IN the closest title race for years, any one of six teams could be top of the league come January 2.

The traditionally tight Christmas programme sees most sides play three games in seven games, providing an excellent guide to the ones likely to stay the course in arguably the most open Premiership ever.

Here Northern Echo Sport looks at the games facing the current top six this festive season.

Today: Arsenal v Chelsea

A fascinating clash between the sides responsible for Liverpool's last two losses, a 4-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge and then the Gunners' 2-1 win at Anfield yesterday. Both clubs seem to be enjoying a good spell at the moment, and with Arsenal's suspect home form, a tight battle awaits. Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Liverpool

Unpredictable Villa dealt Liverpool an early-season blow with an impressive 3-1 win at Anfield, but as their 3-1 defeat to Derby on Saturday proved, John Gregory's men run hot and cold. The Merseysiders will be desperate to register their first points since a goalless home draw with Fulham two weeks ago and end a run that has undermined their title chances. Prediction: 0-0

Bolton v Leeds

Sam Allardyce's side confirmed they were made of sterner stuff than first feared when they followed a shock win over Liverpool with a gritty 0-0 draw at Elland Road back in September. Now though they seem to be caving in and even an under-par Leeds should get back on the winning track. Prediction: 0-2

Everton v Manchester United

David Beckham described United's first-half performance in the same fixture last season when they scorched into a 3-0 lead as the best display he had been involved in at the club. Sir Alex Ferguson's men must continue their recent good form to sustain their resuscitated title challenge, and little Everton have done this season suggests anything but an away win. Prediction: 1-2

Newcastle v Middlesbrough

Newcastle's rapid rise from European place-chasers to serious championship contenders has surprised many, not least their manager Bobby Robson. But while stunning victories over Arsenal are well and good, the real marrow in the Toon's backbone will be tested just as vigorously against the lower clubs, and the added derby spice makes this match difficult to call. Prediction: 2-1

December 29: Arsenal v Middlesbrough

It does not get any easier for Steve McClaren's men, who travel to Highbury three days later. But the Gunners will have bad memories of the same fixture last season, as Boro's resurrection from relegation certainties was completed with an extraordinary 3-0 win in north London. Such a freak result is unlikely to repeat itself, however, and Thierry Henry could well run riot. Prediction: 3-0

Newcastle v Chelsea

Another mouthwatering clash brings together arguably the season's surprise packages Newcastle's blossoming well ahead of schedule, Chelsea's gelling as a title force long overdue. Both will perhaps be overly cautious of each other's attacking virtues however, and an attractive-sounding clash could end up a bit of a damp squib. Prediction: 1-1

Southampton v Leeds

The Saints, Saturday's 6-1 thrashing at Old Trafford aside, look to be more of a robust outfit under Gordon Strachan. Their home form remains unconvincing, however, and Leeds should be favoured for travelling back up the M1 with all three points in the bag. Prediction: 1-2

West Ham v Liverpool

A trip to Upton Park is never an easy prospect, and should Liverpool do the unthinkable and lose their third straight game at Villa Park on Boxing Day, then this game could take on significant connotations for Liverpool's season. But as Manchester United have found out this season, the losing habit is curiously hard to shake off and so another upset could be on the cards. Prediction: 1-0

December 30: Fulham v Manchester United

Last season United were able to travel to Craven Cottage for a cup clash alone the third round of the FA Cup as Jean Tigana's were still in Division One, albeit miles clear at the summit. Since almost shocking United at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season, Fulham have stabilised in mid-table, and United will be hard-pressed at a ground where only Arsenal have won in the league this season. Prediction: 1-1

New Year's Day: Chelsea v Southampton

A comfortable three points are surely headed Chelsea's way, even given the first day of the year's infamous ability to throw up some unlikely results in recent years. Prediction: 4-1

Leeds v West Ham

Difficult to see David O'Leary's men not beginning the year with three points. The Hammers, freak results at Old Trafford aside, are poor travellers and have already shipped 24 goals in just 10 away games this season. Prediction: 3-0

Leicester v Arsenal

Thumped 4-0 at Highbury earlier in the season, City will no doubt be looking for some kind of improvement when they entertain the Gunners on January 1. Sadly, the Foxes' home form is even worse than their away form a solitary win over Sunderland the best Filbert Street has seen this season and Arsenal will be confident of completing a rewarding Christmas schedule with a victory. Prediction: 0-2

Liverpool v Bolton

Surely lightning will not strike twice. Certainly, Sander Westerveld's departure ensures there is no danger of him repeating the blooper that handed the Trotters their late win against the Reds at the Reebok Stadium. Retribution is likely to be exacted, at some cost to the visitors' goal difference. Prediction: 4-0

January 2: Manchester United v Newcastle

An encounter half as good as the St James' Park clash will suffice. On that occasion, the match swung back and forth before Alan Shearer grabbed a last-minute winner. If the champions have had a good Christmas and the Magpies not so, a home win could see the FA Barclaycard Premiership ominously headed by Manchester United again. If the opposite is true, victory for Robson's men could see them welcome in 2002 with breathing space at the summit. Either way, a classic is almost guaranteed. Prediction: 3-2