Ancelotti keen to avoid repeat of title race meltdown
COBHAM, England (AFP) - Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits he knows from the bitter experience that the Premier League title race is far from over despite his side's healthy lead at the top of the table.
Ancelotti has a golden opportunity to win the league in his first season in England as the Blues headed into this weekend's fixtures five points clear of second placed Manchester United.
The Italian has masterminded victories over all of Chelsea's big four rivals, with their 3-0 win at Arsenal triggering a deluge of praise for Ancelotti and his players.
But the former AC Milan and Juventus coach has no intention of planning his title party just yet.
He only has to think about to 2000, when his Juventus team squandered a nine-point lead in Serie A to gift the title to Sven Goran Eriksson's Lazio on the final day of the season, to remember how much can change in the final weeks of the campaign.
"In 2000 with Juventus we had a nine point lead and we lost the title in the last game. It was a difficult holiday after that," Ancelotti said.
"I don't know what happened. It was not easy to recover when we lost points in the end. Lazio won the title with Sven Goran Eriksson, so I helped him get the England job. But I never received any money for it!"
Although Ancelotti is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in Europe after leading Milan to two Champions League triumphs, the 50-year-old has only won a domestic league title once during his managerial career - with Milan in 2004.
He may never have a better chance to double that tally. With Liverpool and Arsenal wobbling, Chelsea have the experience and depth of squad to end United's three-year reign as champions.
Ancelotti insists there would be no repeat of that Juventus meltdown with his current squad, who possess the experience and strength in depth to last the pace.
"I would like to arrive at the last eight games with nine points more than the next time this season. I think it is difficult to repeat the same situation," he said.
"All the teams are behind us at the moment, although they can still have a possibility to return to the top."
Key to Chelsea's title challenge will be the form and fitness of captain John Terry, whose magnificent display in the win at Arsenal emphasised the England defender's importance to the Blues.
Manchester City were prepared to give Terry 200,000 pounds a week to tempt him to Eastlands in the close-season, but the centre-back eventually snubbed their offer and Ancelotti believes the man he compares to Milan legend Paolo Maldini will never leave Stamford Bridge.
"I never thought in the close season that John Terry would go to play for another club. He is the symbol of this club," Ancelotti said.
"It was not neccessary to speak with him because he wanted to stay at Chelsea.
"I hope for him and I hope for Chelsea he will spend his whole career here.
"His behaviour shows that he is a fantastic captain. You can compare John Terry with Paolo Maldini. They are the same, they have the same technical and leadership quality.
"He doesn't have a physical problem. He can do a very long career like Maldini.
"John Terry for me is not a surprise. As a player and a man he is as I thought.
"I am happy because players like John are a big advantage for a coach. The other players have a very good example to follow. To know what to do on the training ground they just have to look at how John works."
Ancelotti keen to avoid repeat of title race meltdown
COBHAM, England (AFP) - Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti admits he knows from the bitter experience that the Premier League title race is far from over despite his side's healthy lead at the top of the table.
Ancelotti has a golden opportunity to win the league in his first season in England as the Blues headed into this weekend's fixtures five points clear of second placed Manchester United.
The Italian has masterminded victories over all of Chelsea's big four rivals, with their 3-0 win at Arsenal triggering a deluge of praise for Ancelotti and his players.
But the former AC Milan and Juventus coach has no intention of planning his title party just yet.
He only has to think about to 2000, when his Juventus team squandered a nine-point lead in Serie A to gift the title to Sven Goran Eriksson's Lazio on the final day of the season, to remember how much can change in the final weeks of the campaign.
"In 2000 with Juventus we had a nine point lead and we lost the title in the last game. It was a difficult holiday after that," Ancelotti said.
"I don't know what happened. It was not easy to recover when we lost points in the end. Lazio won the title with Sven Goran Eriksson, so I helped him get the England job. But I never received any money for it!"
Although Ancelotti is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in Europe after leading Milan to two Champions League triumphs, the 50-year-old has only won a domestic league title once during his managerial career - with Milan in 2004.
He may never have a better chance to double that tally. With Liverpool and Arsenal wobbling, Chelsea have the experience and depth of squad to end United's three-year reign as champions.
Ancelotti insists there would be no repeat of that Juventus meltdown with his current squad, who possess the experience and strength in depth to last the pace.
"I would like to arrive at the last eight games with nine points more than the next time this season. I think it is difficult to repeat the same situation," he said.
"All the teams are behind us at the moment, although they can still have a possibility to return to the top."
Key to Chelsea's title challenge will be the form and fitness of captain John Terry, whose magnificent display in the win at Arsenal emphasised the England defender's importance to the Blues.
Manchester City were prepared to give Terry 200,000 pounds a week to tempt him to Eastlands in the close-season, but the centre-back eventually snubbed their offer and Ancelotti believes the man he compares to Milan legend Paolo Maldini will never leave Stamford Bridge.
"I never thought in the close season that John Terry would go to play for another club. He is the symbol of this club," Ancelotti said.
"It was not neccessary to speak with him because he wanted to stay at Chelsea.
"I hope for him and I hope for Chelsea he will spend his whole career here.
"His behaviour shows that he is a fantastic captain. You can compare John Terry with Paolo Maldini. They are the same, they have the same technical and leadership quality.
"He doesn't have a physical problem. He can do a very long career like Maldini.
"John Terry for me is not a surprise. As a player and a man he is as I thought.
"I am happy because players like John are a big advantage for a coach. The other players have a very good example to follow. To know what to do on the training ground they just have to look at how John works."
Ignore Juve, beat Gladbach demands Bayern boss
BERLIN (AFP) - Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has ordered his side to forget next week's Champions League clash at Juventus and concentrate on closing the gap to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern must beat Juventus at Turin's Olympic Stadium next Tuesday to ensure they reach the Champions League knockout stages, but Friday's German league clash with Borussia Moenchengladbach is far more pressing for van Gaal.
Munich are six points behind Leverkusen and the Dutchman is ordering his side to focus on their next game.
"The mark of a top professional is the ability to concentrate on the next game, which is Gladbach. Juventus has to wait," said van Gaal on the eve of the Allianz Arena clash.
"The really decisive match is against Moenchengladbach. By the mid-season break, I hope we?re no more than six points behind Leverkusen, and perhaps fewer."
Van Gaal's side has climbed to fourth in the table behind Leverkusen, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04.
After Gladbach, who have won just once in 41 league visits to Munich, Bayern play relegation-threatened Bochum away and bottom club Hertha Berlin at home before the winter break starts on December 20.
On current form, Gladbach appear to pose the most serious threat.
Borussia are the team of the moment in the Bundesliga with eleven points from their last five games, including victories in Hamburg and at home to Schalke in their most recent outings.
"They?re on a roll," acknowledged Van Gaal.
"They?re very well organised, and they defend by closing down space, which is something we?ve always had trouble with. I hope we find the key to unlock their defence and surprise them."
An important factor will be current strike pairing Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic, scorers of four of Bayern's last five goals.
"The feeling you should never write Bayern off has returned," said Gomez.
"You play very different football when you?re confident."
Dutch winger Arjen Robben will be on the substitutes bench and van Gaal expects to give him around 30 minutes of game time after four weeks out following surgery.
Robben last played a half of football back in early November in a 1-1 draw with Schalke, but has been sidelined by persistent knee problems ever since.
