Preview 2013/14: February

Fixtures: 1 Feb Stoke A | 8 Feb Fulham H | 11 Feb Arsenal A | 22 Feb Crystal Palace A

First thoughts: A month on the road for the Reds.

Toughest test: Stoke is never an easy away trip but many people expect Arsenal – the only top four side not to change manager - to be genuine title contenders in 2013/14. Robin van Persie has scored two goals in two games against the Gunners since swapping the Emirates for Old Trafford and he'd love to add to the tally on his North London return.

Subplot: Could Wilfried Zaha make his first return to Selhurst Park in a United shirt? He played a huge part in getting Palace promoted to the top-flight and would love to show what he can do on familiar turf. That said, visits to Selhurst Park have always been pretty tough for United, and get ready for re-runs of Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick there in 1995.

Miles to travel: 938

Last February: P3 W3 D0 L0 (Fulham 0-1 United; United 2-0 Everton; Queens Park Rangers 0-2 United)

Rival watch: Man City: Chelsea H, Norwich A, Sunderland H, Stoke H Chelsea: City A, Newcastle H, West Brom A, Everton H Arsenal: Crystal Palace H, Liverpool A, United H, Sunderland H