Manchester United vs Blackburn: Preview

After the effective, if not inspiring, performance of the second string in the Carling Cup earlier in the week, normal service resumes this weekend as United face Blackburn in the Premier League.

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Rovers enjoyed a relatively safe passage into the quarter finals of that competition that none of the big guns tend to take very seriously the League Cup themselves on Tuesday night although Saturday should prove a much tougher hurdle for Sam Allardyce and his swine flu-hit charges to negotiate.

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With Ferguson guaranteed to reshuffle the pack following the victory over Barnsley, expect atleast eight or nine changes from the team that started at Oakwell. Edwin van der Sar will certainly replace Ben Foster in goal and you would expect that John O’Shea and Patrice Evra will slot back in to the two full-back positions.

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Having served his one-match suspension in the Carling Cup, Nemanja Vidic could return to the side although a calf problem renders him a doubt. The much maligned Rio Ferdinand is also struggling with a calf injury so don’t be surprised to see either Jonny Evans or Wes Brown featuring from the start.

In midfield Owen Hargreaves, Park Ji-Sung and Darren Fletcher remain on the sidelines while Ryan Giggs is reportedly struggling with a knee injury. That could see both Nani and Antonio Valencia starting on either flank with Anderson and Michael Carrick forming a central midfield partnership. Gabriel Obertan gave a good account of himself against Mark Robins’ Tykes on Tuesday although a place on the bench looks like the most he can hope for at this very early stage of his United career.

Up top, one would anticipate that Ferguson will opt for the familiar partnership of Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney although Michael Owen will also be in with a shout having took his goal superbly well the other night and generally looked sharp in the limited cameo role he played against Liverpool.

Speaking to the media, Ferguson explained that he is anticipating a difficult encounter with Blackburn, praising the role of Allardyce in picking up the pieces when Mark Hughes departed Ewood Park back in June 2008.

"I saw them recently against Burnley and they played really well in that game," he said.

"They have always been difficult to beat at Blackburn and I think Sam has built a different team from Mark Hughes' Blackburn.

"Quite a few decent players have left like David Bentley and Stephen Warnock and Sam has had to pick up the thread of what was left and replacing players of that quality was not easy."

Blackburn are likely to be without Christopher Samba and Jason Roberts who are both suffering from the effects of swine flu and Ferguson moved to insist that United have so far been unaffected by the pandemic.

"It's an interesting thing. Flu does happen. Whatever you call it, you had Asian flu a couple of years ago with players missing games," he added.

"Fortunately so far we have been okay."

Sir Alex may have called for caution ahead of Saturday’s meeting at Old Trafford although anything but a resounding three points would surely fan the flames of the critics even further.

While Sunderland recently caused something of a stir when they deservedly left the Theatre of Dreams with a point, Rovers have only won once in the Premier League at the home of the champions, back in September 2005.

You would hope that the lads will be ready to prove a point following events at Anfield last weekend and with Blackburn’s dismal recent away record in England’s top flight (nine away defeats on the trot), United should be looking to dominate this one from the off.

Prediction: 2-0 United

Barnsley vs Manchester United: Preview

You’re only as good as your last game and following eleven without defeat, Sunday proved something of a wake-up call. United certainly need to up the ante and fortunately they won’t have to wait very long to attempt to put things right. A little over 50 hours to be precise as a trip to Barnsley in the Carling Cup will hopefully lift spirits, if ever so slightly, following the depressing result at Anfield.

It’s been eleven years since we last visited Oakwell where Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham were on target in a 2-0 win. You may or may not be aware that the current Barnsley manager, Mark Robins, once scored a winning goal against Nottingham Forest for United back in 1990 that is widely believed to have saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s bacon at Old Trafford. He certainly hasn’t looked back since.

You would expect that Ferguson is bound to make a plethora of changes for the tie although he should stop short of picking an entirely different eleven to Sunday. Ben Foster or Tomasz Kuszczak will replace Edwin van der Sar in goal and the back four should definitely see starts for both Wes Brown and Jonny Evans. Gary Neville or Rafael could feature at right-back while Fabio may replace Patrice Evra on the left-hand-side of defence despite his red card in the third round against Wolves.

Following Gabriel Obertan’s return from injury, it has been confirmed that he will make his first appearance for the first team. Darron Gibson should definitely vacate a central midfield slot and Darren Fletcher could come in alongside him having missed out in recent weeks through injury.

Magnus Eikrem will be desperate to show what he is all about following a string of polished performances for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s second string although one would suspect he will only make the bench. With Obertan expected to start on the right, Nani or Zoran Tosic will most likely be selected on the left.

With Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov all involved against Liverpool, Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck could be given the chance to impress up top. After a lively debut in the previous round, expect Josh King to appear later on in the game as an impact sub too.

Speaking prior to the match on Tuesday evening, Ferguson has challenged the Reds to prove their credentials by recovering from the defeat to Liverpool.

“Part of the challenge is to get over disappointments,” he said.

“Last season we lost at home 4-1 to Liverpool which was a travesty but we went on to win the league.”

While Sir Alex may be directing his comments more specifically at those who are to be involved against Blackburn this coming weekend, a result against Barnsley will be the first step in the right direction before the vitally important visit of Sam Allardyce’s side. The critics have already surfaced once again despite 10 wins from our previous 12 although anything but a victory against Barnsley and the knives will be sharpened even further.

So what exactly stands in the way of United and a safe passage to the quarter-finals of a competition that has served us so well in recent times? Well Barnsley are struggling in the Championship where they currently sit in 20th place, four points above the relegation spots. Having put together a decent run at the beginning of October, the south Yorkshire club have lost their last two on the spin.