Leaders Leverkusen are waiting on the fitness of ex-Germany defender Manuel Friedrich, who is struggling with a calf strain, ahead of their match at Hanover on Saturday.
"It would be a pity (if he can't play), he has had an excellent season," said coach Jupp Heynckes. "We will see how he is closer to the game."
Third-placed Schalke have Brazilian defender Marcelo Bordon back after suffering from the 'flu as the Royal Blues prepare to host bottom side Hertha Berlin, who are six points adrift.
Fixures
Friday (1930GMT)
Bayern Munich v Borussia Moenchengladbach
Saturday (1430GMT unless otherwise stated)
VfL Wolfsburg v Freiburg, VfB Stuttgart v VfL Bochum, Hamburg v Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund v Nuremberg, Hanover 96 v Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz 05 (1730GMT)
Sunday
Cologne v Werder Bremen (1430GMT), Schalke 04 v Hertha Berlin (1630GMT)
Bleak mid-winter looms for Arsenal
LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger has long cherished his reputation as one of English football's great sages, but he will take no great satisfaction in seeing his most recent prediction born out.
Asked at the start of last month where he felt this season's title race would be won and lost, the Arsenal manager was unequivocal in his response.
"November is important," he said. "Traditionally it has not been a good month for us, but I explain that by the fact we had more injuries, it is the first period when they kick in. It depends on the fixtures too - you can have two or three difficult games in November."
Now, as he stands on the cusp of the traditionally frantic festive period, Wenger can reflect gloomily on how history has repeated itself.
Arsenal's title challenge, which appeared in rude health just four weeks ago, has suffered two devastating blows thanks to defeats at Sunderland and, more pointedly, at home to Chelsea, results which have left them 11 points adrift of their west London rivals ahead of Saturday's home game with Stoke City.
Even the club's famed youngsters have seen their progress checked in the most brutal fashion courtesy of a 3-0 League Cup quarter-final reverse at Manchester City.
Combine all that with serious injuries to Robin van Persie, Arsenal's most potent attacker this season, and the reliable left-back Gael Clichy, and a season which promised so much is already teetering on the brink.
Next year, Wenger might just be tempted to relocate his summer holiday to the dank autumn days of November.
The Frenchman has been his usual bullish self in the face of a fresh wave of scepticism over various aspects of his managerial methodology: the reluctance to spend heavily in the transfer market, the almost complete absence of rugged physicality in a squad overladen with small, scampering attackers, the dogged refusal to field his senior players in the League Cup and thus by-pass another chance to end a trophy drought which already stretches back to 2005.
Wenger has always been fiercely principled but there have been occasions in recent weeks when his determination to defend his methods has come across as self-delusional.
His refusal to acknowledge the performance of Didier Drogba after the defeat to Chelsea was remarkable for a man whose views on the tactical and technical nuances of the game are so renowned, while his sulky reaction to the defeat at City on Wednesday - Wenger stomped down the players' tunnel without bothering to shake hands with his opposite number, Mark Hughes - was graceless.
Arsenal supporters are not turning on Wenger - indeed, it is hard to imagine a day when they do so in significant numbers.
But it is debatable how long they will be prepared to pay the eye-watering prices routinely charged at the Emirates stadium in return for watching a team with no realistic hopes of winning a major prize.
Wenger might yet come under pressure to overhaul his rigid footballing philosophy next summer.
For all their recent troubles, Arsenal should still have enough to account for Stoke on Saturday. The Potters might boast the kind of strong-arm tactics which can traditionally ruffle the feathers of Wenger's dainty team, but slip-ups on home soil remain a rarity for the Gunners.
Stoke are also notoriously poor travellers, having won just once away from the Britannia stadium all season, although they have taken heart from Arsenal's slump in form.
"I'm hoping that it will play into our hands," Andy Wilkinson, the defender, said. "But you don't know, you don't want the backlash of it. We'll need to be right at the top of our game.
"Our away performances are much better than last year. We're going to places, we're believing in ourselves and we're not letting the occasion get the better of us. But by no means is it going to be an easy game for us."
Bleak mid-winter looms for Arsenal
LONDON (AFP) - Arsene Wenger has long cherished his reputation as one of English football's great sages, but he will take no great satisfaction in seeing his most recent prediction born out.
Asked at the start of last month where he felt this season's title race would be won and lost, the Arsenal manager was unequivocal in his response.
"November is important," he said. "Traditionally it has not been a good month for us, but I explain that by the fact we had more injuries, it is the first period when they kick in. It depends on the fixtures too - you can have two or three difficult games in November."
Now, as he stands on the cusp of the traditionally frantic festive period, Wenger can reflect gloomily on how history has repeated itself.
Arsenal's title challenge, which appeared in rude health just four weeks ago, has suffered two devastating blows thanks to defeats at Sunderland and, more pointedly, at home to Chelsea, results which have left them 11 points adrift of their west London rivals ahead of Saturday's home game with Stoke City.
Even the club's famed youngsters have seen their progress checked in the most brutal fashion courtesy of a 3-0 League Cup quarter-final reverse at Manchester City.
Combine all that with serious injuries to Robin van Persie, Arsenal's most potent attacker this season, and the reliable left-back Gael Clichy, and a season which promised so much is already teetering on the brink.
Next year, Wenger might just be tempted to relocate his summer holiday to the dank autumn days of November.
The Frenchman has been his usual bullish self in the face of a fresh wave of scepticism over various aspects of his managerial methodology: the reluctance to spend heavily in the transfer market, the almost complete absence of rugged physicality in a squad overladen with small, scampering attackers, the dogged refusal to field his senior players in the League Cup and thus by-pass another chance to end a trophy drought which already stretches back to 2005.
Wenger has always been fiercely principled but there have been occasions in recent weeks when his determination to defend his methods has come across as self-delusional.
His refusal to acknowledge the performance of Didier Drogba after the defeat to Chelsea was remarkable for a man whose views on the tactical and technical nuances of the game are so renowned, while his sulky reaction to the defeat at City on Wednesday - Wenger stomped down the players' tunnel without bothering to shake hands with his opposite number, Mark Hughes - was graceless.
Arsenal supporters are not turning on Wenger - indeed, it is hard to imagine a day when they do so in significant numbers.
But it is debatable how long they will be prepared to pay the eye-watering prices routinely charged at the Emirates stadium in return for watching a team with no realistic hopes of winning a major prize.
Wenger might yet come under pressure to overhaul his rigid footballing philosophy next summer.
For all their recent troubles, Arsenal should still have enough to account for Stoke on Saturday. The Potters might boast the kind of strong-arm tactics which can traditionally ruffle the feathers of Wenger's dainty team, but slip-ups on home soil remain a rarity for the Gunners.
Stoke are also notoriously poor travellers, having won just once away from the Britannia stadium all season, although they have taken heart from Arsenal's slump in form.
"I'm hoping that it will play into our hands," Andy Wilkinson, the defender, said. "But you don't know, you don't want the backlash of it. We'll need to be right at the top of our game.
"Our away performances are much better than last year. We're going to places, we're believing in ourselves and we're not letting the occasion get the better of us. But by no means is it going to be an easy game for us."
Ignore Juve, beat Gladbach demands Bayern boss
BERLIN (AFP) - Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal has ordered his side to forget next week's Champions League clash at Juventus and concentrate on closing the gap to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern must beat Juventus at Turin's Olympic Stadium next Tuesday to ensure they reach the Champions League knockout stages, but Friday's German league clash with Borussia Moenchengladbach is far more pressing for van Gaal.
