The Premier League returns this weekend for another selection of entertaining fixtures as we continue to venture down the path of chaos that is December. We’re still very much in the early stages of the new campaign when you take one look at just how many games there are left to go before the season ends, and yet, there’s a whole lot that is already on the line for clubs up and down the table.

Today, our aim is to pick out four clubs, in particular, who we believe have a huge opportunity ahead of them in the next few days. They aren’t nailed on to pick up all three points and they may not even be the favourites, but if they can find a way to win, it could be huge for their season.

If you feel like putting some money down on any of the games we’re about to discuss, head on over to the betting page.

Aston Villa

While things haven’t been going perfectly for Aston Villa in recent weeks, their postponed game against Newcastle United may have offered them something of a lifeline. Now, with two games in hand, they’ll know that two wins in those games alone could vault them back into European contention – but only if they stay on track in their other matches. That includes the Midlands derby against Wolves, and when you consider how frail they looked against Liverpool, there could be a real chance for Villa to make some magic happen for themselves at Molineux.

Newcastle

Newcastle United aren’t going to be a team that pushes for the top six and they may not even make the top half, but what they do need to do is ensure they steer as far away from the relegation battle as possible. They’ve got enough talent within their ranks to do that but they have to show up in the games where they’re considered to be the favourites, and that’ll be the case once again this weekend when they host West Bromwich Albion.

Southampton

The Saints got back to winning ways against Brighton earlier this week and now, they’ll host bottom of the table Sheffield United with the Blades still being without a win in the league this season. If they can pick up all three points, then there is a very good chance they’ll finish the weekend in the top four – or, at the very least, they’ll stay where they are in fifth.

Liverpool

Now that Liverpool have been able to get over the jump of Champions League qualification they can focus their attention on the insane schedule that remains for them in December. They have Tottenham to think about next week but thankfully for them on Sunday, they will be taking a trip to Craven Cottage in order to face Fulham. It’s by no means a guarantee that they can win it, but it’s far more reasonable to assume that they will find success there than in their last couple of fixtures.