Sheff Utd vs Manchester Utd / Boro vs Liverpool

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1055 LIVE ON STAR SPORTS

Rooney and ronaldo are scoring again. but manu tend to be complacent against teams with lower reputation

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liverpool should start winning their away games starting with the very inconsistant boro

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the finishing of the sheffield strikers are really amazingly poor.

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very the disappointed wif Pool leh..
hope they gain their form back fast as Xmas is coming..

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pool cant be blamed for their poor away form. look at the teams they faced
bolton
everton
chelsea
arsenal
manu
could not get any tougher for rafa. the next few games shouldnt be a prob for pool

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Returning Neville hands Man Utd fitness boost

Gary Neville is set to provide Manchester United with a major injury boost ahead of this weekend's trip to Sheffield United.

After his captain aggravated a calf injury in last week's win at Blackburn, Sir Alex Ferguson immediately withdrew him from the England squad for yesterday's friendly with Holland and claimed he would not be risked for another fortnight.

However, Neville has now admitted the problem is not quite as extensive as originally feared and he could yet play some part at Bramall Lane as United look for a win to consolidate their position at the Premiership summit.

'I feel okay,' he told MUTV. 'The injury is not as bad as I first thought.

'We will see how it goes in training but hopefully I will be in contention for this weekend.'

Neville has struggled for a consistent runs of games this season and after missing seven of United's 17 games so far this term, will be anxious not to avoid any more.

Ferguson may have other ideas though, particularly as the Red Devils are facing up to a huge week, which also includes a mouthwatering Champions League trip to Celtic before Chelsea arrive for a Premiership blockbuster on November 26.

Having won their last six league games, United are certainly entering the most congested period of the season so far in fine form, although Neville understands the need to maintain the momentum.

'Our form is going well,' he said.

'We are happy with the way we have been playing. The way we have been passing the ball and moving it around, it is difficult for any team to live with us.

'But we have to maintain that high level of performance because we are about to embark on our biggest period of the season.

'We have about 16 matches in the next two months. In the next four weeks alone we play Chelsea, Everton, Middlesbrough and Manchester City, games that are always difficult for us.

'Up to now, we have done everything that has been asked of us. We want to keep it going.'

Although United will be overwhelming favourites to emerge victorious from their first Steel City visit in 11 years, Ferguson and his team need no reminding they have not always had it their own way on previous visits to Bramall Lane.

United's first match of the Premiership era ended in defeat there, while even Sir Matt Busby's title winners were beaten by the Blades 40 years ago.

And, as the Red Devils have already failed to beat one promoted club this season in Reading, there are enough reasons for Neville to be wary.

'It will be a battle,' he said.

'We already know, after playing Reading last season and Wigan this season, that teams who have come up have proved to be difficult opposition.

'Most teams want to get promoted because they want to play big clubs like Manchester United.

'Sheffield United are a big club with a big following and they will want to make it difficult for us.'

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Middlesbrough v Liverpool

Middlesbrough will make a late decision on Stewart Downing, Lee Cattermole and Andrew Taylor.

Chris Riggott (ankle ligaments) and Ugo Ehiogu (Achilles) are unlikely to be risked but Julio Arca is available after a foot problem.

Aiyegbeni YAKUBU is Middlesbrough's top scorer with four goals.

Liverpool are expected to switch Steven Gerrard to central midfield with Mohamed Sissoko sidelined.

With Luis Garcia nursing a muscle injury, Bolo Zenden and Jermaine Pennant may get a chance in midfield.

Peter CROUCH is Liverpool's top scorer with eight goals.

Middlesbrough (from): Schwarzer, Jones, Turnbull, Xavier, Davies, Huth, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor, Arca, Boateng, Downing, Cattermole, Morrison, Rochemback, Euell, Mendieta, Yakubu, Maccarone, Graham.

Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Hyypia, Warnock, Riise, Pennant, Alonso, Gerrard, Zenden, Crouch, Bellamy, Kuyt, Fowler, Dudek, Paletta, Gonzalez.

REFEREE
Lee Mason (Lancashire)

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
Home and away
League: Middlesbro 37 wins, Liverpool 54, Draws 37
Prem: Middlesbro 5 wins, Liverpool 10, Draws 7

at Middlesbrough only
League: Middlesbro 24 wins, Liverpool 20, Draws 20
Prem: Middlesbro 5 wins, Liverpool 3, Draws 3

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Ferguson hints at rest for Neville

Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Gary Neville, a doubt for this weekends match against Sheffield United, may be rested against Celtic next week as he tries to overcome a calf injury.

"We tried to get to the root of his injury," Ferguson said on Friday.

"We tried to rest him in some games in order to give him the proper training. Gary was playing one game, missing training during the week, then playing and missing training again to get treatment, which is no good. It catches up with you if you dont train. We eventually tried to get the fluid cleared up in his calf muscles, to give him proper training, so it didnt reoccur."