Munich are six points behind Leverkusen and the Dutchman is ordering his side to focus on their next game.
"The mark of a top professional is the ability to concentrate on the next game, which is Gladbach. Juventus has to wait," said van Gaal on the eve of the Allianz Arena clash.
"The really decisive match is against Moenchengladbach. By the mid-season break, I hope we?re no more than six points behind Leverkusen, and perhaps fewer."
Van Gaal's side has climbed to fourth in the table behind Leverkusen, Werder Bremen and Schalke 04.
After Gladbach, who have won just once in 41 league visits to Munich, Bayern play relegation-threatened Bochum away and bottom club Hertha Berlin at home before the winter break starts on December 20.
On current form, Gladbach appear to pose the most serious threat.
Borussia are the team of the moment in the Bundesliga with eleven points from their last five games, including victories in Hamburg and at home to Schalke in their most recent outings.
"They?re on a roll," acknowledged Van Gaal.
"They?re very well organised, and they defend by closing down space, which is something we?ve always had trouble with. I hope we find the key to unlock their defence and surprise them."
An important factor will be current strike pairing Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic, scorers of four of Bayern's last five goals.
"The feeling you should never write Bayern off has returned," said Gomez.
"You play very different football when you?re confident."
Dutch winger Arjen Robben will be on the substitutes bench and van Gaal expects to give him around 30 minutes of game time after four weeks out following surgery.
Robben last played a half of football back in early November in a 1-1 draw with Schalke, but has been sidelined by persistent knee problems ever since.
Leaders Leverkusen are waiting on the fitness of ex-Germany defender Manuel Friedrich, who is struggling with a calf strain, ahead of their match at Hanover on Saturday.
"It would be a pity (if he can't play), he has had an excellent season," said coach Jupp Heynckes. "We will see how he is closer to the game."
Third-placed Schalke have Brazilian defender Marcelo Bordon back after suffering from the 'flu as the Royal Blues prepare to host bottom side Hertha Berlin, who are six points adrift.
Fixures
Friday (1930GMT)
Bayern Munich v Borussia Moenchengladbach
Saturday (1430GMT unless otherwise stated)
VfL Wolfsburg v Freiburg, VfB Stuttgart v VfL Bochum, Hamburg v Hoffenheim, Borussia Dortmund v Nuremberg, Hanover 96 v Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz 05 (1730GMT)
Sunday
Cologne v Werder Bremen (1430GMT), Schalke 04 v Hertha Berlin (1630GMT)
Mixed emotions as Gerrard joins 500 club
BLACKBURN (AFP) - Steven Gerrard will make his 500th Liverpool appearance at Blackburn on Saturday but the England midfielder will be in no mood to celebrate after admitting his side's Premier League challenge for the title is effectively over.
The England midfielder will reach the personal milestone against the same side he faced on his debut as a gawky teenager 11 years ago, with Liverpool looking to follow-up last weekend's Merseyside derby win and strengthen their hopes of a top four finish.
Gerrard admits league leaders Chelsea are in pole position to push on for the title and that Liverpool will find it almost impossible to bridge the 13-point gap that currently exists between his side and Carlo Ancelotti's.
But he is confident that, with Fernando Torres due to return from a groin problem, the Reds can go on a run that will secure Champions League qualification at the very least.
"It means everything to me personally to get to 500 games because I'm a local boy," Gerrard said.
"My dream when I was young was always just to play one game for Liverpool, so to reach this milestone is a really proud moment for myself and my family.
"Around the time I made my debut my dad was always saying to me 'you are so close to getting your chance'. I was just praying that chance came along.
"At the time we had injuries to big players like Steve McManaman and Paul Ince and I managed to sneak on as a sub. That was against Blackburn and now 500 games later I'll be starting as captain against them this weekend.
"I've had an amazing career so far and hopefully it will continue to go the same way. I'm living the dream. But we have to be realistic, and at the moment we're out of the title race.
"There is a lot of football to be played but Chelsea are looking really strong. Our main target now is to get back in the top four. We're on the back of a fantastic win against Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn.
"We were so close last season, but with virtually the same group of players we have under-achieved so far this season. What we've learned is that if you under perform you will fall behind as we've done.
"But I've got total belief in my team-mates that moving forward we can challenge for it. It has been too long since the club won the title and because it's missing from my collection it's the one I?m most desperate for. It's a very difficult trophy to win but we won't stop trying."
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will return to frontline management following minor heart surgery with a smile on his face following his side's thrilling League Cup victory over Chelsea in midweek.
How long it stays there remains to be seen considering Rafa Benitez will be in the opposite dug out. The duo fell out at Anfield last season when Allardyce accused the Spaniard of being disrespectful towards him and the Blackburn boss will be desperate to gain revenge.
Blackburn are only five points clear of the relegation zone but goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes confidence will be bolstered by the penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea in midweek which has put the club into the League Cup semi-finals.
"Bring on Liverpool!" Robinson said. "The cup run is a huge boost for our confidence. Okay, that wasn't Chelsea's first-team, but it was still a pretty decent side they had out.
"We did a good job on them and now we have Liverpool on Saturday and they will not be looking forward to that.
"It will be a difficult game but they won't be too keen on playing us in this form and at Ewood where our record has been fantastic.
"We always have confidence now at home, so we do not have any fears about Liverpool coming here next."
Mixed emotions as Gerrard joins 500 club
BLACKBURN (AFP) - Steven Gerrard will make his 500th Liverpool appearance at Blackburn on Saturday but the England midfielder will be in no mood to celebrate after admitting his side's Premier League challenge for the title is effectively over.
The England midfielder will reach the personal milestone against the same side he faced on his debut as a gawky teenager 11 years ago, with Liverpool looking to follow-up last weekend's Merseyside derby win and strengthen their hopes of a top four finish.
Gerrard admits league leaders Chelsea are in pole position to push on for the title and that Liverpool will find it almost impossible to bridge the 13-point gap that currently exists between his side and Carlo Ancelotti's.
But he is confident that, with Fernando Torres due to return from a groin problem, the Reds can go on a run that will secure Champions League qualification at the very least.
"It means everything to me personally to get to 500 games because I'm a local boy," Gerrard said.
"My dream when I was young was always just to play one game for Liverpool, so to reach this milestone is a really proud moment for myself and my family.
"Around the time I made my debut my dad was always saying to me 'you are so close to getting your chance'. I was just praying that chance came along.
"At the time we had injuries to big players like Steve McManaman and Paul Ince and I managed to sneak on as a sub. That was against Blackburn and now 500 games later I'll be starting as captain against them this weekend.
"I've had an amazing career so far and hopefully it will continue to go the same way. I'm living the dream. But we have to be realistic, and at the moment we're out of the title race.
"There is a lot of football to be played but Chelsea are looking really strong. Our main target now is to get back in the top four. We're on the back of a fantastic win against Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn.
"We were so close last season, but with virtually the same group of players we have under-achieved so far this season. What we've learned is that if you under perform you will fall behind as we've done.
"But I've got total belief in my team-mates that moving forward we can challenge for it. It has been too long since the club won the title and because it's missing from my collection it's the one I?m most desperate for. It's a very difficult trophy to win but we won't stop trying."
