vendredi 22 avril 2011

PREVIEW: United try to take another step towards record 19th title

Arsenal and Chelsea may still believe but Manchester United can take another step towards winning the English league for a record 19th time by beating Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.Six points clear of both London sides but with matches against both to come, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson knows there is still no room for mistakes.

Everton have had an up and down season but still have something to play for with just two points separating them from neighbours Liverpool one place above them in sixth.

And Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard, once of Manchester United, believes the confidence gained by a run of seven unbeaten games at least gives them a chance.

"The way we're going, they won't take us lightly," the American said. "It would be massive to go to Old Trafford and get a result because not many teams go there and do it.

"We know we've got our work cut out going there and doing it, but we've been in great form and although it'll be hard we'll give everything. They will take it to us but we feel good about ourselves."

However, United midfielder Michael Carrick said the experience in the leaders' ranks means they were in a great position to win the league again.

"We just roll on from game to game and this is what we love doing," he said. "We want to be playing in the big games. They're coming thick and fast but if you want to win things and be successful this is what you have to do.

"We've been used to it over the years - we just look forward to the next game. We're playing well, often we've been happy with the performance if not the result so we just want to roll on and hopefully win the games.

"We've got to bounce back against Everton on Saturday. We're still in a good position. We have tough games ahead, but so do Arsenal.

"We're in a position where we can afford to concentrate on ourselves and if we pick up points we don't have to rely on anyone else."

Arsenal, having squandered leads against Liverpool and Tottenham in the space of a week, travel to Bolton Wanderers on Sunday, giving Chelsea the chance to go clear in second by beating second-from- bottom West Ham.

The Blues will be looking to win their third straight home game and manager Carlo Ancelotti, whose future at the club remains in doubt, is likely to stick with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in attack, at the expense of 50 million-pound striker Fernando Torres, and Nicolas Anelka.

While Torres has still to score since his January move from Liverpool, Drogba has hit form in recent games and Ancelotti said it was down to his improved physical condition.

"I think that now he's fit and he's showing fantastic quality," Ancelotti said. "In one season, problems like Didier had can happen. Now we have to be happy to see him playing fantastic football, but forget the past."

Tottenham could overtake Manchester City in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League spot, for a few hours at least, if they can beat West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane.

Fourth-placed City, who lead Tottenham by two points, are away to Blackburn Rovers on Monday night, while Liverpool, who have not given up hopes of a European place, are at home to Birmingham City.

Bottom side Wolves will look upon their home match with Fulham as a golden opportunity for three points and potentially to move out of the bottom three while the other side in the relegation zone, Blackpool, host Newcastle.

Aston Villa play FA Cup finalists Stoke City and Sunderland take on Wigan in the weekend's other games.

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