Despite their relatively poor league standing, the Tykes put on an impressive show to knock Burnley out in the last round of the Carling Cup and watch out for Daniel Bogdanovic, the Maltese striker who has scored four goals in eight for Barnsley so far this season.

Prediction: 3-0 United

Liverpool vs Manchester United: Preview

Could there really be a better time to beat Liverpool? If there is, I’d like to know the scenario. The struggles of our bitter rivals have certainly been well documented over the past few days as they endure their worst sequence of results for some 22 years.

Victory for United at Anfield on Sunday would signify Liverpool’s fifth straight defeat and would open up the gap between the two sides to 10 points in the Premier League. Furthermore, despite the recent vote of confidence, a negative result for the Merseysiders could quite plausibly call a halt to Rafael Benitez’s reign at the club.

Talk about significance. Some may say the less said about it the better as Liverpool, and Benitez in particular, have something of an uncanny knack of escaping even the stickiest of situations.
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Sir Alex couldn’t have played it any better in midweek as a potentially tricky trip to Moscow was made decidedly easy as that disciplined 4-5-1 system we have become accustomed to seeing for away fixtures in Europe once again prevailed. Giggs, Rooney and Fletcher were even afforded the evening off and everything, more or less, went according to plan.

The big team news from a United perspective is centred around Wayne Rooney. We were led to believe he would be fighting fit for Anfield on Sunday although Ferguson has now revealed that he is facing an uphill struggle to make it.

Edwin van der Sar will undoubtedly continue in goal with a back four of John O’Shea, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in front of him. Darren Fletcher remains a doubt so the midfield could shape up with Antonio Valencia and Nani on either flank and Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick forming a partnership in the middle.

Beach balls may be banned from entering Anfield on Sunday but Michael Owen certainly isn’t and, depending on Rooney’s fitness, he could be set for a key role against his former employers. Dimitar Berbatov should definitely start and an Owen goal? Well you couldn’t even begin to script it, could you?

In his Friday press conference, Ferguson discussed his belief that form goes out of the window in games like these.

"Manchester United and Liverpool games, as I have said many times, are without question massive games. That will never change," the United boss said.

"We are going in in decent form, there is good confidence in our play, but it is a derby game and anything can happen in derby games.

"Going to Anfield at any time is a hard game."

Despite the history between Ferguson and Benitez, the Scot was quick to point out that he would rather focus on United rather than the predicament currently being faced by his opposite number.

"I'm not interested in Liverpool," the 67-year-old added.

"I'm only concerned about what we do on Sunday."

Benitez, meanwhile, has hinted that victory against United could "change everything" in terms of his precarious situation at Liverpool.

"I am really relaxed in terms on my position because I know how we are working on the pitch every day" the former Valencia manager said.

"I'm sure that once we win the first game, everything will change.

"This game against United could be the right opportunity for us because it's a massive game against our rivals and the fans will be behind the team from the first minute until the last. We can change everything."

So this is it. A huge game for us and surely a defining game for Liverpool and Benitez’s tenure. It would be foolish to completely write off Carragher and co although the severity of a backlash will surely hinge on the wellbeing of Gerrard and Torres.

Having stretched our unbeaten run to 11 games on the spin following victory in Moscow in midweek, confidence should be sky-high within the United camp. A win on Sunday will surely send Liverpool’s title aspirations up in smoke, indeed if their hopes haven’t disintegrated already.

Prediction: 1-1

CSKA Moscow vs Manchester United: Preview

It’s been quite a week! From beach balls to touchline brawls and slack marking to summit embarking. Now Moscow and the artificial pitch awaits for Ferguson and his charges where three more points would go even further to sealing United’s progression into the next phase of the Champions League.
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It’s worth noting that trips to the Luzhniki Stadium haven’t been too unkind in recent years either, although CSKA certainly won’t be a proverbial walk in the park or synthetic grass as you may like to put it.

Following his absence from Saturday’s victory over Bolton, Wayne Rooney continues to miss out with the calf injury he picked up whilst playing for England. That does, however, give another chance for Michael Owen to prove his worth and continue to develop a partnership with Dimitar Berbatov.

Ryan Giggs did get through 90 minutes against the Trotters on the weekend, although he has not travelled with the squad to Moscow. You would assume that he probably wouldn’t have been given the nod even if he was fully fit and with Liverpool in mind, it makes sense to allow the Welshman the evening off to rest up.

That could quite realistically present Nani with a terrific opportunity. Having scored an impressive goal for his country last week, the former Sporting Lisbon man should be chomping at the bit to show what he’s about and the ideal scenario may be to afford him the chance to go and express himself in Russia. It may be last chance saloon for the 22-year-old this season and it’s these sort of chances that he has to firmly clutch with both hands.

Patrice Evra is another to have stayed in Manchester so one would expect John O’Shea to switch to left-back with Wes Brown operating on the right hand side of the defence. Rio Ferdinand survived a further barrage of criticism following a steady showing on Saturday so he should continue alongside Jonny Evans with Nemanja Vidic possibly being rested for the trip to Anfield. Edwin van der Sar should continue in goal.

United will also be without Darren Fletcher and Park Ji-Sung through injury so that should see a definite start for Paul Scholes with one of Anderson or Michael Carrick alongside him. With Nani undoubtedly occupying one flank, Antonio Valencia, fresh from his first competitive goal for the club, should start on the other.

In the build-up to the encounter, Ferguson admitted that he wasn’t concerned about playing on an artificial pitch, hinting that he would be happy with a draw in Moscow.

“CSKA are a young side who know what they are doing and have one win behind them already,” the Scot said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

“Also, their home advantage means more than usual because they play on an artificial plastic surface. I don’t have a problem with that, though, because we can cope and I am looking to our back-to-back games against CSKA to take us to 10 points and a place in the knockout stages.”