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce will return to frontline management following minor heart surgery with a smile on his face following his side's thrilling League Cup victory over Chelsea in midweek.
How long it stays there remains to be seen considering Rafa Benitez will be in the opposite dug out. The duo fell out at Anfield last season when Allardyce accused the Spaniard of being disrespectful towards him and the Blackburn boss will be desperate to gain revenge.
Blackburn are only five points clear of the relegation zone but goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes confidence will be bolstered by the penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea in midweek which has put the club into the League Cup semi-finals.
"Bring on Liverpool!" Robinson said. "The cup run is a huge boost for our confidence. Okay, that wasn't Chelsea's first-team, but it was still a pretty decent side they had out.
"We did a good job on them and now we have Liverpool on Saturday and they will not be looking forward to that.
"It will be a difficult game but they won't be too keen on playing us in this form and at Ewood where our record has been fantastic.
"We always have confidence now at home, so we do not have any fears about Liverpool coming here next."
Big guns return as United face Hammers test
LONDON (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to recall his big guns when Manchester United travel to Upton Park on a mission to keep in touch with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.
Ferguson fielded a youthful side in the midweek League Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford and was rewarded as the likes of Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson, Federico Macheda, Gabriel Obertan and Ritchie de Laet impressed in United's comfortable passage to the semi-finals.
The Scot has been full of praise for those who have stepped up to the plate, and critical of those who who have dared to suggest the players in question might not meet the high standards required at Old Trafford.
Yet it is doubtful Ferguson will trust any of them enough to hand them regular exposure to the tough demands of the Premier League, mainly because United's margin for error in the title race is minimal given the five-point advantage Chelsea currently hold at the top of the table.
The exception could be Gibson, whose two goals in midweek have presented Ferguson with a selection dilemma.
The Ireland midfielder has shown he is ready for a continued run in the team but the problem Ferguson faces is accommodating him in an area of the side where he is spoilt for choice.
The recent form of Anderson and Michael Carrick has dipped and these two could be the most vulnerable should Ferguson decide to hand Gibson another chance to impress in a line-up that will see Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and possibly Paul Scholes return.
Veteran defender Gary Neville believes the midweek display against Spurs was proof that United have another golden generation of young stars on their books and he argued that those on the fringes should now be considered an integral part of United's first team squad.
"I don't think they're younger players," Neville said. "They're playing for their countries and they deserve to be there by right.
"They're Premier League players of that quality, although they're obviously developing.
"It's going to be difficult to go all the way in the League Cup, but we're in the semi-finals again and we want to continue to do well this year."
Having struggled badly earlier in the season, West Ham have moved out of the relegation zone by winning two of their last four matches and, like Ferguson, manager Gianfranco Zola is reaping the benefit of giving homegrown young players their chance.
Few of the Hammers proteges have impressed more than winger Zavon Hines, who is relishing the chance to test himself against the champions.
The Jamaican-born forward is not lacking in confidence and insists he will not be overawed by the reputations of the players he will come up against on Saturday.
"I am looking forward to the game and it doesn't matter who you play. When Arsenal came here we were really up for it and came back from 2-0 down so I'm happy to take on anyone.
"Every time I come on I feel happy because not a lot of people get into my position. Playing for West Ham is a big thing for me and every time I play I get more confidence."
Hines is set to start on Saturday with West Ham's England striker Carlton Cole sidelined by a knee ligament injury. Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami is also out and Zola is sweating on the availability of Matthew Upson, who is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Big guns return as United face Hammers test
LONDON (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson is poised to recall his big guns when Manchester United travel to Upton Park on a mission to keep in touch with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table.
Ferguson fielded a youthful side in the midweek League Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford and was rewarded as the likes of Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson, Federico Macheda, Gabriel Obertan and Ritchie de Laet impressed in United's comfortable passage to the semi-finals.
The Scot has been full of praise for those who have stepped up to the plate, and critical of those who who have dared to suggest the players in question might not meet the high standards required at Old Trafford.
Yet it is doubtful Ferguson will trust any of them enough to hand them regular exposure to the tough demands of the Premier League, mainly because United's margin for error in the title race is minimal given the five-point advantage Chelsea currently hold at the top of the table.
The exception could be Gibson, whose two goals in midweek have presented Ferguson with a selection dilemma.
The Ireland midfielder has shown he is ready for a continued run in the team but the problem Ferguson faces is accommodating him in an area of the side where he is spoilt for choice.
The recent form of Anderson and Michael Carrick has dipped and these two could be the most vulnerable should Ferguson decide to hand Gibson another chance to impress in a line-up that will see Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and possibly Paul Scholes return.
Veteran defender Gary Neville believes the midweek display against Spurs was proof that United have another golden generation of young stars on their books and he argued that those on the fringes should now be considered an integral part of United's first team squad.
"I don't think they're younger players," Neville said. "They're playing for their countries and they deserve to be there by right.
"They're Premier League players of that quality, although they're obviously developing.
"It's going to be difficult to go all the way in the League Cup, but we're in the semi-finals again and we want to continue to do well this year."
Having struggled badly earlier in the season, West Ham have moved out of the relegation zone by winning two of their last four matches and, like Ferguson, manager Gianfranco Zola is reaping the benefit of giving homegrown young players their chance.
Few of the Hammers proteges have impressed more than winger Zavon Hines, who is relishing the chance to test himself against the champions.
The Jamaican-born forward is not lacking in confidence and insists he will not be overawed by the reputations of the players he will come up against on Saturday.
"I am looking forward to the game and it doesn't matter who you play. When Arsenal came here we were really up for it and came back from 2-0 down so I'm happy to take on anyone.
"Every time I come on I feel happy because not a lot of people get into my position. Playing for West Ham is a big thing for me and every time I play I get more confidence."
Hines is set to start on Saturday with West Ham's England striker Carlton Cole sidelined by a knee ligament injury. Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami is also out and Zola is sweating on the availability of Matthew Upson, who is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Crosas cheered by Celtic improvement
GLASGOW (AFP) - Marc Crosas believes Celtic are slowly reaching the standards new boss Tony Mowbray has demanded of them as they prepare for Saturday's visit of Aberdeen.
The mood around Celtic Park has been downbeat in recent weeks as the Hoops struggled for consistency, while they were eliminated from the Europa League despite defeating Hapoel Tel-Aviv at home on Wednesday.
But following last weekend's win over St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League and a good performance in their 2-0 victory against Hapoel, the midfielder is confident Celtic can put together a run of wins on the domestic front to remain top of the table.
"I thought we played very well against Hapoel," explained the former Barcelona player.
"We have had other good performances already this season but this was certainly one of our better displays. After winning at the weekend against St Mirren, it was good to build on that with a win over Hapoel.
"And it is now our hope that we can continue to win games. We want to go on a run of games where we keep winning as we know we must now focus on the title and trying to win the league this season. That is our aim.
"I feel we have good players and are a good side and we are showing that now which is very pleasing."
Crosas and his team-mates will face an Aberdeen side in confident mood after their 1-0 win over rivals Rangers at Pittodrie last weekend.
It has been nearly 30 years since the Dons recorded back-to-back-wins over the Old Firm, but Crosas said the Hoop have also been buoyed by their recent performances and will be looking for their third home win in a row.
