English Premier league leaders Manchester United travel to Middlesbrough on Sunday almost exactly a year after a season-defining 3-1 home defeat by the same opponents.

That loss at Old Trafford left United in third place, seven points adrift of Arsenal. Far from derailing there title challenge, however, it merely fuelled their desire.

Alex Ferguson's team won their next six league games and suffered no more defeats as they overhauled Arsenal to claim their eighth Premier League title since 1992.

This time around United are already in the driving seat after a fourth consecutive league win, 3-2 at home to Everton on Friday, put them a point clear of Arsenal.

That victory was achieved despite Ferguson leaving Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Ruud van Nistelrooy on the bench and skipper Roy Keane resting a tight hamstring.

They should all return for the visit to a rejuvenated Middlesbrough side who have not suffered a league defeat since October, thanks largely to a defence which has leaked just two goals in that time.

"Most teams find it very difficult going to Middlesbrough, their defensive record has been exceptionally good and we know it's going to be a tough game," Ferguson said of the clash against a side managed by his former assistant Steve McClaren.

"But we have players coming back fresh and at this time of the season the incentives to remain at the top now are big for us so hopefully we can do that."

Victory would guarantee United first place going into the new year and turn up the heat on Arsenal who face a tricky trip to Southampton on Monday.

Arsenal beat the south coast club in last season's FA Cup final, but they will remember a 3-2 defeat at St Mary's in the corresponding league clash last November.

Sol Campbell was sent off in that game while Southampton's James Beattie scored a memorable goal.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "Beattie scored a great free kick against us down there last season and we know we have to work hard against him again.

"He is a big danger because he fights for every ball in the air and if he gets a chance in or around the box then he can quickly put it in."

Third-placed Chelsea's hopes of a first title since 1955 could hinge on how they bounce back from Friday's 4-2 defeat at Charlton Athletic -- their third loss of the season.

They have picked up only four points from four matches since topping the league earlier this month and another poor result at home to Portsmouth on Sunday could wreck their challenge.

"I know this is our bad period but it's important to get through it quickly," manager Claudio Ranieri said on the club's website. "We want to fight for the title, but as Alex Ferguson said last season you can't afford more than five defeats.

"We must react quickly, but Portsmouth is another difficult game."