Manchester United

The Scot probably has more to be happy about than any other manager involved in the title race at the halfway point. We examine which of the title contenders are likely to be full of Christmas cheer and which will be saying humbug to the festivities.

Manchester United

We’ll start at the top with a side some might refer to as Christmas fairies. Ferguson’s men made a pretty slow start to the season, dropping points on their travels at every available opportunity it seemed. Late goals at Fulham and Everton cost them all three points, while Sunderland, Bolton and West Brom also managed to take a share of the spoils against them.

While United still aren’t pulling up trees like they have in the past, they have done what all good teams do and that is to win when you aren’t playing well. Take Stoke away and Wolves at home as prime examples of that.

Ferguson’s men might have made a slow start but they are getting up to speed and with Wayne Rooney looking sharp again, you certainly wouldn’t bet against them winning yet another league title.

With games to come against Sunderland (11/1 to beat United), Birmingham, West Brom and Stoke over the festive period, Ferguson should feel like a kid on Christmas morning with the way his team is coming together at just the right time again.

Arsenal

Arsenal’s season so far should remind people of that big box you sometimes found under your tree on Christmas morning. Sometimes it would have exactly what you wanted in it and at other times it would be a total let down. The Gunners have been that box, on occasions out of this world and on others a wet blanket.

They go into Christmas as runners up, a position they have gotten used to in recent years given their trophy drought. However, it could have been so much better for the Gunners had they managed to control their nerves against the big sides and take their chances against others.

Arsenal fans might have believed this would be their year until another disappointing defeat to Manchester United a fortnight ago. And while United looked like potential champions, the Gunners looked way off that mantle.

Arsenal are 9/2 to win the Premier League and those odds could drift out even further if they don’t take positive results from games against Chelsea and Manchester City over Christmas. Expect Wenger to choke on his turkey when he thinks about his missed opportunities.

Manchester City

Where do you start with City’s first half of the season? At times it has been like a cracker with no bang and I think this is the abiding memory City fans will take with them into the Christmas period. Monday’s home defeat to Everton probably ruined many supporters’ Christmas wishes as they failed to secure top spot.

City look destined for another season of under achievement unless Roberto Mancini wishes really hard and gets some new toys in the new year as some of his old ones seem to have broken. For example Mario Balotelli might have plenty of potential but he doesn’t look like he will fire them to Premier League glory.

Ignoring City’s price to win the league, City are 4/11 to finish in the top four, a present many City fans would be happy to receive any time of the year. Judging by City’s season so far, expect Mancini to enjoy a dinner with all the trimmings but no stuffing.

Chelsea

What a Christmas it was shaping up to be for Chelsea supporters at the start of November. A slip up to Liverpool aside, the west London outfit were looking good for the Christmas number one spot. However, like many of us, Chelsea have endured a horrible build-up to Christmas and might be glad to see the back of it.

The best present Carlo Ancelotti will have hoped for is to have the majority of his squad fit and he has got that. The spine of the Blues – John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba – are all back and ready to power the team through the clichéd hectic festive period.

At the moment, Chelsea’s festive comparison can be made with Scrooge. They might be heading into the Christmas period dreading it but they are likely to come out the other side with a great deal of joy. Expect Chelsea to make their turnaround at Arsenal (7/5 to beat the Blues) on December 27.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.