CSKA certainly shouldn’t be underestimated although despite Sir Alex’s best efforts to play down the need for a resounding result, and even with something of a depleted squad, three points should most definitely be in reach for the Reds.

The Moscow outfit are a little off the pace in the Russian Premier League, seven points behind leaders Rubin Kazan in fourth spot having played 25 games of the season (which kicked off in March). They did, however, beat Besiktas in the last round of Champions League fixtures and keep your eye out for goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, a player who has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent times.

Prediction: 1-0 United

Squad in full: Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster; Neville, Rafael, O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Brown, J Evans, C Evans, Fabio; Valencia, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson, Nani; Owen, Berbatov, Macheda, Welbeck.

Manchester United vs Bolton: Preview

International week is finally over and at last we can look forward to the return of the Premier League. The international break probably couldn’t have come at a better time in fairness as most of the lads were afforded the opportunity to escape from the club environment following the pedestrian performance against Sunderland.

Bolton at the Reebok is never easy. Bolton at Old Trafford, on the other hand, should be fairly straightforward. Although following the events of a couple of Saturday’s ago and the fact that Wayne Rooney is out, the Trotters at home becomes a far tougher hurdle to negotiate.

Anyone who watched England’s victory over Belarus in midweek will have noticed Ben Foster nudged his way back into international contention. While he still looks as nervous as ever when the ball’s in the air, a world class save from point blank range certainly went some way in helping him book a spot on the plane destined for South Africa.

Unfortunately for Foster, it looks like sporadic appearances in the Carling Cup await him for the rest of this season at United. Edwin van der Sar’s long awaited return is finally upon us as the Dutchman successfully completed ninety minutes for the reserves last Tuesday and his first team return now looks rather ominous.

John O’Shea should resume at right-back following a string of impressive displays with Patrice Evra bombing up and down the left. While I don’t want to be drawn into the Rio Ferdinand debate too much, my argument is that form is temporary, class is permanent. Rio is certainly lacking confidence at the moment and you’d be foolish to ignore that point but the only way to build his confidence back up will be to give him games. I would be surprised, nay shocked, if Rio didn’t line up alongside Vidic on Saturday.

In midfield, both Nani and Valencia scored for their respective nations over the past week and will be battling it out for a starting berth on the right. Following a prolonged period of rest one would suspect Ryan Giggs will get the nod but it becomes something of a guessing game for the central midfield pairing. Given that Scholes should be afforded plenty of room to assert his authority, expect him to start alongside Fletcher.

Upfront it would appear that Michael Owen has managed to shake off his recent groin problem so he should start and depending on whether Berbatov returns from Bulgaria in time, Ryan Giggs may be moved into a more advanced position. Coincidentally, one more league goal for the Welshman and that’s his 100th in the Premier League.

From a statistical perspective Ferguson should be full of confidence heading into the game having triumphed over Bolton in eight of the last nine Premier League meetings.

As for the pre-match comment, Ferguson has hailed Ben Foster as England’s best option in the goalkeeping department.

“I still feel he [Foster] is the best English goalkeeper around,” the United boss said.

“He has been outstanding in a lot of things. The save he made on Wednesday [for England against Belarus] was typical of his performance level with us, too. They are a demonstration of the guy’s ability.

“But he still has not had a lot of game time and experience. His injuries have curtailed the progress he was making.

“He is only going to get better, though, and there is no question he will be a fantastic goalkeeper.”

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Bolton boss Gary Megson, meanwhile, has insisted that he won’t go to Old Trafford with the same mentality as the Sunderland side that claimed a point a fortnight ago.

“Sunderland got a good result there two weeks ago, but it doesn’t mean to say everybody going there is going to get a good result,” he said.

“It’s not a blueprint, the way Sunderland played – the game just went that way for them.
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“To play exactly the same way Sunderland do, or like any other team, you have got to have exactly the same players – so we have just got to go there and look at what is best for ourselves, not at what other football clubs have done in the past.”

After last weekend I’m sure most United fans, myself included, would just be happy with three points and a decent performance whatever the final result on Saturday. It will certainly prove a big test with regards to our ability to cope without Rooney and what a golden chance this could be for one Michael Owen.

Prediction: 2-0 United

Manchester United vs Sunderland: Preview

A former United stalwart returns to Old Trafford this weekend (along with a few other familiar faces), bringing along with him a Sunderland team that have endured something of a yoyo start to the season. Yes Steve Bruce skippered the Reds to three Premier League titles once upon a time but he will be desperately hoping to outwit his former mentor in the opposing dugout come Saturday.

To get the ball rolling, the Black Cats haven’t won at the Theatre of Dreams in some 41 years. With eight wins on the bounce for the Reds heading into the game, anything but victory would surely be deemed a disappointing result.

Following the hard fought triumph over an aesthetically pleasing Wolfsburg on Wednesday, three points at home in the Premier League is certainly a must in order to keep things ticking over. Sunderland, on the other hand, were 5-2 winners against Wolves in their last outing, a deceptively flattering scoreline as I’m sure those who witnessed the encounter will testify.

The main bits of team news from a United perspective refers to opposite ends of the pitch. After putting in a steady shift without covering himself in glory against the German champions, Tomasz Kuszczak will have to settle for a place on the bench as Ben Foster resumes as Edwin van der Sar’s Premier League deputy. Michael Owen's latest injury, meanwhile, will keep him out of action for the forthcoming round of international fixtures next weekend.

At the back you would envisage little change with Ferdinand and Vidic at centre-back and Patrice Evra and John O’Shea on either side of them.

