It's almost pantomime season so it's time for Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger to exchange a few contrasting views on the state of Arsenal.

Because of the "carry-on of one of their players" Fergie says the Gooners are in "disarray". Wenger hit back by saying: "I don't feel as though we are in disarray". (Daily Mail) 'Oh yes you are' etc etc.

It's "Pulp Friction" says the Daily Mirror after Wenger revealed what's on his Christmas wish-list. Top of the pile? A football autobiography. Any guesses?

Yep. His former captain William Gallas. The Arsenal boss says: "Frankly I don't read many but I will read this one - it's on my list".

More Wenger chat as the Emirates manager says they must beat Chelsea on Sunday or their title hopes are over. (Daily Express)

And the final Gallas mention of the day. Chelsea keeper Petr Cech gives his full backing to the ex-Arsenal skipper. He must have "felt very frustrated", "he's a great guy and telling the truth," Cech tells The Sun.

Festive headlines aplenty with the Daily Mirror claiming it is the 'Season of Goodphil'. Boss Luiz Felipe Scolari thinks Chelsea will be Premier League champions if they are still in the top two by the end of the Christmas period.

One club looking ahead to the January sales are Aston Villa, with Gareth Barry happy to stay at Villa Park until at least the end of the season. A possible contract buy-out from the England midfielder is on the cards. 'Window chopping' says the Daily Mirror.
Barry 'will not leave' in January

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is set to pay £4m for Colombia striker Hugo Rodallega Martinez. (Daily Mirror)

While Spurs gaffer Harry Redknapp could be ready to splash the cash with a £12m cheque to Bordeaux for striker Fernando Cavenaghi. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez continues to threaten to leave Old Trafford if his permanent move is not sealed by the end of January with Real Madrid waiting in the wings. (The Times)

Blackburn are considering a January move for on-trial Norway defender Tore Reginiussen. (The Times)

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has politely declined an invitation from Joe Kinnear to join the coaching staff at St James' Park. (Guardian)

Shearer 'rejects Newcastle role'

While Shearer has voiced his support for Newcastle striker Michael Owen. "He's not frightened of missing chances", where other players "miss a chance and shrivel up". (Daily Telegraph)

Former French star Jerome Rothen - now with Paris St-Germain - reveals he hid from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich after the left winger's starring role for Monaco when they beat Chelsea in the Champions League in 2004. He wasn't up to explaining why he moved to Paris and not London. (Daily Mail)

More words ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby with Sir Alex saying his former players may respect him as an ex-manager but they wouldn't be close friends. "I am a grandad," declares Fergie. (Independent)
Man Utd v Man City preview

One player who used to play under Ferguson but with other things on his mind is Sunderland boss Roy Keane. He's looking forward to his 100th game in charge, but has floated the idea of leaving in "six or seven months". (Guardian)
Sunderland v Bolton preview

Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand played the part of Fizzy the cleaner in Bugsy Malone as a kid. This follows last week's news of his co-investment with Ashley Cole into a British gangland movie. (Daily Telegraph) The future of the British film industry is assured!
Ferdinand & Cole to produce film

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