?
If Chelsea’s swift demise has been the biggest story of the season so far, Leicester City’s rise to the top is the best.
Tipped by many for the drop, the Foxes’ promising start has developed into a situation where they hold a two-point advantage at the summit of the table with just one game to go until Christmas.
Tough fixtures with Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City are next up for Claudio Ranieri’s side — beginning at Goodison Park on Saturday.
After an impressive November in which they scored 14 goals in four matches, Everton have had to settle for two 1-1 draws this month but the in-form Romelu Lukaku will be looking to close in on Jamie Vardy’s recent achievement by scoring in his eighth consecutive game.
3. Will Rooney return to reach United milestone?
You would understand if Louis van Gaal wasn’t full of the festive spirit heading into this weekend’s home meeting with Norwich City.
So far, December has seen Manchester United play out a stalemate with West Ham before defeats to Wolfsburg and, last Saturday, Bournemouth.
Having been hit with several injuries in recent weeks, the Dutchman could welcome back captain Wayne Rooney as well as Ander Herrera and Chris Smalling.
If Rooney does feature he will be making his 500th appearance for the club after a three match absence with an ankle injury.
The England skipper’s form has been less than inspiring of late, however, as he has mustered up just one goal in his last eight games.
4. Will Watford continue to overachieve?
Given they were a newly-promoted side with a new manager and a huge turnover of new players, there were major questions marks over whether Watford could mix it with the big boys heading into this season.
However, Spanish coach Quique Sanchez Flores has done a magnificent job with the Hornets thus far — as their current league position in the top half shows.
It’s Liverpool at home on Sunday, before they face Chelsea, Spurs and Man City.
The Reds have blown hot and cold under Jurgen Klopp but a win would see them leapfrog Watford.
5. Can the final game of the weekend live up to its billing?
On Monday night, second host third as Arsenal entertain Man City at the Emirates Stadium.
There’s no telling who will be crowned champion come next May given how unpredictable the current campaign has been, but these two look best placed as it stands.
There’s some good news on the injury front for the both clubs as Alexis Sanchez could return for the Gunners while Manuel Pellegrini could welcome back Sergio Aguero after a four-match absence due to a heel injury.
If Leicester slip up against Everton, a win for either will send them top of the table.