Ryan Giggs’ cameo on Wednesday evening brought about his 150th career goal for United and the landmarks are coming around thick and fast as a strike against Sunderland will see him notch up his 100th Premier League goal. Your guess is as good as mine as to who Fergie may decide to play on Saturday (you've probably a better chance of predicting the lottery results in fairness) but given the current rotation policy and that we should be afforded plenty of space, expect Scholes and Fletcher to possibly start with Nani and Valencia on the flanks as Park remains doubtful with a virus.

That leaves Rooney and Berbatov to head up the attack, a partnership that is showing signs of flourishing and should come to life against the frailties of a Sunderland defence that is hardly up there with the best in the league.

The big decision Steve Bruce will have to make is whether to sit back and soak up pressure or attack United from the off and hope for the best. Whatever tact the one-time United captain decides to go with, Darren Bent will undoubtedly start having scored eight in his last nine Premier League starts.

Speaking to the media, Ferguson explained that he is hardly relishing the task of picking his team with so many players fighting fit and on top of their games at the moment.

"We've a strong squad. The problem with having everyone fit is picking the right team," he is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

"Our two central midfielders - Michael Carrick and Anderson - were fantastic against Wolfsburg, and I thought Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes were outstanding at Stoke. It is giving me a real headache."

The United boss went on to praise the managerial work of his former player and that he expects Sunderland to achieve big things with Bruce at the helm.

"He's had experience of the other side, from down there scrapping at Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield, Birmingham, and the job he did at Wigan in his second spell there last time was fantastic, almost getting them into a European place,” Ferguson added.

"Now he's had the chance to spend some money and he's looking good. Steve's galvanised the club already, and you can see something great happening there. Hopefully not against us on Saturday."

On the other side of the fence, Bruce paid tribute to Ryan Giggs, a player he labels one of the greatest to have graced the Premier League.

"He started in 1993 and where are we now, 2009? Jesus. And to play at the level he has been doing, he has to be the greatest ever player to have played in the Premier League” he is quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

"Not just because of his longevity but because he is playing for Manchester United and still getting man of the match awards.

"For me he is their best player, at his age as well."

Saturday’s match will be the 13th time that Bruce has gone head-to-head with Sir Alex with the Scot possessing a record of ten wins and two draws to date. The former Birmingham City manager may fancy his chances more than ever before considering the form of Darren Bent but the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand haven’t been in opposition before now.

Anything but a comprehensive result will clearly be frowned upon and bar an absolutely unbelievable Sunderland performance a woefully poor United showing, a comfortable victory should prove the final outcome and put further pressure on Chelsea needing to gain a positive result against Liverpool the day after.

Prediction: 2-0

Manchester United vs VfL Wolfsburg: Preview

Matchday Two of the Champions League is fast approaching and one thing for sure is that VfL Wolfsburg should provide something of a tougher test than United’s previous opponents in the competition. Yes while Besiktas were plucky and persistent, the German champions are a far more accomplished outfit and you’ve probably heard that they’re not too bad up front either.

That’s because in Brazilian striker Grafite and Bosnian international Edin Dzeko, Wolfsburg possess one of the deadliest strike partnerships in Europe. The duo managed a record 54 goals between them in the Bundesliga last season and throw in Obafemi Martins, a player who certainly knows a thing or two about scoring at Old Trafford, and you’re faced with a pretty potent attacking trio.

It’s fair to say that United have a few attacking options themselves and Saturday’s win over Stoke City in the Premier League was utterly satisfying, considering the nature in which the lads dominated from start to finish in a game one would have expected to have been decidedly even. That result stretches the 100 per cent record to seven games now and Wolfsburg at home will present the chance to keep that run ticking over.

The team shouldn’t change drastically from the trip to the Britannia Stadium with, bar a late injury set-back, the back five of Foster, Evra, O’Shea, Ferdinand and Vidic remaining unchanged.

As we have come to expect with a Ferguson midfield there will undoubtedly be a slight adjustment and Nani is arguably the most likely to drop out for the ever impressive Ryan Giggs. That could also see Paul Scholes given a rest as a result with Michael Carrick and Anderson fully charged and raring to go in hope of lining up alongside Darren Fletcher.

It is my view that Fletcher will have to start if United are to nullify the threat of Zvjezdan Misimovic, a midfield playmaker who grabbed an eye-catching 18 assists in the German league last term. Not to mention that the combative midfielder is the best thing to have come out of Scotland since Braveheart and Sir Alex.

While Ferguson has often reverted to a 4-5-1 formation when away from home in the Champions League, Old Trafford is a different kettle of fish and thus you would think that the Scot will opt for a Rooney-Berbatov partnership up top.

In the build-up to the game Sir Alex has insisted that he will not underestimate the attacking prowess of the Wolfsburg side.

“The two strikers [Dzeko and Grafite] scored an incredible tally of goals last season. 71 in a season is incredible for two strikers,” the United boss is quoted as saying by the Telegraph.

“In terms of Dzeko, he was a player we saw and I was very impressed by him. Wolfsburg are a team that scores a lot of goals, but they also lose a few.

Ferguson went on to maintain that reaching the 10 point mark is the aim for the group stages of Europe’s pinnacle club competition.

“In a group of four teams, you just want to get to 10 points as quickly as possible,” he added.

“The quicker you do it, the better it is for obvious reasons. But we have only played once so far and we have to maintain our consistency and concentration in these matches.”

Former Newcastle striker Martins spoke to BBC Sport about the threat of United even without Ronaldo and Tevez and that the team are capable of providing the goals from all over the pitch.

