Burnley boss Scott Parker says his team are ready for the challenge of December's traditionally hectic schedule which should help define the rest of the season.
Parker's title challengers are gunning for their fifth win on the spin and will go top of the Championship if they can beat Middlesbrough at Turf Moor on Friday [20:00 GMT].
The Clarets face the Teessiders twice, along with Derby, Norwich, Watford and title rivals Sheffield United in their six games before the end of the year.
"This period is a very busy one for every team," Parker told BBC Radio Lancashire.