"Aberdeen will be full of confidence after winning that game," he said. "But so are we as we have just enjoyed two good victories and also two good performances. So we will go into the game feeling good about ourselves.
"Of course, it will be a difficult game. But we will be hoping to take all three points and keep ourselves at the top of the SPL table."
Celtic will be without Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney due to injury but goalkeeper Artur Boruc could make his return after a long lay-off.
In the early kick-off, Rangers will have to pick themselves up from last weekend's defeat - their first in the league since March - for their visit to bottom club Falkirk.
Walter Smith's side could go top and put the pressure on Celtic with a win but the Bairns are brimming with confidence after picking up their first win of the season against Hamilton last week.
Smith says his side can't afford to be slow coming out the blocks.
"I don't think it's a physical thing because we had plenty of time after Tuesday to recover and if it was tiredness it would hit us at the end of games rather than the start," the Rangers manager said.
"It's more of a mental thing than anything else and when you have had disappointing performances in big games, like the Champions League ones at home, then it does have an effect.
"But we've had enough warnings this season and I mentioned a number of times in the run-up to Aberdeen that we couldn't afford to be slow to start."
David Weir, 39, will make his 100th appearance for Rangers when he leads the side out against old club Falkirk.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Hibernian take on Motherwell, Dundee United face St Mirren and Kilmarnock are away to St Johnstone.
On Sunday, Hamilton, who are just one point off the relegation zone, take on Hearts at New Douglas Park.
Fixtures (1500GMT unless otherwise stated)
Saturday
Celtic v Aberdeen, Dundee United v St Mirren, Falkirk v Rangers (1230GMT), Hibernian v Motherwell, St Johnstone v Kilmarnock
Sunday (1245GMT)
Hamilton v Hearts
Ronaldo and Real aim to put Clasico behind them
MADRID (AFP) - Still reeling from their painful derby defeat at Barcelona in 'El Clasico', Real Madrid will hope for some home comfort on Saturday when they entertain Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real claimed a moral victory from the Barcelona loss with many citing it as their best display of the season, but it was Barca who took the points and the Catalans now lead their rivals by five points after winning 2-0 at Xerez in Wednesday's rescheduled match.
"We showed we were at Barcelona's level at Camp Nou and this is the path we want to follow," said Real defender Pepe. "We didn't come away with any points but took lots of confidence.
"We are going to fight for the title right until the death because both sides will drop points. The important thing is to be strong physically and mentally right until the end."
Almeria coach Hugo Sanchez, the former Mexico star, won five league titles as a Real Madrid player and is likely to field a defensive line-up in a bid to frustrate his former employers.
Real have struggled to take the game to opponents this season, although the return of Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly help and the Portuguese sensation is expected to play more than the hour he managed against Barcelona.
Barcelona are still unbeaten in the league this season but face a tough trip to high-flying Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday in what is their third game in a week.
The champions had to dig deep to defeat Xerez in a match brought forward due to their participation in the FIFA World Club Cup in mid-December.
"We have five games left before Christmas and a lot to play for," said coach Pep Guardiola. "We had to take a step forward because we start on Saturday against one of the best teams in the league."
The recovering Lionel Messi, buoyant after winning the Ballon D'or, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were second-half substitutes against Xerez but could return to the starting line-up at the Riazor stadium.
Ibrahimovic followed up his winner against Real by coming off the bench again to score a delightful chip against Xerez and is the club's top scorer with nine goals.
Depor are going strong in fifth and Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis faces Barca for the first time since they tried to sign him in the summer, with the move collapsing over what Guardiola felt was an inflated transfer fee.
"A lot of people think I want to prove something to Barcelona but I have nothing to prove," said Luis. "They brought in my friend and a top player in Maxwell. He is happy there and I am happy here."
Sevilla, who were drawn against holders Barcelona in the King's Cup, are seven points off the top of the table with a game in hand and host Valladolid on Saturday.
Valencia are on the up but have a tough trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and must do without Spanish international midfielder David Silva, who is out until the New Year with a knee injury.
Valencia are fourth, three points behind second-placed Real, after going 14 games unbeaten in all competitions.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores will hope his side build on their 4-0 win over Espanyol and continue to move away from the relegation zone when they travel to basement boys Xerez.
Fixtures
Saturday (1700GMT unless otherwise stated)
Sevilla v Valladolid, Xerez v Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid v Almeria (1900GMT), Deportivo La Coruna v Barcelona (2100GMT)
Sunday (1600 GMT unless otherwise stated)
Tenerife v Sporting Gijon, Espanyol v Racing Santander, Real Mallorca v Real Zaragoza, Malaga v Osasuna, Villarreal v Getafe (1800GMT), Athletic Bilbao v Valencia (2000GMT)
Ronaldo and Real aim to put Clasico behind them
MADRID (AFP) - Still reeling from their painful derby defeat at Barcelona in 'El Clasico', Real Madrid will hope for some home comfort on Saturday when they entertain Almeria at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real claimed a moral victory from the Barcelona loss with many citing it as their best display of the season, but it was Barca who took the points and the Catalans now lead their rivals by five points after winning 2-0 at Xerez in Wednesday's rescheduled match.
"We showed we were at Barcelona's level at Camp Nou and this is the path we want to follow," said Real defender Pepe. "We didn't come away with any points but took lots of confidence.
"We are going to fight for the title right until the death because both sides will drop points. The important thing is to be strong physically and mentally right until the end."
Almeria coach Hugo Sanchez, the former Mexico star, won five league titles as a Real Madrid player and is likely to field a defensive line-up in a bid to frustrate his former employers.
Real have struggled to take the game to opponents this season, although the return of Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly help and the Portuguese sensation is expected to play more than the hour he managed against Barcelona.
Barcelona are still unbeaten in the league this season but face a tough trip to high-flying Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday in what is their third game in a week.
The champions had to dig deep to defeat Xerez in a match brought forward due to their participation in the FIFA World Club Cup in mid-December.
"We have five games left before Christmas and a lot to play for," said coach Pep Guardiola. "We had to take a step forward because we start on Saturday against one of the best teams in the league."
The recovering Lionel Messi, buoyant after winning the Ballon D'or, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were second-half substitutes against Xerez but could return to the starting line-up at the Riazor stadium.
Ibrahimovic followed up his winner against Real by coming off the bench again to score a delightful chip against Xerez and is the club's top scorer with nine goals.
Depor are going strong in fifth and Brazilian left-back Filipe Luis faces Barca for the first time since they tried to sign him in the summer, with the move collapsing over what Guardiola felt was an inflated transfer fee.
"A lot of people think I want to prove something to Barcelona but I have nothing to prove," said Luis. "They brought in my friend and a top player in Maxwell. He is happy there and I am happy here."
Sevilla, who were drawn against holders Barcelona in the King's Cup, are seven points off the top of the table with a game in hand and host Valladolid on Saturday.
Valencia are on the up but have a tough trip to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and must do without Spanish international midfielder David Silva, who is out until the New Year with a knee injury.
Valencia are fourth, three points behind second-placed Real, after going 14 games unbeaten in all competitions.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores will hope his side build on their 4-0 win over Espanyol and continue to move away from the relegation zone when they travel to basement boys Xerez.
