Even though he is new at Manchester United, Jose Mourinho has had enough experiences of the Premier League festive fixtures. But how will the newcomers handle the pressure that comes during that period.
Both Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte will be experiencing such for the first time. Unlike Italy and Spain where they do enjoy a winter break and allowed the players to rest, England is always active in Xmas and new year with a host of matches to be played in three different competitions.
Conte has a bright start at Stamford Bridge leaving the Blues just a point behind table topper Liverpool after a switch to the now famous 3-4-3 formation led to five consecutive wins while his counterparts at Man City Guardiola is already feeling the heat and the rigours of the Premier League.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach had the same start at the Etihad stadium but it later evaporated and the team has struggled since then, the 3-1 win over Barcelona the only exception.
It is certain that while Conte is looking forward to it with much enthusiasm Guardiola will be approaching it with mixed feelings and racking his head on how City can avoid dropping more points after drawing their third consecutive home match against Middlesbrough.
Other leagues in Europe will be off December 22 and the first week of January while clubs in the Premier League will play three games at least.
Chelsea will face Bournemouth, Stoke and Tottenham during the festive period while Man City will engage Hull City, Liverpool and Burnley.
Will Conte’s Chelsea drop points or maintain their incredible run and will Guardiola’s City make good of the period and ease the pressure on their manager.
The top four may experience a shake up during this and only the club that can do the “talking on the pitch” will scale through.