Time for Boxing Day in English soccer

Havana, December 26 (RHC)-- After a 44-day long break due to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the English soccer league will resume its rhythm today with the traditional Boxing Day.

The Premier League will be the first of the major European leagues to return to action this Monday with seven matches, including the one between leaders Arsenal and neighboring West Ham, in 16th place.

At the top of the table with 37 points, five more than their main pursuers (Manchester City), the "Gunners" are already dreaming of a league title that has eluded them since 2004.

The leaders boast an impressive record of 12 wins, one draw and one defeat, a run that could be dented by the loss of Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus.

Scorer of five goals and an equal number of assists, the South American injured his knee in Qatar and 'it is very difficult to set a date for his return,' according to coach Mikel Arteta, who said the day before.

Also on Monday, Newcastle, surprisingly in third place with 30 points, will visit Leicester (13th place), a kind of rehearsal for the League Cup quarter-finals, which they will face again in January.

Meanwhile, Tottenham (fourth) will face Brentford (10th), Southampton (19th) will play Brighton (7th), Crystal Palace (11th) will play Fulham (9th), Aston Villa (12th) will play Liverpool (6th) and Everton (17th) will play Wolverhampton (20th).

The matchday will continue on Tuesday with the Chelsea-Bournemouth and Manchester United-Nottingham Forest duels and will close on Wednesday with Leeds United-Manchester City.