As the decorations go up the time fast approaches when either Arsenal or Blackburn Rovers - or quite possibly both - will have to be taken seriously or ignored.
With even the most circumspect of armchair pundits having already decided the title will go to Old Trafford, today is very much about the pretenders to the throne. No one talks a better game than Arsene Wenger and Roy Hodgson but if either man is found discussing squandered chances after today's meeting at Highbury the game could just be up.
With Patrick Vieira and Steve Bould available again after injury and suspension respectively, Wenger, will delay finalising his starting line up until shortly before kick off.
Two other ambitious sides, Chelsea and Leeds United, meet at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle's bid to keep in touch with the leading pack could be bolstered by the return after knee surgery of veteran Ian Rush.
Paul Ince's is expected to return after a three-game ban to inspire Liverpool to victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Manchester City have transfer-listed former Republic of Ireland international Eddie McGoldrick (32), who cost them £300,000 when he was signed from Arsenal in September 1996.