“Even without Ronaldo and Tevez, I would say you face the same problems playing against United. In fact, I would even say they are playing much better than before,” the Nigerian international said

“When Ronaldo was on the pitch, everyone looked to him, expecting him to change the game when his team most needed it. “But now United have a lot of players who can change a game, like Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov. Even the defenders can score goals, so we must watch out for them all over the pitch.”

Statistically things don’t read too well when you consider United’s record against German opposition in the Champions League. Out of a total of fifteen games, the Reds have only picked up four victories with six draws and five losses.

The United back four will certainly have to be on their toes throughout what is sure to be a tense but thoroughly entertaining encounter with the form of Grafite and Dzeko a particular concern. The latter notched his sixth of the campaign against Hannover on Saturday while former Le Mans attacker Grafite scored a Rooney-esque hat-trick on his Champions League debut a couple of weeks back.

With all that said, we are at home at the Theatre of Dreams and certainly have no reason to fear even the greatest teams in world football. While Wolfsburg may not be in that category just yet, they are a wonderfully gifted attacking outfit all the same but United possess just as much fire power and a solid defence to boot.

I would be a tad more apprehensive if we were playing at Wolfburg’s Volkswagen Arena but home advantage should see us through home and dry with Wayne Rooney ultimately proving too hot to handle for Die Wölfe.

Prediction: 2-1 United

Stoke City vs Manchester United: Preview

Having edged into the fourth round of the Carling Cup, albeit with an ultimately monotonous performance, the Premier League returns for United on Saturday and a somewhat tricky trip to the Britannia Stadium awaits.

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Stoke have started the season in a pretty decent fashion having picked up seven points already and been extremely unfortunate not to have come away with something more last weekend against Bolton and previously against Chelsea too.

You would expect that will give them legitimate confidence that they are capable of getting something against us and expect nothing short of a hard-fought and closely contested encounter.

The corresponding fixture last season was a noticeably tight and tense affair, certainly from a United perspective, as a late winner from a certain Argentine striker claimed all three points against the resilient Potters on Boxing Day.

Ferguson rung the changes on Wednesday evening and expect similarly wholesale changes as the league focus returns. The major confirmed team news is that Ben Foster, who hardly covered himself in glory with his display in the Manchester derby, will continue to deputise for Edwin van der Sar.

The back-four almost inevitably picks itself, with Patrice Evra and John O’Shea returning at full-back while Rio Ferdinand should line-up alongside Nemanja Vidic.

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I don’t expect Sir Alex to deviate too much from the midfield that played against City although if anyone was to drop out, I would expect it to be Anderson and Park for Scholes and Nani respectively.

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That should see Ryan Giggs keep his place in the starting eleven and after having run rings around Micah Richards

on Sunday, it was revealed this week that Giggs had created more goalscoring opportunities than any other player in the Premier League with 24.

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It’s little statistical titbit’s like that that help give an indication of just how important the Welshman has been to the United cause thus far this season, even at 35-years-old.

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It’s fair to say that going away to someone like Stoke may bring about a change in formation, although with the opposition most likely lining up in a 4-5-1 formation themselves, you would think it would be a wise move to avoid the temptation of going like for like and adopting the 4-4-2 system that has served us so well with Rooney and Berbatov lining up in attack.

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As well as confirming that Foster would indeed be starting on Saturday, Ferguson moved to provide some good news regarding the recovery of a somewhat forgotten midfield man, Owen Hargreaves, who has been out of action for the last nine months as he recovers from double knee surgery.

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"Hargreaves is back now and I hope the boy gets a break and continues his rehab without any further mishaps," the

United manager said.

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"It's been a long time for the lad. Normally, when a player has been out for that length of time, he has been helped by doing his rehab with the other players.

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"But the fact he did it on his own in America, under the guidance of Dr Steadman, is not easy.

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"He has shown the determination and resilience to see it through, though, and he is now back with us.
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"I feel that maybe it will still take us four weeks to get him into the rhythm of training again and get to the point of

match-play, but hopefully he is on the way back."
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Stoke boss Tony Pulis, meanwhile, spoke of the departures of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, praising the likes of Scholes and Giggs for the way they continue to defy the odds with such assured performances.
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"Clubs do not get over losing players like Ronaldo and Tevez quickly," he said.
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"It is very difficult whether you are Manchester United or Stoke to lose a player who has been scoring so freely and creating goals for his team-mates.
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"The greatest thing for Alex is how well players like Scholes and Giggs are doing. It is pretty amazing they are not just still going but going strong as well.

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"It is amazing. When Giggs finishes playing he will be seen as one of the greats of the game, I am sure."

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While the Potters will no doubt have their tremendous support behind them whatever scenario they are faced with during the 90 minutes (plus stoppages!), on paper we certainly have enough quality and we are a side in form with six successive wins.

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Stoke will certainly battle for everything and, in terms of physicality, they may just have the edge. Foster will need to have all his wits about him as Pulis I’m sure will be desperate for every conceivable set-piece (including the Delap throw) to be arrowed in and around his six-yard-box. One would suspect it will prove to be the ultimate test for the England goalkeeper following on from events in Manchester on Sunday. Let's just hope he gets through unscathed.

Prediction: 1-0 United

Manchester United vs Wolves: Preview

I’m sure many of us are still riding high on the peak of cloud nine following the last gasp events of Sunday afternoon and who in their right mind can blame us! In fairness, you could even be forgiven for allowing this evening’s fixture against Wolves to have slipped the mind and altogether dipped off the radar.

Although however seriously United fans may or may not be taking the League Cup this season, you can bet your bottom dollar that the side Sir Alex decides to pick will be hell bent on putting on an impressive performance.

