It has been a very energetic start by Leeds as rain hammers the Elland Road pitch. The hosts attack early, lose possession but then are quick to swarm the Burnley player on the ball to try and get it back quickly. They look up for this.

Under way in our three 14:00 GMT games.

Nigel Reo-Coker
Former West Ham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

Football has changed from when I played and there was a bit more loyalty, football is a business now and money talks. We don't know what Leeds bosses are thinking about their plan for Raphinha.

It's a very difficult time to lose someone of Raphinha's quality, but they'll have to speak to him and make promises to him to make him happy.

Burnley

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley are winless in 10 Premier League away matches since a 2-0 victory at Fulham on 10 May.

Sean Dyche's side have lost their opening league game in four of the past five calendar years.

Just under 10 minutes to go until kick off in the three early afternoon games. It might just be down to who the person operating the cameras at Leeds and Everton is focusing on but the fans being shown look either glum or nervous.

All will be hoping to kick off the new year with a win and a convincing performance that gives them hope that their side can achieve their aspirations in the remainder of the season.

Nigel Reo-Coker
Former West Ham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

I know Tyrone Mings from my time at Ipswich. I told him he had the physical attributes to be the next Tony Adams or Martin Keown. But he needed to simplify his game and he still does now.

His body language hasn't been helpful and he's been at fault for quite a few games. If you're captain, you need to lead by example. I do think John McGinn is a good choice for captain.

Image source, Getty Images

Nigel Reo-Coker
Former West Ham midfielder on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's not rocket science - for Leeds to get out of this situation, the fans have to play a big part. Their home ground needs to become a fortress. We know the sort of atmosphere that can be generated.

The fans have been patient, which has been helpful. The only thing the fans can do now is really be that 12th man for the players and lift them up, I've experienced that when I've been down as a West Ham player and it's important.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Remember how old it made us all feel when players born in 2000 started making appearances in the Premier League? Doesn't feel that long ago.

Well, Aston Villa have 16-year-old Josh Feeney on the bench today. If he comes on, he will be the first player born in 2005 to play in the Premier League...

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has shown today's hosts Brentford plenty of respect in his pre-match interview.

"I've had a bit of a fascination with Brentford for a couple of years because they do things slightly different from most. I really like the way their manager comes across," Gerrard told Sky Sports.

"I've kept a good eye on them, I know how they play and I know their style really clearly - the difficult thing and the challenge for us is can we cope with it here?

"We know the fans are right behind them and close to the pitch, so we have to match their physicality and when our time comes we need to go and hurt Brentford today.

"We've shown we can compete against the top sides but we haven't got the results that maybe the performances have deserved but certainly today we will have no fear, we'll have respect and we'll go for it."

Brighton & Hove Albion

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Brighton have earned a league-high five points this season through goals scored in the 90th minute or stoppage time.

Villa boss Steven Gerrard returns to the dug-out today after missing their Boxing Day defeat by Chelsea while isolating after a positive Covid test.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I'm fine, I didn't have any symptoms and it was really frustrating to be at home in that situation but it's good to be back and nice to be on the sidelines - and hopefully I can see a bit more from there.

"We've still got a few injuries and we've got a few that have got Covid problems as well - that's the reason why a few big hitters are missing today and Tyrone (Mings) is suspended as well.

"So it's a good test today to see how strong our squad is. People have been a little bit frustrated at the game time they have had of late but now I'm going to throw the gauntlet at them and say 'go on, there's your opportunity, go and take it'.

On the absence of striker Ollie Watkins, he added: "I'm not sure I'm in the position to give you the details on it but we have got a mixture of Covid and injury problems at the moment. Ollie should be back for the next game."

"The Axel (Tuanzebe) situation is slightly different as there's a lot of noise in the media whether he will be here moving forward [the on-loan Manchester United defender has been linked with a switch to Napoli] and we will know that in the next couple of days."

Everton

Rafael Benitez's side have only won once in 11 league matches since the start of October (D3, L7). It's the worst top-flight record across October, November and December in the club's history.

The Toffees will be hoping the return of Dominc Calvert-Lewin today can spark an upturn in form at the start of the new year.

James McFadden
Former Everton forward on BBC Radio 5 Live

It would be difficult for the losing side to get back into [the title race], but not impossible. It was already a huge game; maybe they were planning for this game thinking Manchester City would win, so plan for that and approach it in that way. It is still a huge game regardless.

Nedum Onuoha
Former Manchester City defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

It feels like there is more pressure on this game than on the City game. City have earned the right to be in that position but for Chelsea and Liverpool, it is going to be so interesting. A draw doesn't feel progressive; you are hoping one team wins and that has the potential to eliminate one other [from the title race]. If you are eight points back heading into the final stretch, you don't really fancy your chances, do you?