How the Blue Moon could complete its rise early for Manchester City's stargazers at Old Trafford

Already it carries the feel of that being that, then. Some will just about be considering putting their Christmas trees up, for others it won’t yet even signal the start of panic present buying.

Sunday December 10 may be the day we remember the Premier League title being won. We’ve had hints this early before, but never has the championship effectively been served up before the turkey and the pigs in blankets.

Yet it’s all over, not even bar the shouting, if City triumph at Old Trafford this weekend.

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None of the usual ‘well they’ve got a tough period in January’, or hopeful choruses of bogus concern for them fighting on two fronts, at home and in the Champions League latter stages.

If Pep puts another one over Jose it will be cut and dried. Done and dusted. Settled. Sorted.

In the second week of December, there could well be a gap of 11 points – effectively 12 if you take into account City’s far superior goal difference which would only increase with victory.

The psychological blow of losing their long unbeaten home record alone to their big foes from down the road would be too much to recover from.

Never before would the writing be all the wall like this. An away win and it may as well be in block capitals, underlined and be in City blue.

Manchester United kept their end of the bargain last week. They needed to win at Arsenal and did, however great their goalkeeper had to be in north London, the win was as impressive as it was crucial. Mental points scored.

Though, like so often, it was City who has the last laugh come the closure of the weekend.

Their turn around against West Ham was disaster avoided, and the fact United must do without Paul Pogba, whose link up with Jeese Lingard has been ever improving in recent weeks. Suspended, the Frenchman leaves a gaping gap.

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Don’t be fooled by Sky Sports telling you that a draw leaves everything up in the air. It doesn’t. It just means it prolongs City putting one hand on the trophy.

Where can United get at their bitter rivals? Well two of City’s biggest weaknesses happen to be the Reds’ strengths.

The breakaway has been a cause for concern at the Etihad, as had goals from set pieces.

Good on the counter attack of course, the size comparison between the teams could give Mourinho’s men the edge is they catch City right at dead ball situations.

It’s worth remembering too United haven’t lost at home for 40 matches, and while the sensible money may go on the draw, there’s no hiding from the fact that really won’t be enough.