Holiday plotlines to make or break season of goodwill

Titles aren’t won during the congested holiday programme but the period sets the tone for the second half of the season while the arrival of the January transfer window can prove a tipping point in determining the futures of individual managers and players. Here are five questions that could be answered during the next few days.

Are Chelsea champions in waiting?

In different circumstances, all bets would already be off. Antonio Conte’s side have grown in stature and confidence during a fearsomely impressive 11-game winning streak that has moved them six points clear at the head of the table, while history shows that on the four previous occasions they have topped the Premier League table at Christmas, they have gone on to win the title.