Fixtures
Saturday (1700GMT unless otherwise stated)
Sevilla v Valladolid, Xerez v Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid v Almeria (1900GMT), Deportivo La Coruna v Barcelona (2100GMT)
Sunday (1600 GMT unless otherwise stated)
Tenerife v Sporting Gijon, Espanyol v Racing Santander, Real Mallorca v Real Zaragoza, Malaga v Osasuna, Villarreal v Getafe (1800GMT), Athletic Bilbao v Valencia (2000GMT)
Crosas cheered by Celtic improvement
GLASGOW (AFP) - Marc Crosas believes Celtic are slowly reaching the standards new boss Tony Mowbray has demanded of them as they prepare for Saturday's visit of Aberdeen.
The mood around Celtic Park has been downbeat in recent weeks as the Hoops struggled for consistency, while they were eliminated from the Europa League despite defeating Hapoel Tel-Aviv at home on Wednesday.
But following last weekend's win over St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League and a good performance in their 2-0 victory against Hapoel, the midfielder is confident Celtic can put together a run of wins on the domestic front to remain top of the table.
"I thought we played very well against Hapoel," explained the former Barcelona player.
"We have had other good performances already this season but this was certainly one of our better displays. After winning at the weekend against St Mirren, it was good to build on that with a win over Hapoel.
"And it is now our hope that we can continue to win games. We want to go on a run of games where we keep winning as we know we must now focus on the title and trying to win the league this season. That is our aim.
"I feel we have good players and are a good side and we are showing that now which is very pleasing."
Crosas and his team-mates will face an Aberdeen side in confident mood after their 1-0 win over rivals Rangers at Pittodrie last weekend.
It has been nearly 30 years since the Dons recorded back-to-back-wins over the Old Firm, but Crosas said the Hoop have also been buoyed by their recent performances and will be looking for their third home win in a row.
"Aberdeen will be full of confidence after winning that game," he said. "But so are we as we have just enjoyed two good victories and also two good performances. So we will go into the game feeling good about ourselves.
"Of course, it will be a difficult game. But we will be hoping to take all three points and keep ourselves at the top of the SPL table."
Celtic will be without Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney due to injury but goalkeeper Artur Boruc could make his return after a long lay-off.
In the early kick-off, Rangers will have to pick themselves up from last weekend's defeat - their first in the league since March - for their visit to bottom club Falkirk.
Walter Smith's side could go top and put the pressure on Celtic with a win but the Bairns are brimming with confidence after picking up their first win of the season against Hamilton last week.
Smith says his side can't afford to be slow coming out the blocks.
"I don't think it's a physical thing because we had plenty of time after Tuesday to recover and if it was tiredness it would hit us at the end of games rather than the start," the Rangers manager said.
"It's more of a mental thing than anything else and when you have had disappointing performances in big games, like the Champions League ones at home, then it does have an effect.
"But we've had enough warnings this season and I mentioned a number of times in the run-up to Aberdeen that we couldn't afford to be slow to start."
David Weir, 39, will make his 100th appearance for Rangers when he leads the side out against old club Falkirk.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Hibernian take on Motherwell, Dundee United face St Mirren and Kilmarnock are away to St Johnstone.
On Sunday, Hamilton, who are just one point off the relegation zone, take on Hearts at New Douglas Park.
Fixtures (1500GMT unless otherwise stated)
Saturday
Celtic v Aberdeen, Dundee United v St Mirren, Falkirk v Rangers (1230GMT), Hibernian v Motherwell, St Johnstone v Kilmarnock
Sunday (1245GMT)
Hamilton v Hearts
PSG look to turn up the heat on Bordeaux
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain will be looking to prove their title aspirations as the winter break draws closer by toppling leaders Bordeaux in the French league on Saturday.
The Parisians are coming off two straight wins against Auxerre and Boulogne in the past week, which has seen them move up to seventh in the table.
But they face a tough task at Bordeaux, who marched two points clear of Lyon with a 3-0 win at Nancy last weekend.
Bordeaux have 28 points from 14 games with Lyon on 26 points, ahead of Auxerre on goal difference. PSG are six points behind the leaders.
The victory over Nancy ended a sticky run of two straight domestic losses which the Girondins will be keen to reverse.
PSG skipper Claude Makelele emphasised the importance of Saturday's game given his side's track record at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, where they have claimed just one win in the past decade.
"We have two days ahead of Bordeaux. We have to regroup. The most important thing is our fighting spirit. We mustn't lose that. It's what makes a team win and what we need the most," said Makelele.
And PSG coach Antoine Kombouare warned against over-confidence after their 5-2 win against second-from-bottom Boulogne in mid-week.
"Bordeaux aren't Boulogne. We'll go there with more confidence but against the French champions it will be difficult," he said.
Bordeaux will be boosted however by the return of French international playmaker Yoann Gourcuff following a groin strain which kept him out of their last three games, but Brazilian defender Henrique (knee) remains doubtful.
Montpellier, meanwhile, are back to action after swine flu resulted in nine players being quarantined and their last match against Monaco being postponed.
The southern side, currently fifth, four points behind Bordeaux with a game in hand, are training again after three days behind closed doors.
They will be hoping to avoid any ill-effects against relegation-threatened Le Mans, after just two matches in November due to the international break and the swine flu outbreak.
"Our biggest worry is to know how the bedridden players will recuperate," said physical coach Nicolas Girard.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Monaco, sitting ninth, travel to Valenciennes as fourth-placed Lorient visit fellow Brittany outfit Rennes. Marseille travel along the coast to Nice and Saint Etienne host Sochaux.
On Sunday, Lyon bid to get back to winning ways at 13th-placed Lille after failing to win any of their last five matches.
Lyon midfielder Jean II Makoun said they were trying to put the last month behind them.
"Given the results obviously we're not very happy," he said.
"We have to try and forget November, remain united and not get discouraged. We need to take points, to find the game that allowed us to play well at the beginning of the season."
Auxerre, without Polish international striker Ireneusz Jelen because of a torn bicep, host Nancy, as Boulogne look to pick themselves up against visiting Lens and bottom club Grenoble host Toulouse.
Fixtures
Saturday (1800GMT unless otherwise stated)
Valenciennes v Monaco, Saint Etienne v Sochaux, Rennes v Lorient, Nice v Marseille, Montpellier v Le Mans, Bordeaux v Paris Saint-Germain (2000GMT)
Sunday (1600GMT unless otherwise stated)
Last chance for City title hopes
LONDON (AFP) - Any lingering hopes Manchester City entertain of getting involved in a Premier League title race in their first full season of being bankrolled from Abu Dhabi will be extinguished if they fail to beat Chelsea on Saturday.
The league leaders arrive at Eastlands with a 14-point advantage over City, who have slipped to seventh after a run of seven consecutive draws.
It already looks like a virtually unbridgeable gap and Chelsea have acquired a distinct air of champions-elect after following up wins over Liverpool and Manchester United earlier in the season with last weekend's 3-0 victory at Arsenal.
United, who trail Chelsea by five points, travel to West Ham while Arsenal will seek to get their campaign back on track at home to Stoke.
Steven Gerrard makes his 500th appearance for Liverpool at Blackburn while third-placed Tottenham travel to Everton on Sunday.
Despite a blip in midweek, when a second string side was knocked out of the League Cup by Blackburn, the confidence in the Chelsea camp was underlined by Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, who described the current squad as stronger than the one which won the club's first title in 50 years in 2004-05.
Carvalho was a key figure in what was Jose Mourinho's first season in charge, during which Chelsea lost only one league match and conceded only 15 goals.
