Gunners look for a happy Christmas

Arsenal start December just two points off the top of the league, knowing they will face the two sides ahead of them in the next few weeks against Manchester United and Chelsea. As well as the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes, their Champions League hopes will also be determined this month. Arsenal will host Partizan Belgrade on the 8th, in a game they need to win if they are to progress in the tournament.

First up for Arsene Wenger's men will be Fulham this weekend at the Emirates. Mark Hughes' side have been unfortunate this season and are only a point above the relegation zone. The Cottagers bounced back from their heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City to earn a brave draw against Birmingham last weekend. The Premier League betting still suggests Arsenal should win though.

Wenger will be hoping for a confident display against Fulham as they head into massive games against Partizan and Manchester United in the following two matches. After their heartbreaking defeat to bitter rivals Spurs a few weeks ago, a surprising 2-0 defeat to Braga in the Champions League followed, handing the Gunners rare back-to-back defeats.

A nervy 4-2 win over Villa lifted morale last weekend and a comfortable 2-0 Carling Cup win against Wigan means Arsenal are still very much in the title race this season. Wenger has made it clear that he is confident in his squad’s ability to handle the pressure this season and end the club's six years without a trophy and the side are some people's Betfair Football tips to take the title.

The Frenchman told Arsenal TV Online: "We are in a strong position in every single competition - that means overall the attitude is right, the spirit of the squad is right. I am confident we have the necessary quality, so let's continue to improve."

This year could be Arsenal's best chance of ending Chelsea and Manchester United's domination in the league. The young squad has spent the past few years being labelled too inexperienced to win anything, a fair summation of things in hindsight. The squad looks to have matured this season and there is an aura surrounding Arsenal again.