Premier League Buildup and Fresh Soccer Updates

That remark feels a bit too relatable personally. The holiday season is invariably focused on soccer initially, family gatherings after.

It's often a challenging period for soccer fans. Is it possible to keep the necessary eye on our team while showing appropriate enthusiasm for presents, holiday meals, and family events...? We'll certainly do our best! Sorry, what was that you were saying...?

Manchester United Target Neves and Gallagher

The Red Devils are searching for midfield reinforcements. This can’t be good news for the young talent… with two former Premier League stars are targeted by the Old Trafford club.

Newcastle v Chelsea Pre-Match Preview

Newcastle v Chelsea in the early Saturday slot provides a fantastic start to start the day’s action. The Magpies occupy 12th place and Enzo Maresca’s men are in fourth. A mere six-point gap lies between them, with the Magpies’ formidable home record likely to make it tough for the Blues.

The home side could be hindered, though, due to a lengthy list of current defensive absentees. The full-back has added to Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier and goalkeeper Nick Pope in the medical room, with Lewis Hall also a doubt.

Even so, and even with the manager stating his growing admiration for the squad recently, you wouldn’t bank on an easy Chelsea win at St James’ Park. Can Maresca settle on a regular forward line? The wingers came off the bench during the midweek cup tie and found the net and look like contenders to start this one.

Predicting games like Newcastle v Chelsea in the current campaign has proven exceptionally tough.

Debate Over Elite Footballers

I notice there’s lots of discussion in the comments about the Guardian’s Top 100 players… these things are always subjective, of course. One thing you cannot argue with is Ousmane Dembélé’s place at the very summit.

10 Things to Look Out For

10 things to look out for: The scrutiny on Burnley's manager, to Wolves’ long search for a win, appeals for the striker's inclusion in the national team setup, it’s all here.

Weekend Football Recap

For those who didn't see late drama unfolded in the all-Welsh Friday night Championship clash. The shot-stopper presented Swansea with the win in the 90th minute when he dropped Ben Cabango’s header straight to the substitute. The Swans substitute was left with a tap-in to tap home for the decisive goal.

A gift from Okonkwo – who is one of Bukayo Saka’s best friends in football, incidentally, and local supremacy go to the Swans.

Steve Evans steered Bristol Rovers to their first point ending a poor run, although he said the 1-1 draw at Crewe was disappointing given the home side had 10 men for the majority. Elsewhere in League Two, Cambridge moved into the top seven with a 2-0 win over Accrington and Cheltenham picked up a 2-1 win at struggling Barrow.

Northampton cruised to a comfortable victory in the third division.

Over in Germany, the derby went Dortmund's way, with a late Beier goal to see off Mönchengladbach after Julian Brandt struck early on.

Introduction

Good morning all and welcome to another matchday live blog. It’s Saturday morning meaning pre-match excitement! It's truly a bumper day of action with no less than eight Premier League games, kicking off with the early kick-off, heading into the four 3pm kick-offs, the evening fixture, and then two 8pm games: the Merseyside and London clashes (UK time).

There is also a complete card of games in the Scottish Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two, plus lower down the pyramids along with European action. See – bumper.

Following our usual format, we welcome your interaction, so let me know your forecasts, reflections on the year now that it’s coming to an end, or your plans for a day of festive footy-ball. Should be fun!