Hughes expects Ferguson mind games

Wednesday, 12, Apr 2006 11:48

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes says he's expecting Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to employ plenty of mind games as they try to chase down Chelsea in the Premiership table.

United sit seven points behind the Blues with just five games remaining, with a game between the two sides on April 29th at Stamford Bridge still to play.

Ferguson still believes his side can draw in Chelsea and Hughes expects the Scot to employ plenty of mind games in the run-in.

"Chelsea would think they only need a couple more wins but United will think it is not over yet," Hughes said.

"Sir Alex has had opportunities in the past to affect opposing managers and people have accepted that he has had an impact so I'm sure he will try it again."

While Hughes, who spent much of his career at Old Trafford, may want his old boss to triumph, he still has his own side's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Blackburn are competing with north London duo Arsenal and Tottenham but his side face a difficult run-in, including a clash with the Blues on May 2nd.

Hughes is hoping that Chelsea will have wrapped up the title by then so his side can play them when they have nothing to play for.

"We play Chelsea on the Tuesday of the last week of the season and if we are still chasing European places then it could be to our advantage if we are playing a Chelsea side who have won the title the previous Saturday," Hughes added.

"It could be construed to be to our advantage but we will have to remember they are top players and a top manager and we will still have to go out there and get the job done."

Blackburn currently sit four points behind fourth-placed Spurs with five games remaining.