LONDON: Manchester United hope to strike a major Boxing Day blow as the Premier League title race enters its most hectic period of the season Sunday. United heads into the latest round of fixtures at the top of the table with Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who have a game in hand, two points clear of Arsenal and Manchester City, with champion Chelsea a further point adrift in fourth place. United has yet to lose in the league this season, having won nine and drawn seven of their 16 matches. It welcomes a Sunderland side managed by former United captain Steve Bruce to Old Trafford Sunday knowing the Black Cats have already won at Chelsea this term. Victory for United would enable it to go five points in front of Arsenal before the Gunners faces Chelsea, which has gone five games without a win, in an all-London clash Monday. Postponements brought about by the cold snap in Britain have left Chelsea without a game for more than two weeks but striker Didier Drogba will certainly fancy his chances Monday after scoring 13 goals in 13 games against Arsenal. Another London derby could have a key bearing on the relegation race with Fulham, above the drop zone on goal difference alone, facing bottom of the table West Ham – currently three points behind the Cottagers. Wolves face Wigan in a relegation zone dogfight while, at the top of the table, Manchester City will look to maintain its title bid away to Newcastle. – Agence France
