'The Machine' will clash with Gordon Elliot's Apple's Jade in an intriguing match-up between the two Irish powerhouse trainers.
The pair have five of the seven runners in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown.
Apple's Jade will be the red hot favourite after her demolition job in the Hatton's Grace Hurdle.
But Faugheen is interesting back up to three miles, a trip he seemingly needs at this stage in his career.
Mullins also runs Bapaume and Shaneshill, but the bookies have it down as a two horse race.
Leopardstown Christmas Hurdle Runners
Bapaume 20-1
Cracking Smart 20-1
Early Doors 50-1
Faugheen 11-2
Jezki 33-1
Shaneshill 50-1
Apple's Jade 8-11
Also running for Elliot is Cracking Smart, with the novice stepping up to open company after a solid second behind Next Destination last time out.
Jezki returns for Jessica Harrington, while Early Doors runs in the same JP McManus silks for Joseph O'Brien.
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