Needing just seven points to stamp the Premier League title, Sir Alex Ferguson says that his Manchester United team will bring to win against Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Victory, while not guaranteeing the title, will bring United to within touching distance of a 19th domestic championship. But, warns the Scot, all teams could drop points with only four games to go before the season`s end.
United faces an Arsenal team whose authority has crumbled since losing the Carling Cup final to Birmingham City in February. Arsne Wenger`s side has dropped points against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers in the past fortnight, although there is yet an outside chance the Londoners could win the title.
"There is still drama ahead," said Ferguson on Friday, whose slope is seeking a third win at the Emirates in a row.
"The teams at the top will drop points, including Chelsea. Two months ago everyone was look at these two games as league deciders. They probably are now
"But if we get to the final home game needing to win it to win the league, I would be glad with that. The angle I seemed to be getting is that Arsenal and Chelsea are expecting to win these games and alter the top of the league.
"Why can`t we win these matches? Surely, given the flesh we are in, we can. It is not going to be any easier for Arsenal or Chelsea than it is for us. These are difficult games. A point away from home at Arsenal is not the worst point - but that is not what we are going downward there look for.
"It`s crucial to maintain momentum loss by winning games. That`s vital. Draws don`t get into it now, it`s all about wins. We`ve got a big few games coming up and we want to win them."
Ferguson will receive back top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov for the match, which United has won 3-1 on the final two visits to north London. The Bulgarian has started just one of United`s past 13 matches but with 21 Premier League goals this flavor is probably to last as the league`s top goalscorer. The 30-year-old has lost the preceding three matches with a minor groin strain.
Darren Fletcher also returns to the travelling party, although he is improbable to start. The Scot has lost two months with a mystery virus but played the low half of the reserves` 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday night. However, the Scotland captain has noticeably lost weight during the absence, although he has been in good training for the preceding two weeks.
"Dimitar is fit again. He had a slight groin strain but he has trained all week," added Ferguson
"He [Fletcher] is progressing and it is possible we could include him on Wednesday for another 45 minutes. It is just that he is back. He has put his weight back on. He has worked hard in the gym. He is a large gain to the squad."
Ferguson will rest midfielder Ryan Giggs for the trip despite the Welshman`s outstanding work in central midfield in the preceding two months. The 37-year-old scored United`s opening goal against Schalke on Tuesday night and has been a pivotal figure in a more fluid style adopted by United in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Ferguson may opt to bring Nani back into the side, with Antonio Valencia having played repeatedly since his fall from injury. Fabio da Silva will stay at right-back with John O`Shea and his brother Rafael still struggling with injury.
Anderson is probably to go in Giggs` place later the Brazilian`s purposeful showing against Everton last weekend. The €30 million midfielder has started just 12 Premier League matches in another disappointing campaign marked by inconsistent performances and injury. Yet the youngster, still only 22-years-old, is probably to hold on the creative midfield mantle next season unless Ferguson`s breaks with recent tradition and buys an established midfielder during the summer.
Indeed, Ferguson admitted that United lacks the same creative power as in former campaigns, with more workmanlike players approach to the fore this season. It is an attitude, along with United`s playing and coaching experience, which Ferguson believes will do the Reds well during the last matches of the season.
"This team might not give the `Ronaldo` factor, but it doesn`t see the word defeat," said Ferguson, whose position has lost only three matches in the Premier League.
"It`s determined, gritty and very professional, and it`s produced some great moments. It`s not as if we`ve been free of that [fantasy]. Some of the football we`ve seen from the players this season has been terrific.
"We`ve had some fantastic games over the age at this phase of the season, but we`ve also had some disappointments. You`ve only got to accept the grating with the smooth.
"The players see how staff behave and how they direct themselves in situations like we`re in at the moment, and there`s a lot of experience amongst the backroom team, which provides a calming influence.
Two or 3 of the senior players help too. The likes of Ryan, Paul, Rio and Edwin - we`ve got enough experience to address any site that comes along."
Meanwhile, Wenger faces the dispute of rebuilding his side`s confidence following a negative period in which Carling loss was followed by FA Cup and Champions League exits and a crumbling title challenge. Wenger is without injured duo Alou Diaby and Łukasz Fabianski, although key defender Thomas Vermaelen came done the reserve fixture with United on Thursday night and could start.
The Frenchman`s outfit has won just twice since the deprivation to Birmingham, and one of those matches was against League Two outfit Leyton Orient in the FA Cup. Coupled with the Londoners` horrendous recent record against United, in which Ferguson`s side has won 8 of the lowest 10 meetings, few expect Arsenal to offer any resistance on Sunday afternoon.
United`s manager, players and millions of supporters are reckoning on it.
Match Facts
Premier League. Emirates, London, 2.05pm.
Teams
Arsenal - 433 - Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Fabregas;Walcott, van Persie, Nasri. Subs from: Lehmann, Squillaci, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh, Ramsey, Arshavin, Bendtner, Djourou.
United - 4411 - van der Sar; Fabio da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Carrick, Anderson, Park; Rooney; Hernandez. Subs from: Kuszazck, Brown, Evans, Smalling, Rafael da Silva, Gibson, Valencia, Owen, O`Shea, Giggs, Berbatov.
Officials
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant referees: John Flynn & Andy Garratt
Fourth official: Lee Mason
Form
Arsenal - DDWDDL
United - WWLDWW
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