PREVIEW: Ferguson on attack before West Ham clash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson warmed up for Saturday's Premier League trip to West Ham United with another attack on the state of English refereeing.
Ferguson, who is serving a touchline ban for his comments about Martin Atkinson, the referee in his side's defeat to Chelsea at the beginning of the month, remains scathing.

"I think the last few games we've had terrible decisions against us and you've just got to be careful you don't have paranoia about it," he said.

Despite his concerns, United stand five points clear at the top of the table, although they have played a game more than second-placed Arsenal.

West Ham, resurgent of late with only one defeat in their last seven Premier League games, have already beaten United once this season, hammering them 4-0 in the League Cup.

Forward Frederic Piquionne could return from a foot injury for the Hammers, who lie fourth-bottom, out of the relegation zone only on goal difference.

Arsenal are home to Blackburn Rovers in Saturday's tea-time game. Forward Robin van Persie could be available, despite injuring a thigh muscle playing for the Netherlands on Tuesday.

"I am confident the consistency at the end of the season will be rewarded, so let's focus on keeping our run going and winning our next game," said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, whose side have not lost in the league since going down 1-0 to United in December.

Blackburn stand only a point clear of the relegation zone, having failed to win in six league games.

Third-placed Chelsea travel to Stoke City, while Manchester City in fourth host a Sunderland side that has taken just one point from its last six games.

Part of that is down to a quirk of the fixture list that has seen Sunderland face five of the top six in that run of games, but they stand just six points off the relegation zone and, in this least predictable of seasons, could be sucked into a relegation battle.

Fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, desperately looking to qualify for the Champions League for the second successive season, travel to Wigan Athletic, who are bottom but just two points form safety.

Second-bottom Birmingham City host Bolton Wanderers, while Wolverhampton Wanderers, in the third relegation slot, go to Newcastle United. West Bromwich Albion, unbeaten since Roy Hodgson took charge, are home to Liverpool and Aston Villa go to Everton.

Sunday's lunchtime game sees Fulham host Blackpool.