The best has been saved for last over the holiday period, with the first Premiership fixtures of 2006 throwing up a number of fascinating contests. The highlight is Arsenal v Manchester United on Tuesday night, while local pride will be at stake on Monday in West Ham v Chelsea, Newcastle v Middlesbrough, West Brom v Aston Villa and Bolton v Liverpool. Most attention will focus on the big game at Highbury. United have had a slight edge in the past three seasons, with five wins to Arsenal's two (with five draws) from the last 12 encounters. In games that really counted, the last nine have produced four wins for United and only one for Arsenal, though the Gunners also came out on top after penalties in last season's FA Cup final. Despite the high draw rate in Arsenal v United matches, Tuesday's game looks set to produce a winner. It is a question of whether to side with Arsenal's outstanding home record (11 wins out of 13 in all competitions, with Chelsea the only team to win at Highbury) or United's first-class away form (seven wins out of 10 in the league, with only one defeat). Arsenal haven't played many tough home games yet, so their form is more open to question, and United actually rate as the better win chance. The handicap is the safe option, but United look worth a straight win bet. Apart from Chelsea, in-form Wigan rate as the best away chance on Monday's programme. Paul Jewell's side go to Birmingham, who gave a battling display in the midweek 2-2 at home to Manchester United but have still won only once in nine home games. Wigan's pace is sure to trouble the Blues' defence, and they rate as a solid handicap bet. It is also well worth considering Charlton, Villa and Tottenham on the handicap, while there are three standout home bets - Blackburn, Fulham and Newcastle. Best homes: Blackburn, Fulham, Newcastle. Best aways: Wigan, Chelsea. Low goals: Bolton v Liverpool.