Man United look ominous with the return of top stars

With the European competitions on hold for two months and the perils of the FA Cup still three weeks away, the big guns of English soccer ar...

With the European competitions on hold for two months and the perils of the FA Cup still three weeks away, the big guns of English soccer are free for a while to concentrate on Premier League matters.

While Europe’s other major leagues take the chance to rest mind and body with winter breaks, the Premier League in England marches on regardless.

The Christmas and New Year period may no longer force teams to play four matches in a week, including the Christmas Day programme last played more than 40 years ago, but the holiday period remains an important point in the English season as the league swings into its second half.

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The fixture list makes good reading for Manchester United, who have already enjoyed something of an early Christmas present in the form of league victories over chief rivals Liverpool and Arsenal — who meet at Highbury on December 29 in the period’s stand-out fixture.

While chalking up victories in their opening two matches in the second phase of the Champions League, United have also managed to win their last three Premier League games to move within three points of leaders Arsenal.

United host bottom club West Ham United on Saturday and follow up with games against Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough and Birmingham. This tempting-looking fixture list coincides with the return to fitness of David Beckham, now back in action after a six-week absence with cracked ribs, and Roy Keane, who is in training following his hip operation.

With Rio Ferdinand and Laurent Blanc also now fit, United are looking ominous. Arsenal have wobbled a little in recent weeks, losing four times in the league since mid-October, and while they still lead the way, the pack is gaining. (Reuters)