The upcoming weeks have the potential to shift the balance of power in the Premier League to one of the two Manchester clubs, with the division top two in action against tricky opposition. City currently hold a five-point advantage at the top of the pile, but United will not fade quietly into the night; both must overcome good sides in the near future if they want to take the impetus going into Christmas.

Watch the best of Premier League action this Christmas with Sky HD. Already have Sky? Upgrade to Sky Sports online and save £5. Get Sky HD or upgrade to Sky Sports now.

Chelsea vs Man City

Roberto Mancini’s men will follow their trip to Anfield by travelling to face another of the league’s top six sides, in the form of Chelsea, on Monday 12th December. The Stamford Bridge club may have lost some of their early season form, but Andre Villas Boas will be determined to avoid seeing his title ambitions slip through his grasp.

The London club will be no pushovers for the Etihad Stadium outfit, and City will need to prove that they can go to places like Stamford Bridge and perform if they are to be deemed as real Premier League champions material. The Blues will look at the game as an ideal way to bring themselves back into contention, and with 12 points between the clubs at the time of writing, an away win could leave the hosts staring at an insurmountable points gap.

Monday, 12th December, 7:00pm on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.

Arsenal vs Man City

City’s busy schedule of Premier League and Champions League fixtures is compounded by Carling Cup responsibilities, with an away tie against Arsenal in the quarter finals to look forward to on Tuesday 29th November.

Both sides will see other competitions as their priorities this season, and fringe players may well get their chance in this game. Despite this both sides would be advised to take the Carling Cup seriously, as silverware is only three victories away. The Gunners fans are desperate for an end to their trophy drought, whilst City’s plans to dominate the game in England will not involve elimination from the cup.

Tuesday, 29th November, 7:30pm on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD 2.

QPR vs Man United

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have seen slight inconsistency creep into their form of late, with setbacks domestically and in Europe meaning that the Premier League champions have work to do to ensure it will be a successful season. The trip to Loftus Road on Sunday 18th December will test their resolve going into the Christmas period.

QPR recently claimed the scalp of Chelsea at home, and with the ambitious plans of owner Tony Fernandes, will look to take the game to their illustrious opponents. United have fixtures coming thick and fast in three competitions, and Neil Warnock will look to catch The Red Devils on an off day. Ferguson however will be keen to keep pressure on City, and will field a string side to overcome the advances of the London team.

Sunday, 18th December, 11:30am on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1.

Watch Live Football On Sky HD

Don’t miss out on any live Premier League games over the holidays – with Sky Go, you can watch live football wherever you are over the holiday season, on your iPad, iPhone or laptop. Get Sky Go.