From MEN:
'Chelsea have a mixed Christmas programme. They are at home to Aston Villa on Boxing Day, away at Portsmouth on December 28 and at Liverpool on New Year's Day.
That's three matches against three very unpredictable opponents. Villa have slumped recently, but looked a decent outfit before that, and could bounce back to their best at any time.
Portsmouth have had a good run since Harry Redknapp's exit. They now have Velimir Zajec installed as their new boss and ready to take them forward. I only hope that the Pompey side who beat United in October turns up to beat Chelsea at Fratton Park.
Then there is Liverpool. They have had an indifferent campaign, but are capable of producing something special on their day. I believe that Chelsea could drop six points in those three matches.
Of course, United have their own job to do against Bolton, Villa and Middlesbrough, and it won't be easy. United haven't made the most of the little windows of opportunity that have opened for them this season. The most notable of those missed opportunities saw them fail to win at Fulham after Arsenal had drawn with Chelsea a day earlier.
If Chelsea do slip up in the next few days, then it would be a shame for United not to take advantage. If I had two Christmas wishes, I would like to see Chelsea drop a few points and United have a 100 per cent Christmas programme. And in reality? I expect the Reds to have cut Chelsea's nine-point lead to three by the end of New Year's Day.'