The only request on Sir Alex Ferguson's list to Farther Christmas will be a full 3 points at Old Trafford when playing local rivals Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

Considering the recent form of the respective clubs, one may assume this will be a definite Red Devils win, however, Bolton are prone to pulling off a surprise victory over their close neighbours.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side have picked up 16 points from their past 6 games, making them the most in-form team in the Premiership whilst Sam Allardyce's Trotters have lost 5 of their past 6 games.

Pundits were tipping Bolton for a place in Europe but if they carry on playing the way they've been doing recently, the only way is down.

Speaking about games around the festive period, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It's a hectic period and like most clubs with strong squads we'll be using ours. We'll make changes at the right time though. We'll have had an eight-day break (when we play Bolton) since the last game so it's very difficult to make changes straight away. It'll depend on how the lads are who performed last week."

"Bolton have had a little hiccup recently but all teams have those. Sometimes you can get one or two injuries and it can upset the balance of the team." he added about their Boxing Day opponents.

United will be bolstered up the return of Gabriel Heinze and Cristiano Ronaldo following their short Christmas break, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed. "They'll both be added to the squad which will give me more cards to deal with." Ferguson made clear.

The United faithful were rocked by the news that striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will be out for just under 2 months with a calf problem. Kleberson and Louis Saha are also missing.

Bolton's on-loan forward El-Hadji Diouf has completed a 3-match disciplinary ban and returns to the side but are likely to be without defender Radhi Jaidi.

ManUtdWeb Prediction: Manchester United 2 - 0 Bolton Wanderers: Taking the form of the two clubs in account, I really expect United to win this one. Bolton have got a tendency to swipe points off us though, but I'm sure Santa will listen to my wish and help us take maximum points!