"In this moment we are an improvement even from that first year here under Mourinho," Carvalho said.
"Of course then we were compact and everyone was fighting, but now I think we have more quality in the squad maybe. Or at least different players, playing in a different system and style."
City's spirits were lifted by a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the League Cup in midweek and manager Mark Hughes insists there is no reason for his squad to feel overly dissatisfied at being so far off the pace being set by Chelsea.
"We are at a point now where we are reasonably pleased with where we are," Hughes said. "You can't deny we are going in the right direction.
"Comparisons are always made between ourselves and Chelsea. We started from a lot further behind. We need a little bit of time."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to retain Darron Gibson, who scored twice as a youthful United side beat Tottenham 2-0 in the League Cup in midweek, for the trip to West Ham.
The likes of Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs are expected to return but Ireland midfielder Gibson made a compelling case for promotion to United's first-choice line-up.
Gerrard's satisfaction at reach his personal milestone will be tinged with frustration over Liverpool's stuttering form.
"There is a lot of football to be played but Chelsea are looking really strong," the Reds captain admitted this week. "Our main target now is to get back in the top four.
"We're on the back of a fantastic win against Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn. We were so close last season, but with virtually the same group of players we have under-achieved so far this season."
Arsenal's frustration over the way their challenge has unravelled following back-to-back defeats by Sunderland and Chelsea has deepened after Theo Walcott was ruled out of Saturday's match with a hamstring injury.
Fixtures (1500 GMT kick-off unless stated)
Arsenal v Stoke City, Aston Villa v Hull, Blackburn v Liverpool, Manchester City v Chelsea (1730 GMT), Portsmouth v Burnley (1245 GMT), West Ham v Manchester Utd, Wigan v Birmingham, Wolves v Bolton
Sunday
Everton v Tottenham (1600), Fulham v Sunderland
Last chance for City title hopes
LONDON (AFP) - Any lingering hopes Manchester City entertain of getting involved in a Premier League title race in their first full season of being bankrolled from Abu Dhabi will be extinguished if they fail to beat Chelsea on Saturday.
The league leaders arrive at Eastlands with a 14-point advantage over City, who have slipped to seventh after a run of seven consecutive draws.
It already looks like a virtually unbridgeable gap and Chelsea have acquired a distinct air of champions-elect after following up wins over Liverpool and Manchester United earlier in the season with last weekend's 3-0 victory at Arsenal.
United, who trail Chelsea by five points, travel to West Ham while Arsenal will seek to get their campaign back on track at home to Stoke.
Steven Gerrard makes his 500th appearance for Liverpool at Blackburn while third-placed Tottenham travel to Everton on Sunday.
Despite a blip in midweek, when a second string side was knocked out of the League Cup by Blackburn, the confidence in the Chelsea camp was underlined by Portugal defender Ricardo Carvalho, who described the current squad as stronger than the one which won the club's first title in 50 years in 2004-05.
Carvalho was a key figure in what was Jose Mourinho's first season in charge, during which Chelsea lost only one league match and conceded only 15 goals.
"In this moment we are an improvement even from that first year here under Mourinho," Carvalho said.
"Of course then we were compact and everyone was fighting, but now I think we have more quality in the squad maybe. Or at least different players, playing in a different system and style."
City's spirits were lifted by a 3-0 win over Arsenal in the League Cup in midweek and manager Mark Hughes insists there is no reason for his squad to feel overly dissatisfied at being so far off the pace being set by Chelsea.
"We are at a point now where we are reasonably pleased with where we are," Hughes said. "You can't deny we are going in the right direction.
"Comparisons are always made between ourselves and Chelsea. We started from a lot further behind. We need a little bit of time."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson must decide whether to retain Darron Gibson, who scored twice as a youthful United side beat Tottenham 2-0 in the League Cup in midweek, for the trip to West Ham.
The likes of Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs are expected to return but Ireland midfielder Gibson made a compelling case for promotion to United's first-choice line-up.
Gerrard's satisfaction at reach his personal milestone will be tinged with frustration over Liverpool's stuttering form.
"There is a lot of football to be played but Chelsea are looking really strong," the Reds captain admitted this week. "Our main target now is to get back in the top four.
"We're on the back of a fantastic win against Everton and we want to continue that against Blackburn. We were so close last season, but with virtually the same group of players we have under-achieved so far this season."
Arsenal's frustration over the way their challenge has unravelled following back-to-back defeats by Sunderland and Chelsea has deepened after Theo Walcott was ruled out of Saturday's match with a hamstring injury.
Fixtures (1500 GMT kick-off unless stated)
Arsenal v Stoke City, Aston Villa v Hull, Blackburn v Liverpool, Manchester City v Chelsea (1730 GMT), Portsmouth v Burnley (1245 GMT), West Ham v Manchester Utd, Wigan v Birmingham, Wolves v Bolton
Sunday
Everton v Tottenham (1600), Fulham v Sunderland
PSG look to turn up the heat on Bordeaux
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain will be looking to prove their title aspirations as the winter break draws closer by toppling leaders Bordeaux in the French league on Saturday.
The Parisians are coming off two straight wins against Auxerre and Boulogne in the past week, which has seen them move up to seventh in the table.
But they face a tough task at Bordeaux, who marched two points clear of Lyon with a 3-0 win at Nancy last weekend.
Bordeaux have 28 points from 14 games with Lyon on 26 points, ahead of Auxerre on goal difference. PSG are six points behind the leaders.
The victory over Nancy ended a sticky run of two straight domestic losses which the Girondins will be keen to reverse.
PSG skipper Claude Makelele emphasised the importance of Saturday's game given his side's track record at the Stade Chaban-Delmas, where they have claimed just one win in the past decade.
"We have two days ahead of Bordeaux. We have to regroup. The most important thing is our fighting spirit. We mustn't lose that. It's what makes a team win and what we need the most," said Makelele.
And PSG coach Antoine Kombouare warned against over-confidence after their 5-2 win against second-from-bottom Boulogne in mid-week.
"Bordeaux aren't Boulogne. We'll go there with more confidence but against the French champions it will be difficult," he said.
Bordeaux will be boosted however by the return of French international playmaker Yoann Gourcuff following a groin strain which kept him out of their last three games, but Brazilian defender Henrique (knee) remains doubtful.
Montpellier, meanwhile, are back to action after swine flu resulted in nine players being quarantined and their last match against Monaco being postponed.
The southern side, currently fifth, four points behind Bordeaux with a game in hand, are training again after three days behind closed doors.
They will be hoping to avoid any ill-effects against relegation-threatened Le Mans, after just two matches in November due to the international break and the swine flu outbreak.
"Our biggest worry is to know how the bedridden players will recuperate," said physical coach Nicolas Girard.
Elsewhere on Saturday, Monaco, sitting ninth, travel to Valenciennes as fourth-placed Lorient visit fellow Brittany outfit Rennes. Marseille travel along the coast to Nice and Saint Etienne host Sochaux.
On Sunday, Lyon bid to get back to winning ways at 13th-placed Lille after failing to win any of their last five matches.
Lyon midfielder Jean II Makoun said they were trying to put the last month behind them.
"Given the results obviously we're not very happy," he said.
"We have to try and forget November, remain united and not get discouraged. We need to take points, to find the game that allowed us to play well at the beginning of the season."
