Ferguson wants buffer for title showdown
Fergie: don't get complacent
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Wednesday, 15, Nov 2006 02:06
Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his players to keep their three-point lead over Chelsea intact for the Premiership champions' visit to Old Trafford.
United host Chelsea on November 26th in what will be a closely fought six-pointer as the race for the title hots up.
Before that mouth-watering clash, Chelsea play West Ham at Stamford Bridge and United travel to Bramall Lane to face struggling Sheffield United.
With the Hammers having won only two of their last 14 games and the Blues unbeaten at home in the league under Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex is expecting Chelsea to keep up the pressure.
But he called on his team to get a result against newly-promoted Sheffield United and remain three points clear at the top.
"The game with Chelsea will be a massive one and we want to be going into it with a three-point lead," the United boss said.
Chelsea have won back-to-back Premiership titles and while they may have looked rather more fallible this season, Sir Alex will be all too aware that any slip-up by his team is sure to be pounced upon.
The Scot, who recently celebrated 20 years in charge at Old Trafford, has a couple of injury worries heading into this weekend's fixtures.
Ryan Giggs last night limped out of Wales' friendly win over Liechtenstein after taking a knock on his ankle and Gary Neville has had to pull out of the England squad with a calf problem.
The United manager will be praying that Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand come through tonight's friendly against the Netherlands unscathed.