Neville then suffered a further setback, however. "The same thing then happened in his other calf," Ferguson said. "Hes unfortunate, thats all. We may have to look at it for the Celtic match on Tuesday."

United face the Scottish champions in Glasgow in the UEFA Champions League after Saturdays clash at Bramall lane.

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Ferguson says Giggs has added cunning to his game

Sir Alex Ferguson has pinpointed the extra cunning Ryan Giggs has developed as a key factor in the Manchester United wingers recent good form.

The most decorated player in United history has already become a front-runner for the major player of the year awards this term.

Now approaching his 33rd birthday, Giggs shows no sign of slowing down with age and Ferguson knows his continued excellent form could be crucial as United look to secure their ninth Premiership title this term.

"Ryan has added the bit of cunning to his game that experienced players have," noted Ferguson.

"Defenders find it difficult to pick him up because he takes them into areas they dont want to be in. Players do tend to get more consistency as they get older. They know themselves better and Ryan has never changed his lifestyle. He has always kept his feet on the ground. By living the right way and playing the game the right way, he is able to last longer and we are getting the benefit of that."

Giggs is already assured his place in an unchanged Red Devils line-up for Saturdays trip to Sheffield United, with skipper Gary Neville now recovered from a troublesome calf injury and Cristiano Ronaldo over the ankle knock he picked up in last weekends victory at Blackburn.

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SHEFFIELD UNITED v MANCHESTER UNITED: TEAM NEWS

The most decorated player in Manchester United history has already become a front-runner for the major player of the year awards this term ahead of the clash with Sheffield United.

FULL LIST OF PREMIER LEAGUE WINNERS

Now approaching his 33rd birthday, Giggs shows no sign of slowing down with age and Ferguson knows his continued excellent form could be crucial as United look to secure their ninth Premier League title this term.

Ryan has added the bit of cunning to his game that experienced players have, said Ferguson.

Defenders find it difficult to pick him up because he takes them into areas they dont want to be in.

Players do tend to get more consistency as they get older. They know themselves better and Ryan has never changed his lifestyle.

He has always kept his feet on the ground. By living the right way and playing the game the right way, he is able to last longer and we are getting the benefit of that.

Neil Warnock believes he has learned his lesson from the last time he pitted his wits against the man he regards as the godfather to all British managers.

The Sheffield United boss has struck up a friendship with Ferguson over the years that will be put to the test when Barclays Premiership leaders United visit Bramall Lane.

The previous occasion the two men crossed paths on the pitch was eight years ago, when Warnock was manager of Bury, attempting a League Cup upset at Old Trafford.

As a Blade I'm looking forward to seeing United at Bramall Lane in the flesh, and as a manager I'm looking forward to pitting my wits against Sir Alex and giving them a good game, said Warnock.

But I remember the last time I did that when I was with Bury. I got carried away.

Tactically we were brilliant. At full time it was 0-0, and so I decided to go for the win in extra time. How stupid!

I thought we have to try and win this, we'll never get a better chance.

But as soon as I changed things to try and win it, bang, bang, we were 2-0 down. It was a good lesson for me, that.

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MIDDLESBROUGH v LIVERPOOL: TEAM NEWS

The 31-year-old has enjoyed many central midfield battles with a player he believes is one of the best in the business.

But as the debate over Rafael Benitezs decision to play the England international out wide continues, the Dutchman has no doubts where he is most effective.

Boateng said: Steven Gerrard, for me, is the best English midfield player in the country. He is the new Paul Scholes.

He is a very, very talented, gifted player and I always enjoy playing against him.

But I would rather have him out on the right. In a way, it is a compliment because if you are that good and can play in both positions, it is very, very good.

But if you asked me where he is less effective, I would say stick him out wide. It makes our job a lot easier.

But at the same time, he is still a quality player whether he plays from the right or not, and Benitez will be looking for a game where he will play from the right and score goals and say, 'I told you so.

But I hope on Saturday, he plays out wide.

MIDDLESBROUGH v LIVERPOOL: CLASSICS

Meanwhile, Benitez has moved to set the record straight after Gerrard was reported as saying that he had spoken to the Anfield manager about his unhappiness playing on the right.

Benitez said: He did not speak to me about this, I spoke to him. I spoke to him before the Arsenal game because I wanted to explain that he will play more games in the centre, but against Arsenal he would play on the right side.

And yes, it is a possibility that he will play in the centre against Middlesbrough now we have Momo Sissoko out injured for three months.

I do not think the others are better than Steven there, but remember, I always say we must find the balance for the team.

ARSENAL 3-0 LIVERPOOL

He added: Steven is a great player from any position. He plays on the right and plays well, he will score.

If he plays on the left and plays well, he will score and if he plays in the middle or as a support striker and plays well, he will score.

