Boss Bryan Robson insists it is business as usual for his players as Christmas edges ever closer, although he would be in favour of a two week break over the festive period.
Robson feels things cannot be altered to suit the Christmas festivities, although he understands the lure of sport come Boxing Day. He also insist that normality can keep the players focused pre-match, regardless of the time of year or opposition:
"It's all about hard work and picking up points. It is an important part of the season and we must collect as many points as possible.
"As a player and manager I have always felt it would be better to have a two week break over Christmas, instead of a long summer holiday.
"Despite that, I can see all the fans wanting it to stay, as it's a very welcome form of entertainment at this time of the year.
"We have to do what's best for us, everyone must prepare right mentally so it's just a normal schedule for us.
"It would be unprofessional not to get together on Christmas Day and focus on an important game. We want nine points over the next three games."
