England: Festive fixture list fuels Premier League title race

The hectic fixture schedule that characterises the festive period is upon us, and there is no respite for Premier League clubs. Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen believes it is a make-or-break time for the title contenders - or break, at any rate. "You certainly can't win it at Christmas, but you can lose it," he says. "It's such a big period and there are so many points to play for." Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea play four games in the space of 14 days, while Manchester United play the same number of games in 15 days - although none of the leading pack faces the programme of four games in 12 days that has angered Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers. Based on the scheduling, United appear to have a slight advantage.