Old Trafford, Saturday 1730 GMTMANCHESTER UNITED:
After a fortnight stewing over their narrow defeat to Chelsea, Manchester United return to action knowing that they are only one more slip away from giving the Londoners an ominous lead in the title race.
Three defeats from six games on their travels are a key reason why United are off the pace but manager Sir Alex Ferguson feels that time is on his side as he looks for a fourth straight title. "It is not insurmountable," he said.
"You can come from behind and you can be in front and lose it too. But it is a challenge and I think if you get to New Year's Day a point or so in front or behind, with our experience of big games in the run-in then we have a great chance."
All the same, he knows that a team like Chelsea would have to suffer a horrendous blip to give up an eight-point advantage and so now each game is even more crucial than usual. Ferguson will be in the dug-out after deciding not to bring forward his two-match touchline ban.
Strategy: There is never any point guessing what Ferguson's midfield selection will be but you can expect the usual Old Trafford display. Even without Rio Ferdinand, Ferguson will expect his defensive line to press high, even beyond the half-way line and squash Everton into their own half, while getting former Everton man Wayne Rooney on the ball as often as possible.
Injury update: Ferdinand is out for three weeks with what has finally been identified as a back problem and there are further problems at the back for Ferguson. John O'Shea limped out of the Republic of Ireland's game with France with a thigh injury and misses out but United are hopeful that Jonny Evans can overcome a calf injury. Gary Neville is suspended and Fabio Da Silva is out with a groin injury.
EVERTON:
Ferguson has compared his injury problems with those of David Moyes but the Everton manager, who has far fewer options, has faced more serious issues, and is continuing to have to find a way to muddle through.
The 2-1 win over West Ham before the international break was a big one for the Blues but with just four wins in their 11 games so far this season, they know that they need a much better run of form to stay in touch with the top six or seven.
Ferguson has compared his injury problems with those of David Moyes but the Everton manager, who has far fewer options, has faced more serious issues, and is continuing to have to find a way to muddle through.
The 2-1 win over West Ham before the international break was a big one for the Blues but with just four wins in their 11 games so far this season, they know that they need a much better run of form to stay in touch with the top six or seven.
Strategy: Make do, as Everton have been doing. Jack Rodwell's fine start to the season has reportedly attracted interest from United and Chelsea and he will again be tasked with getting the visitors on track in the central area. Moyes faces the age old conundrum of a visiting manager at Old Trafford of trying to find a way of remaining solid at the back while retaining a threat at the other end.
No wins at Old Trafford in 17 years for the Blues shows just how hard that can be but lone striker Yakubu remains confident his team can pull off a shock. "We go to Old Trafford wanting the win," he told evertonfc.com. "We really want to win and we don't want to just sit back and defend as they attack us, but we'll see how it goes."
No wins at Old Trafford in 17 years for the Blues shows just how hard that can be but lone striker Yakubu remains confident his team can pull off a shock. "We go to Old Trafford wanting the win," he told evertonfc.com. "We really want to win and we don't want to just sit back and defend as they attack us, but we'll see how it goes."
Injury update: Moyes is still without Phil Neville, Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka andVictor Anichebe and may also be deprived Jo, Steven Pienaar and Louis Saha, who faces test on injuries.
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
I think Ferguson should consider and give Nani enough time on pitch including Anderson.Valencia is a good player but needs alot of time to show that and thats why the manager should consider playing Obertan,otherwise am confident we shall emerge triumphant as usual.