Festive football

The festive season 节日气氛浓厚的季节 is often regarded as a crucial halfway point 中间点 in the football season which can make or break 成败的关键 a team.

The glut 大量的 of fixtures gives teams the chance to revive their fortunes 改变他们的命运 and play catch up 追赶 with frontrunners 领先的 Arsenal and Manchester United.

Teams play four matches over a ten-day period: usually the Saturday before Christmas, Boxing Day 节礼日 （圣诞节后的第一天）, the following Saturday and, lastly, New Year’s Day.

But while it’s great entertainment for the fans, some players and managers think it’s just too much.

Juggle  There are too many games. I am going to have to juggle around with the squad because I've some players who are going to feel it. Four games in such a short space of time would kill them.   Portsmouth manager, Harry Redknapp

The Portsmouth manager, Harry Redknapp thinks there are too many games. He says he has to "juggle round with the squad". It means he has to make a lot of changes to his team because four games in ten days is too physically demanding 需要极大体力 for the players.

When he says it "would kill them", he’s exaggerating 夸大其词 to make a point. The Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez, agrees.

Impossible  You cannot play two games in three days - it is impossible for a player to be physically fit for the next game.   Liverpool manager, Rafael Benitez

Another problem is the unpredictable 不可预料的 weather. If there’s a cold snap 短时间的寒冷天气 it can lead to match postponements 推迟 and travelling away fans making unnecessary journeys across the country. But modern technology helps deal with problems such as frozen pitches 被冰冻的球场.

The elements  All clubs have to have undersoil heating but you are still in the hands of the elements to some extent.   Premier League spokesman, Dan Johnson

Premier League spokesman Dan Johnson says all clubs have undersoil heating 地下供暖. But he also thinks you are "in the hands of the elements". He means it’s impossible to control the weather.