Gunners on top going into 2008

The turn of the year can be both an inspiring and a daunting time for English Premier League clubs as they reach the end of a congested holiday fixture program and contemplate the challenges that lie ahead in the second half of the season.

Someone who opts for the positive outlook is Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager.

Rather than share any shred of self-doubt, Ferguson, 66 yesterday, prefers to play mind games with United's title rivals.

The reigning champions' surprise 2-1 defeat away to West Ham United, combined with Arsenal's 4-1 victory at Everton, means it is the Gunners, not Ferguson's men, who start the year with a two-point lead at the top of the table.

And Ferguson did his best to up the pressure on the Londoners by saying: "I always feel if you reach New Year on top you have a massive chance."

The Gunners' manager, Arsene Wenger, whose team are at home to West Ham today, sees no reason why their "beautiful game" cannot be a winning game as well.

"We want to win and play the football we love," the Frenchman said. "I am convinced that is the best way for us."

Ferguson's United are at home to Birmingham City, while Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth are away to Reading, whom they beat 7-4 earlier in the season.

New Fulham manager Roy Hodgson, the bulk of whose career has been spent overseas, including spells with Inter Milan and Malmo, starts his time in charge of the second-bottom Cottagers at home to third-placed Chelsea.

Today's other fixtures see improving Aston Villa at home to Tottenham with Spurs fans hoping Dimitar Berbatov will not be leaving them during the transfer window despite the striker being linked with a move to Manchester United, while Middlesbrough are at home to Everton.

A win tomorrow for Newcastle United over Manchester City would be especially timely for under-pressure manager Sam Allardyce.

Liverpool, yet to be crowned champions in the Premier League era, could be 13 points off top spot by the time they kick off at Anfield against Wigan Athletic.

Sunderland, fresh from a 3-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers, continue their fight against relegation away to Blackburn Rovers, who beat basement club Derby County by the same scoreline last weekend.

The Rams travel to Bolton Wanderers for another relegation six-pointer.