Leeds United have the opportunity to dampen Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's title ambitions when they visit Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The two bitter rivals will lock horns on the other side of the Pennines for the first time since Leeds' famous 2010 FA Cup third round upset this weekend, with the Red Devils boss believing that his side are in the thick of a run of games that will determine whether or not they will be contenting for the Premier League title this term.
Tonight's clash against rock-bottom Sheffield United at Bramall Lane is the first of six games in 15 days for Manchester United, who currently sit just four places and three points ahead of Leeds in the table, albeit having played two fewer matches.
Solskjaer's side are eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool in ninth place, but the Norwegian insists his team can play a part in the title race.
"This is a big run of games for us," he said. "After the Villa game on New Year's Day, we have a little bit of a break in the league.
"So this period is going to be vital and it'll be easier for me to answer around that time. I'd be disappointed if the players didn't think we can put a challenge up. At the moment, anything goes in the league. There's different reasons for different results. I feel we're getting better but we have to improve quite a bit to take that next step as well."
Once their clash against the Blades is out of the way, the Red Devils will have three days to prepare for the visit of Marcelo Bielsa's side, who laid down a statement on intent when they thrashed Newcastle 5-2 on Wednesday night, in another energetic performance from the Whites.
With his side facing such a packed festive schedule, Solskjaer says he will have to rotate his squad.
"It's probably difficult to perform at the top level every game," he continued.
"That's why we've got to be good at rotating, resting and finding moments to give them a chance in games.
"It would've been nice with five subs, even just to be involved in a squad of 20 not 18 because that's a mental strain as well, even if some of them will maybe be happy to stay at home at Christmas.
"In these times you don't have too many places to go, so they're recovering quicker, the players have stricter rules and protocols to follow, so I think they should be able to physically cope with it if they are mentally ready for it."
