As the festive season approaches, the pressure on players and managers in the Premier League is increased, and the need for success is greater than ever ahead of a hectic schedule.
A full set of midweek fixtures offered very few surprises, but the drama will continue over the next few days as all 20 teams go in search of victory.
Below, Sports Mole takes a look at which three people are in the spotlight this weekend.
1. Nigel Pearson
Bottom of the table. No wins since September. The recent statistics don't make for happy reading, but the good news for Leicester City supporters is that there is still a long way to go this season. However, Nigel Pearson will be fully aware that this poor run of form cannot go on for much longer. On Tuesday, the performance was promising early on, but the Foxes were unable to avoid a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool. To make matters worse, Pearson was involved in an angry confrontation with one of his own supporters during the game. Incidents like that are often quickly forgotten, but when you're propping up the rest of the Premier League, the extra attention is not needed.
As is the case in the top tier of English football, managers will always be under pressure. It was only a few months ago that Pearson was a hero to the Leicester fans, and there is no doubt that the majority of the Foxes believe that their manager deserves more time to lead the side to safety. The club's hierarchy should not be pressing the panic button yet. Newcastle United have shown that a lot can change in the table in the space of a couple of weeks. However, with the fixtures piling up, Pearson needs his side to produce a response. A trip to Aston Villa awaits on Sunday afternoon. No other manager needs a win as much as Pearson this weekend.
2. Alan Irvine
It's that time of year again. Alan Irvine is the second manager to make our list following four successive defeats for his West Bromwich Albion side. It's fair to say that it was a surprise to see Irvine given the Baggies job in the summer, but the early signs were promising, thanks largely to the form of Saido Berahino. However, the goals have dried up for Berahino and Irvine's side are suffering as a result. Of course, the Baggies cold not rely on Berahino all season and a poor run of form was perhaps inevitable.
The performances have not always been that bad, but the fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with their team's slide down the table. You can forgive supporters for getting nervous when so many teams appear to be battling for survival this season. Irvine has insisted that he does not fear the sack, but will his opinion change if the Baggies are beaten by Hull City on Saturday?
3. Graziano Pelle
A few weeks ago Graziano Pelle was the buy of the season, and when the campaign does come to an end in May, that might still be the case. However, the Italian finds himself in what all Premier League strikers hit at some stage - a slump.
Pelle somehow managed to bypass the settling in period to immediately become one of the most feared forwards in the league. He was scoring goals with ease, terrorising defenders and leading the line impressively for the high-flying Saints. It should come as no surprise that Southampton have finally hit a stumbling block while Pelle is going through a rough patch in front of goal. Three games without a win shouldn't cause panic, but it has got some doubters wondering whether Ronald Koeman's side are set to slip down the table.
If Southampton are to get back to their best, they need Pelle on top form. A goal, no matter how it arrives, could be enough to start Pelle scoring on a regular basis once again. The tests keep on coming for the Saints. On Monday they host Manchester United, who have won their last four games. The Saints will want to prove that they can continue to challenge the biggest sides at the top of the table. Pelle will be vital if the team are going to hit their targets.
