With Cristiano Ronaldo in rampant mood, Manchester United's drive to retain the Premier League title is beginning to look as unstoppable as their Portuguese winger.
Ronaldo's double in the midweek win over Portsmouth kept United ahead of Arsenal on goal difference and took his personal tally to a phenomenal 27 goals for the season so far.
With 14 league games left, United look to be in intimidating shape and their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, has been particularly pleased with the strength his side has displayed in the closing stages of recent matches.
PHOTO: EPA
"I think every team goes through the December program and there is a draining effect on everyone," Ferguson said ahead of his side's visit to Tottenham Hotspur today.
"What's encouraged me is that at Aston Villa in the last 20 minutes, Newcastle in the second half and late on against Reading, we looked strong," he said.
Spurs were comfortably beaten 3-1 at Old Trafford in Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie but they are a much more resilient outfit at White Hart Lane and have been bolstered defensively by this week's arrival of England central defender Jonathan Woodgate and Scotland full-back Alan Hutton, who could make his debut against United.
Woodgate impressed on his debut in the goalless draw at Everton in midweek and will relish the opportunity to impress England boss Fabio Capello by shackling Ronaldo and Co today.
Spurs boss Juande Ramos believes Woodgate could prove to be the catalyst for a significant improvement in the club's defensive displays.
"It's fair to say Jonathan doesn't know his new teammates too well but he is a player with a great deal of experience, who can bring great benefits to Tottenham," Ramos said.
Despite Machester United's form, they remain level on points with Arsenal and Gunners' midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, refuses to be intimidated by the champions.
"We need to be consistent," said the Spaniard as Arsenal prepared for their trip to Manchester City.
Chelsea travel to Portsmouth looking to extend a nine-match winning streak in all competitions and with Frank Lampard in line to make his comeback from a thigh injury.
Liverpool, without a win in five league games, entertain a Sunderland side that has been looking far sharper of late and escaped from the relegation zone with their midweek win over Birmingham.
Having slipped behind Everton, Aston Villa and Manchester City in what is now a fight for fourth spot and the final Champions League place, Rafael Benitez's Reds can ill-afford any more slip-ups.
Former Liverpool star Kevin Keegan will know how Benitez feels. With no goals and no wins, the Newcastle United boss is already under pressure just three matches into his second managerial spell on Tyneside.
Anything less than a win over northeast rivals Middlesbrough tomorrow and even the most devoted supporters may start to lose faith in Keegan's messianic qualities.
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