It does not matter where you decide to play him, if he is on form he will score from anywhere.

We have used Bolo Zenden in the middle and I have been really happy with him playing alongside Xabi (Alonso). But also I am happy with Steven when he plays in the middle."

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Do make your predictions before the start of the whistl.. good luck have fun Wink

http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=220556

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Sheff Utd 1-2 Man Utd: Rooney at the rescue
PA

Two-goal Wayne Rooney sparked a 2-1 victory for Manchester United at Sheffield United to keep the Red Devils top of the Barclays Premiership.

Former Old Trafford winger Keith Gillespie had stunned the visitors by scoring his first goal for the Blades.

But Rooney made it three goals in four days after finding the net in England's 1-1 draw in Holland in midweek.

United should have taken the lead in the 10th minute after Colin Kazim-Richards made a hash of intercepting Cristiano Ronaldo's ball.

Poor control allowed skipper Gary Neville to steal in and drive in a right-foot shot that was saved by Paddy Kenny's legs.

Three minutes later the Blades made the visitors pay by taking the lead, with Rio Ferdinand's mistake the cause.

Under pressure from Kazim-Richards, Ferdinand hacked the ball down the touchline, only for Nicky Law to intercept.

A cushioned header to Kazim-Richards, followed by a return pass, gave the 18-year-old time to deliver a cross from the left and Gillespie headed in.

Controversy followed in the 26th minute when United were denied a penalty.

Rooney's through-ball for Louis Saha saw the Frenchman barged in his back by Rob Kozluk. Referee Mark Clattenburg waved away appeals and was immediately surrounded by four angry United players.

But the Red Devils were in control and their reward arrived on the half-hour.

Neville's low curled ball into the heart of the area from the right was picked up by Rooney. After an initial controlling touch with his left foot, Rooney fired the equaliser past Kenny with his right foot from six yards.

Rooney got his second in the second half when he met Patrice Evra's left-wing cross and volleyed home from eight yards.

Ronaldo then spooned the ball over an empty net from four yards after being teed up by Giggs.

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Ferguson praise for Rooney

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Wayne Rooneys decisive double strike after he secured a comeback victory at Sheffield United.

Rooney struck in the 30th and 75th minutes to keep his side top of the Barclays Premiership after former Old Trafford winger Keith Gillespie had scored his first goal for the Blades to hand them an early lead.

The brace takes Rooneys tally to seven for United this season, and eight overall, after scoring for England in their 1-1 draw in Holland on Wednesday.

Rooneys opener came after he sneaked between covering defenders Claude Davis and Captain Phil Jagielka to latch on to a cross from right-back Gary Neville.

Rooney controlled the ball with his left foot before despatching an angled right-foot shot past goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.

The winner, 15 minutes from time, saw Rooney flash a right-foot volley beyond Kenny following a cross from left-back Patrice Evra.

Ferguson said: "They were two marvellous finishes. The first came from a run across the defender. He has caught him on the hop, off-guard, and it was a great strike. The second was terrific. Taking that kind of finish, when you are under pressure and you need to win, it makes it more special."

The victory sets United up for their top-of-the-table clash with reigning champions Chelsea next week, when Ferguson hopes to avoid controversy.

"It promises to be a fantastic game, one that everybody is looking forward to and the whole world will be watching," he said.

"But I saw the controversy coming from down there (Stamford Bridge) about the referee. I hope the game is not decided by a referees decision because it could be a fantastic game. Lets hope thats the case."

Ferguson praised the all-round application of his side in particular as Neil Warnocks men defended resolutely throughout the game.

"They proved it was going to be difficult, but the important thing is we kept our patience, kept probing, and we made some good chances," remarked Ferguson.

"To be honest with you, I was hoping we would get a goal before half time because if we had gone in 1-0 down then it would have been a long road back. It would have made it more difficult for us because they would have been more entrenched, but the goal gave us that bit of patience to wait and wait. By doing that there was always the possibility that we would create the chance that mattered."

Fortunately for Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldos glaring miss just before full-time did not prove costly, with the Portugal international ballooning over the bar from just four yards after Ryan Giggs cross.

Ferguson was able to see the funny side as he said: "He will not miss that again. It was an unusual miss. I think the ball bounced up a bit, but at the end of the day we can put it behind us."

With Newcastle drawing at Arsenal, Sheffield United have now slipped back into the bottom three, but for Warnock the more important battles lie ahead.

Appreciating anything gained from this would have been a bonus, Warnock said: "Our season starts now. When I saw the fixtures at the start of the season, I thought the games after this one would be crucial to us. I thought we might have been a few more points adrift, but we are not. We are in the mix and we can start scrapping for points from now on."

Warnock felt his side produced a solid display, adding: "I couldnt have got any more from them than I did today. There are a lot of positives and we want more of this. We want to be playing United every year."