Auxerre, without Polish international striker Ireneusz Jelen because of a torn bicep, host Nancy, as Boulogne look to pick themselves up against visiting Lens and bottom club Grenoble host Toulouse.
Fixtures
Saturday (1800GMT unless otherwise stated)
Valenciennes v Monaco, Saint Etienne v Sochaux, Rennes v Lorient, Nice v Marseille, Montpellier v Le Mans, Bordeaux v Paris Saint-Germain (2000GMT)
Sunday (1600GMT unless otherwise stated)
Brazil get Portugal, England lucky in World Cup draw
CAPE TOWN (AFP) - Brazil and Portugal were sent on a World Cup collision course when the final draw was made here Friday while Lady Luck smiled on England.
The Brazilians and Portuguese will clash in Group G and will be joined by top African side Ivory Coast and unknown quantities North Korea in what will inevitably be dubbed the 'Group of Death'.
"It's the most difficult of the groups," Brazilian midfield star Kaka told Spanish TV. "The Group of Death."
"But that's okay we just have to do our job."
England coach Fabio Capello had reason to be happy as his men drew a relatively lightweight trio of the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.
Ironically it was David Beckham, who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy, that pulled out the ball which paired up the Americans with England in the World Cup for the first time since 1950 when the United States pulled off a shock 1-0 win.
"It's an even group, we've already played against the United States and Slovenia and struggled," Capello told Italian TV.
"Algeria will be dangerous not least given what they did to Egypt. The first game will be tough as the US will have far more time than us to prepare.
"I remember some groups that looked easy in the draw and then proved to be anything but. Like all World Cup matches they won't be easy but we have to win if we want to advance."
Hosts South Africa were given a tough assignment, getting 1998 winners France, Central America powerhouse Mexico and Uruguay.
"We have landed the hosts and that is never easy. We will be playing away from home," French coach Raymond Domenech said.
"The groups are well balanced though. There really isn't a Group of Death as such this time around."
Group B has Diego Maradona's Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria and Greece, with Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia making up an open Group D.
German team manager Oliver Bierhoff said: "We are glad we did not draw France or Portugal, but Australia, Serbia and Ghana will also not be easy.
Coach Joachim Loew agreed: "We are quite happy with this draw, it's an interesting group."
The Netherlands fared well getting Japan, Cameroon and Denmark in Group E. defending champions Italy also blew a sigh of relief bagging New Zealand, Paraguay and rookies Slovakia in Group F while in the final Group H, European champions Spain go up against Honduras, Chile and Switzerland.
Italian coach Marcello Lippi though warned that appearances can be deceptive.
"The more you think a group will be easy the more difficult it becomes," he said.
"I'm neither satisfied nor upset. They are all difficult opponents but then we will also cast an eye on the (possible) second round and quarter-final (opponents)."
The draw, which saw the 32 qualified teams split into eight groups of four for the first round stage of the June 11-July 11 tournament, laid down the battle lines for what will be the first World Cup to be played on African soil.
With the eyes of the footballing world firmly focused on this historic city perched on the southern tip of the continent, it was an evening full of symbolic significance both for Africa and for South Africa, coming as it did just 15 years after the end of the apartheid era.
After a show that featured both traditional and modern African music, the stage was handed over to South African-born Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron who took on the duties of main presenter to be joined on stage later by other sporting celebrities including Beckham.
First, as pre-arranged, out of the seeded Pot 1 were hosts South Africa who will be playing in just their third World Cup and who, at 86th in the world, are the lowest-ranking team in the competition.
They were followed in turn by heavyweights Argentina, England, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Brazil and Spain.
It was then a question of who would go up against them from the three remaining pots which had been carefully assembled to ensure that teams from the same continent would be kept apart as far as possible.
The latter contained the two most dangerous floaters in the draw - France and Portugal - and when Portugal were flung in with Brazil the atmosphere turned electric in the main auditorium of the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Brazil get Portugal, England lucky in World Cup draw
CAPE TOWN (AFP) - Brazil and Portugal were sent on a World Cup collision course when the final draw was made here Friday while Lady Luck smiled on England.
The Brazilians and Portuguese will clash in Group G and will be joined by top African side Ivory Coast and unknown quantities North Korea in what will inevitably be dubbed the 'Group of Death'.
"It's the most difficult of the groups," Brazilian midfield star Kaka told Spanish TV. "The Group of Death."
"But that's okay we just have to do our job."
England coach Fabio Capello had reason to be happy as his men drew a relatively lightweight trio of the United States, Algeria and Slovenia.
Ironically it was David Beckham, who plays for the Los Angeles Galaxy, that pulled out the ball which paired up the Americans with England in the World Cup for the first time since 1950 when the United States pulled off a shock 1-0 win.
"It's an even group, we've already played against the United States and Slovenia and struggled," Capello told Italian TV.
"Algeria will be dangerous not least given what they did to Egypt. The first game will be tough as the US will have far more time than us to prepare.
"I remember some groups that looked easy in the draw and then proved to be anything but. Like all World Cup matches they won't be easy but we have to win if we want to advance."
Hosts South Africa were given a tough assignment, getting 1998 winners France, Central America powerhouse Mexico and Uruguay.
"We have landed the hosts and that is never easy. We will be playing away from home," French coach Raymond Domenech said.
"The groups are well balanced though. There really isn't a Group of Death as such this time around."
Group B has Diego Maradona's Argentina, South Korea, Nigeria and Greece, with Germany, Australia, Ghana and Serbia making up an open Group D.
German team manager Oliver Bierhoff said: "We are glad we did not draw France or Portugal, but Australia, Serbia and Ghana will also not be easy.
Coach Joachim Loew agreed: "We are quite happy with this draw, it's an interesting group."
The Netherlands fared well getting Japan, Cameroon and Denmark in Group E. defending champions Italy also blew a sigh of relief bagging New Zealand, Paraguay and rookies Slovakia in Group F while in the final Group H, European champions Spain go up against Honduras, Chile and Switzerland.
Italian coach Marcello Lippi though warned that appearances can be deceptive.
"The more you think a group will be easy the more difficult it becomes," he said.
"I'm neither satisfied nor upset. They are all difficult opponents but then we will also cast an eye on the (possible) second round and quarter-final (opponents)."
The draw, which saw the 32 qualified teams split into eight groups of four for the first round stage of the June 11-July 11 tournament, laid down the battle lines for what will be the first World Cup to be played on African soil.
With the eyes of the footballing world firmly focused on this historic city perched on the southern tip of the continent, it was an evening full of symbolic significance both for Africa and for South Africa, coming as it did just 15 years after the end of the apartheid era.
After a show that featured both traditional and modern African music, the stage was handed over to South African-born Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron who took on the duties of main presenter to be joined on stage later by other sporting celebrities including Beckham.
First, as pre-arranged, out of the seeded Pot 1 were hosts South Africa who will be playing in just their third World Cup and who, at 86th in the world, are the lowest-ranking team in the competition.
They were followed in turn by heavyweights Argentina, England, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Brazil and Spain.
It was then a question of who would go up against them from the three remaining pots which had been carefully assembled to ensure that teams from the same continent would be kept apart as far as possible.
The latter contained the two most dangerous floaters in the draw - France and Portugal - and when Portugal were flung in with Brazil the atmosphere turned electric in the main auditorium of the Cape Town International Convention Centre.