At the end of the day, as League Cup winners last season, the lads certainly have a trophy to defend and you would like to think that they will approach this task with a certain degree of gusto and determination. OK so lifting the League Cup clearly won’t be the pinnacle moment of any of these player’s careers but this competition does present the opportunity for fringe players and youthful exuberance to stake a claim.

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Ferguson will undoubtedly want to win the game and his team sheet should reflect that exact point. It is between the sticks that I believe the United boss will have his toughest decision to make with Edwin van der Sar still crocked. Does Fergie opt to continue with Foster despite his somewhat calamitous performance against City in a drastic attempt to restore some confidence? On the other hand is it time the somewhat forgotten man amongst the goalkeeping ranks, Tomasz Kuszczak, was given a chance without the pressure of Premier League points being at stake?

Tonight should mark the return of Wes Brown back into the starting eleven and if Gary Neville gets the nod at right-back, Brown will likely partner Rio Ferdinand (as punishment for his mistake to continue his comeback from injury) in the centre of defence. Patrice Evra should be afforded the night off having played in every competitive game thus far this season so young Fabio da Silva could come in as a direct replacement at left-back.

In midfield Nani should take centre stage on the left wing with Danny Welbeck possibly lining up on the right-hand-side. Darron Gibson will be desperate for a start in the middle of midfield alongside Michael Carrick who will see tonight’s proceedings as the perfect chance to get his season up and running with a polished performance.

After his heroics on the weekend, Michael Owen will be rewarded with a start (although you would think that was part of the plan whether he scored on Sunday or not) alongside Italian Federico Macheda. I’ll apologise now for a team that will no doubt prove to be 99% wrong!
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So what have the respective manager’s had to say in the build up to this third round tie? Well Sir Alex has, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, issued a warning to Macheda and Welbeck, urging them to assume a club>country mentality.

"Welbeck has been called away so much with every single England squad [the Under-19s and Under-21s] that I don’t know if he is our player or their player," Ferguson said as quoted by The Times.

"Macheda has been away with the Italy youth teams all the time and has hardly been with us, either. They are away that much with the youth squads, they have forgotten where their real place is."

Meanwhile Mick McCarthy has indicated that his Wolves side will look to attack from the off at Old Trafford which will hopefully make for an entertaining encounter.

"We are not going there to sit back," the Wolves boss is quoted as saying by The Independent.

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"We will play 4-4-2 and have a game with them. I have never beaten United at Old Trafford in anything. We want to try to win the game."

Even with a starting eleven stripped of the likes of Wayne Rooney and the ever impressive Darren Fletcher, a victory should be well within our grasp. Wolves will see this as the perfect opportunity to attempt to get on the front foot which could prove their immediate downfall and with a few United player’s keen to prove their worth, we should end up ultimately having too much for the newly promoted side.

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Prediction: 3-1 United

Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview

This has to be the most eagerly anticipated derby in years, nay decades. Well certainly in my lifetime anyway.

City’s start to the season, culminating in the 4-2 defeat of Arsenal last weekend, will have surely seen United supporters with even the deepest of hatred towards our city neighbours at least acknowledge that they have, thus far, looked impressive.

Many quarters are even rather prematurely suggesting that Mark Hughes’ side are ready to mount an assault on the top four and even a serious title challenge. Well with all due respect, it’s one thing struggling past the likes of Blackburn, Wolves and Portsmouth but it’s quite another coming to Old Trafford and getting a positive result.

The record books and any chat of previous meetings shouldn’t really count for much on Sunday but here’s a brief overview for the statistically conscious among us. In total, United have won 61 of the 151 Manchester derbies that have taken place including a double victory in the league last season. If you needed even more reason for optimism, City have only won one of their 12 trips to Old Trafford since the inception of the Premier League.

Following the midweek triumph over Besiktas there are no fresh injury worries although Rio Ferdinand remains a massive doubt having missed the game in Istanbul. That will mean that Jonny Evans will continue to develop his partnership with Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence in front of the ever-improving Ben Foster.

At full-back Sir Alex will look to Patrice Evra and probably John O’Shea while Nani and Antonio Valencia should start on either flank having performed well, if not spectacularly, on Tuesday evening.

Having been rested for the Champions League opener, Darren Fletcher will come back into the side and with Paul Scholes suspended, Anderson or Ryan Giggs should get the nod alongside the Scot with Michael Carrick missing out.

Now a Ferguson line-up wouldn’t be complete without some sort of tactical surprise although this United fan is sincerely hoping that the manager opts for a 4-4-2 formation with Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney spearheading the attack.

City’s attacking problems have been well documented heading into Sunday’s encounter, with Craig Bellamy the only fully fit and available striker at their disposal. Carlos Tevez may well receive a tirade of abuse if he plays but Ferguson believes that the absence of Emmanuel Adebayor, who is serving a three-match suspension for his Arsenal antics, is far more significant.

“I am not bothered whether Tevez plays or not – Manchester City’s best player won’t be playing,” the United boss said.

“Adebayor is their star player, there is no question about that. He has scored in every game so far.”

Ferguson went on to claim that City behaved in an “arrogant and cocky” manner by unveiling their now rather infamous Tevez ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster and the Scot insisted that he sees fixtures against Liverpool as the true derby matches.

“To me, Liverpool has always been the derby,” he added.

“It is because of the history. My aim was always to do well against them. It is hard for me to think any other way.”

Personally I would get hold of a replica of the poster and hang it in the dressing room before kick-off. If the player’s are looking for an added incentive to be fired up for the derby then that would surely provide it.

Anyway, back to previewing the game and there’s no doubt that Hughes’ side will fancy their chances at Old Trafford and probably more than they ever have done before. Given the millions they have spent on fresh talent in the summer and the fact they are currently unbeaten in the Premier League adds fabrication to that notion but, if you can excuse the cliché, it’s all about what happens on the pitch come Sunday.

