10 key Premier League games to look out for in the 2015/16 season

4) Manchester United v Chelsea (December 28)

Manchester United and Chelsea meet during the busy festive period in December

The Christmas period is always action packed and hold a lot of importance since the games come thick and fast. A good run can put a team in a position of strength, given the quick turnaround, while points dropped can have the opposite effect.

And two days after Boxing day, two giants of English football collide as ‘The Special One’ takes his champions to face his master at Old Trafford. Last season the two sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at the Theatre of Dreams, but with plenty of new signings expected over the summer at United, Van Gaal’s side could pose a much greater threat to Chelsea and their title defence next season.

However, it won’t be any easy for the Red Devils after a potentially draining trip to Stoke City they host the Blues, who will be coming off the back of a home against Watford. This game will be tough for both sides but has the proverbial six-pointer written all over it. And also a chance for Radamel Falcao to play against his old club, maybe.

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3) Newcastle United v Sunderland (March 19)

Sunderland have won the last five Tyne-Wear Derby fixtures in the EPL

This is a massive rivalry up in the north-east between Newcastle United and Sunderland as both teams have fallen on tough times in recent seasons. It looks like it could be another struggling campaign for both clubs, with a mid-table finish the goal, but this game will be of huge significance.

This is the one that the Toon Army dreads. Newcastle have lost to their rivals from Wearside in each of the last five occasions and this is the fixture that makes or breaks one’s reputation. Steve McClaren must try and do what Alan Pardew and John Carver have failed to do in the last five years, that is to deliver the Magpies their first home win over their bitter rivals since 2010, and that would make the former England boss a popular figure at St James’ Park.

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat, on the other hand, already has a derby victory under his belt and will be looking forward to this big derby game.