Manchester United secured an important victory over Fulham in their last Premier League match before the break in the domestic campaign, with the Reds set to return to top-flight action later this month.
Erik ten Hag's side have only lost one competitive match since the 6-3 derby defeat to Manchester City in October, and United currently sit fifth in the Premier League table - just three points behind Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand.
The Reds face a hectic festive schedule, which starts against Burnley in the Carabao Cup on December 21, just three days after the World Cup final. Ten Hag's men will also face off against Nottingham Forest and Wolves before the new year.
United will compete in three different competitions before the end of January, with the club in EFL Cup, Premier League and FA Cup action. Putting the two cup competitions to one side - just for a moment - MEN Sport has taken a close look at the Reds' next six league fixtures, two of which come before the end of December, and compared them with those of their fellow expected top-four challengers.
Supporters will already be looking ahead to the second Manchester derby of the campaign, but the Reds need to ensure that they are focused on the three games before the clash against Pep Guardiola's side. While the games against the Blues and Arsenal will be difficult challenges, United have every right to be confident going into the matches.
*All fixtures are subject to change.