The United squad certainly have nothing to fear themselves and should be full of confidence. Having put a Tottenham side, who were riding the crest of a wave in a similar vein to City, to the sword last weekend, they continued to ridicule the niggling suggestions that there isn’t life after Ronaldo.

Without wanting to tempt fate, it is off the back of that hugely encouraging performance at White Hart Lane coupled with a burning desire to put City in their place that will hopefully see United home to a comfortable and comprehensive victory.

Altogether now: This is how it feels to be City…

Prediction: 2-0 United

Besiktas vs Manchester United: Preview

Memories of that dismal night in Rome some four months ago undoubtedly still linger among United fans, players, coaching staff…well anyone even remotely connected with the club. Surely the perfect tonic to banish those memories would be to repeat that feat and have another bash at a third consecutive Champions League final. Madrid awaits if we dare to dream and it all starts here.

A trip to Turkey probably wouldn’t have been right up there amongst Sir Alex Ferguson’s most ideal destinations for the opening group game of the European campaign. That said, with Barcelona taking on Inter Milan and Bordeaux facing Juventus over the next couple of days, it could have certainly been a whole lot worse. In all fairness, Besiktas, on paper, looks a somewhat straightforward hurdle to negotiate.

Looking at how the side may shape up, Fergie will surely have one eye firmly on the Manchester derby coming up on Sunday so it would seem likely that he will ring the changes, especially in midfield.

Ben Foster will continue to fill in for Edwin van der Sar but it really is a difficult proposition predicting the rest of the starting line-up. Patrice Evra has played every competitive game thus far and was involved in both of France’s fixtures during the international break. That may see young Fabio deployed at left-back or alternatively John O’Shea could move over from the right allowing one of Wes Brown or Gary Neville to step in.

At centre-back, Nemanja Vidic should partner Rio Ferdinand unless the England man feels any discomfort in the calf area over the next 24 hours which would see him drop to the bench.

Despite the highly impressive victory over top four hopefuls Tottenham on Saturday, the midfield will certainly change from the four that featured at White Hart Lane. Expect Park Ji-Sung to be given the nod on the right (unless Ferguson sees him playing a major role at Old Trafford on the weekend) and one of Nani or Antonio Valencia to start on the other wing.

Darren Fletcher could be given a rest with City in mind so take your pick from Scholes, Giggs, Anderson and Carrick and perhaps Darron Gibson will be given an opportunity to further showcase his abilities.

In an ideal world I’m sure Sir Alex would love to give Wayne Rooney the night off but the England international’s desire to simply play the game of football knows no boundaries and it would be a bold decision to leave him out. Michael Owen will be desperate to get some playing time and this could be the perfect opportunity for him to be utilised.

One thing for sure is that, with wholesale changes or not, Ferguson will send out a side that he believes and expects to be capable of beating Besiktas. With all due respect to the Turkish outfit, any team that the Scot opts to select should be capable of doing a job judging by the squad that have travelled (see below).

In the build-up to the game, Fergie has admitted that United will just have to deal with the intimidating atmosphere that will greet them in Istanbul on Tuesday evening.

“There’s a lot to be admired in that, their fanaticism,” he told the Daily Star.

“You expect that. The stadium is full at 12 o’clock on the day. It’s amazing how they make that noise but you just have to deal with it.

“The Champions League is the priority. It’s a great tournament, with all the best players and teams. So there’s always the two challenges for us - the Premier League and the European Cup.”

Besiktas’ goalkeeper Rustu Recber (remember him) has also provided his two pennies worth regarding the antagonising nature of the home support.

“The level of hostility at the Inonu is unique,” Recber is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

“United have been to Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, but the Besiktas fans are in a league of their own.

“They are the noisiest, the most passionate, and they stay with the team for 90 minutes. The noise is incredible. It will be a new experience even for those United players who think they have seen everything. Our fans can really make it hell.”

The Inonu Stadium will be a cauldron of noise no doubt but when you look at Besiktas’ start to the season (one win from five including a 3-0 defeat in their own derby against Galatasaray), anything but victory will surely go down as a disappointing result. Nihat Kahveci, who you may remember from his days with Villarreal, will spearhead the opposition’s attack but he shouldn’t cause too many problems for Vidic and co.

Prediction: 3-0

Squad in full: Ben Foster, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Amos, Wes Brown, Gary Neville, John O’Shea, Fabio, Patrice Evra, Jonny Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Darron Gibson, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Antonio Valencia, Nani, Park Ji-Sung, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov.

Photo credit: EPA

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Tottenham vs Manchester United: Preview

Tottenham away has never been a stroll in the park. Saying that, our last eight Premier League visits to White Hart Lane have yielded six wins and two draws. Easy pickings then, or so one may be led to believe. Well if you’re that naive then I’d advise you to stop reading here as Saturday’s trip to the capital will certainly be a massive test for a United side that have hardly stormed out of the blocks so far this season.

Last week I was quick to announce that the meeting with Arsenal would prove our first real test of the season. Well if that was the first, a trip to Spurs is certainly the second and arguably the more difficult at that.

I’m sure you won’t need me to tell you this but Tottenham are flying at the moment and have recorded their best start to a league season since 1960 with four wins on the trot. Jermain Defoe is in a rich vein of goalscoring form and Aaron Lennon is steadily staking his claim as the most feared winger in England at present. Although enough about the opposition, let’s talk United shall we?

From a team news perspective, Rio Ferdinand could be in line for a return to the side having been sidelined with a thigh injury since August. Fantastic news as that would not only reunite the formidable Ferdinand – Vidic partnership but it would also allow Jonny Evans a much-needed rest.

