Sir Alex Ferguson believes this weekend's round of Premiership
fixtures could prove significant to the eventual outcome of the
title race.
The four heavyweights of British football come face-to-face on
Sunday afternoon as United entertain Arsenal and Chelsea host
Liverpool.
United will be aiming to extend this season's 100 per cent record
and keep a step ahead of the other three at the Premiership
summit.
"This weekend has an extra significance given that the top four
will all be meeting each other," acknowledge Sir Alex. "We need to
continue our good form and make sure we pick up another win on
Sunday.
"We won't be underestimating Arsenal and we'll have to play to the
best of our capabilities. But I'm very encouraged by the atmosphere
and team spirit within our squad."
Sir Alex is expecting another feisty encounter when the Gunners
pitch up at Old Trafford on Sunday. Clashes between the pair are
never short of controversy and the Reds' boss doesn't expect there
to be anything out of the ordinary this time round.
"Our games with Arsenal are always going to be feisty and
competitive, I don't think you can avoid that," reasoned Sir Alex
who saw his side run out 2-0 winners in the corresponding fixture
last season. "What you want is to make sure the game is played in a
fair manner.
"Arsenal are going through a bit of a transitional period at the
moment because they've lost big figures like Vieira, Pires,
Bergkamp and Ashley Cole.
"We've been through the same thing and have lost big players, but
you just have to be patient for the next stage of development," he
added.
The Reds will be without injury victims Ji-sung Park (ankle) and
Ryan Giggs (hamstring), but Sir Alex is confident his squad has the
strength and depth to cope without the absentees.
"Of course it's a bit of a blow but it's something that we have to
cope with and I believe we have the maturity within the squad to do
that," insisted the boss.
"We have Wayne and Paul back and Cristiano is available [after a
European suspension]. That will give us a boost. So we should be in
good shape for Sunday.
"I've got my team in my mind," added Sir Alex. "Ole Solskjaer will
figure at some stage, while Rooney will be better for his game
against Celtic.
"I've been very happy with our attacking play and I think Louis
Saha is benefitting from playing regularly.
"He's a terrific goalscorer who has everything in his game -
marvellous movement, pace, two good feet and an excellent spring.
We're enjoying what we're seeing from Louis and he's coming on all
the time."
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