Edwin van der Sar looks no closer to a return so Ben Foster will undoubtedly continue to deputise following a sturdy, if not spectacular run in the first team to date. With John O’Shea a doubt, depending on Ferdinand’s fitness, Wes Brown may be handed a start at right-back although Fabio and Gary Neville are plausible alternative options. Patrice Evra will need to have his wits about him at left-back as he faces up to an in-form and frighteningly quick Aaron Lennon but pace isn’t exactly something that the Frenchman is lacking himself.

It’s become an almost unenviable task to predict a Sir Alex midfield but I’m expecting Park to get the nod with one of Antonio Valencia or Nani, probably the latter, on the opposite flank. Darren Fletcher should certainly vacate one of the central midfield berths with my bet being Anderson to come in alongside him following a decent showing for the reserves. Wayne Rooney will continue to provide our most potent attacking threat up-top and I would be extremely suprised if Dimitar Berbatov didn’t return against his former employers.

Our opposition will be without influential Croatian playmaker Luka Modric while central defenders Jonathan Woodgate and Matt Dawson are also missing and Sebastien Bassong remains a doubt. Skipper Ledley King does look as though he will be fit enough to play and Niko Kranjcar should be handed his debut in place of his international compatriot Modric.

As well as confirming that both Ferdinand and Neville are in contention, Sir Alex admitted in his pre-match press conference that Tottenham are going to prove a tricky proposition and that they have every chance of breaking into the top four this term.

“I watched a couple of videos yesterday and they’ll be a handful for us,” said Ferguson.

“But that’s the nature of the Premier League. Hopefully I can pick the right team and get a good result.

“I think Tottenham can break into the top four. Harry’s [Redknapp] brought in a few of his own types of players, players he’s familiar with like Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.”

Following our victory over the Gunners, dressing room confidence should be high on Saturday and our record against Spurs does bode well too. Saying that, I’m sure Tottenham will be keen to show that they are serious about an invasion on the top four this season and I expect we’ll have to be at our very best to ensure we get a result.

After a somewhat unconvincing start to the current campaign, I predict the lads will step it up a gear from now on, starting at White Hart Lane where I see us snatching all three points in a tough and testing encounter.

Prediction: 2-0 United
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Manchester United vs Fabregas-less Arsenal

So here we are then. With just three competitive (if you prefer not to count the Community Shield as meaningful) games of the season played, we face our first big test in the shape of Arsenal.

While last season’s meeting at Old Trafford in the Premier League was hardly of massive significance, tomorrow’s encounter will certainly provide a decent benchmark to how we are shaping up in terms of our title credentials this campaign.

The big news? Cesc Fabregas will NOT be playing for the Gunners. Now while I don’t like to single out opposition individuals on the impact they can have on a game, Fabregas has looked pretty darn impressive in the opening couple of games this season. Given our own injury worries too, his absence should certainly provide a welcome boost.

I doubt you’ll need reminding but Rio Ferdinand continues to miss out for us with a thigh injury although a return against Spurs on September 12th has been pencilled in as a realistic comeback date. Despite Jonny Evans’ concerns over his own fitness, it would appear that he will continue to play through the pain barrier to line-up alongside Nemanja Vidic at the heart of the defence.

Ben Foster will undoubtedly continue to deputise for Edwin van der Sar between the sticks while I expect Patrice Evra and John O’Shea to vacate the two full-back berths. In central midfield we (well Sir Alex really) is faced with something of a conundrum. After Anderson’s well documented paddy, will Fergie continue to leave him out despite the Brazilian’s eagerness to brush the incident under the carpet. Michael Carrick was another to miss out against Wigan but with Darren Fletcher pretty much a nailed on starter, I predict it will be one of Carrick or Anderson to come in ahead of Scholes.

Following a decent, if not inspirational, performance from Antonio Valencia against his former club last weekend, he should start on the wing with Nani continuing on the opposite flank. That said, Park has always seemed to perform well against Arsenal so I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he does make the starting eleven. That leaves the inevitable strikeforce of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov as I can’t see Owen getting the nod in a game of such significance.

In his pre-match press conference Sir Alex has called for our results to improve against the so-called big four (where we only won one out of six last term) but he has played down the significance of tomorrow’s clash with the Gunners.

“With 35 games left, you can’t say that this game will be decisive,” he said.

“But what means a lot to us is that last season against the top teams we dropped six points to Liverpool, five to Arsenal and two to Chelsea. We really need to address that and do better in these games. One opportunity comes along on Saturday and I hope we take it.”

In an ultimately similar fashion (gone are the days of a Wenger-Ferguson feud I’m afraid), Wenger has admitted that he is desperate for Arsenal to prove they can pick up victories away from home against the club’s fighting for the title. Prior to beating Chelsea in November last year, the North Londoners hadn’t beaten a top four club away from home since 2006.

“We want to show that we can win the big games away from home,” he said.

“This is a good opportunity to do it. We know we go to Old Trafford with a good belief and that is very important before a big game like that.”

Whether Arsenal will be more up for the game considering we outclassed them over two legs in last season’s Champions League semi-final remains to be seen but in terms of our recent record against them, we’re certainly on top, especially at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have clearly come flying out of the blocks this season and I believe it’s going to be just as much a test of our credentials as it will be for Wenger and his side. Freshness may be a factor later on in the game with Arsenal having played against Celtic in midweek although at this early stage of the season I can’t see it being too much of a hindrance to them.

Despite the loss of Fabregas, the likes of Arshavin, van Persie and Eduardo all have the ability to cause us problems which is why I’m tentatively predicting a draw as the outcome.

Prediction: 1-1

Photo credit: Getty Images

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