Fergie - It will be intense [Archive]

araeff

03-21-2008, 10:15 PM

Manchester United v Liverpool

Rio Ferdinand could return to the heart of the United defence for the lunchtime kick-off, though Gerard Pique could keep his place if the England man doesn't recover from his back injury in time. Tomasz Kuszczak will stay in goal if Edwin van der Sar is not passed fit. Patrice Evra should regain his place at left-back after being rested against Bolton, while Carlos Tevez could renew his partnership with Wayne Rooney.

Rafael Benitez is expected to field something approaching his first XI as he chases that lucrative fourth-spot finish, with Dirk Kuyt supporting Fernando Torres in attack. In defence, however, Daniel Agger and Steve Finnan are still out for the long term, so Alvaro Arbeloa and Martin Skrtel will take their respective places.

Chelsea v Arsenal

The only likely team change for Chelsea boss Avram Grant is Jon Obi Mikel returning to midfield at the expense of Claude Makelele. Didier Drogba is expected to keep his lone target man role as Nicolas Anelka is still out with a thigh problem, while Carlo Cudicini remains in goal.

Arsenal are still without Tomas Rosicky and Abou Diaby, so Alexandr Hleb will continue on the left of midfield, with Emmanuel Eboue covering him for him on the right. There are likely to be few changes for Arsene Wenger's side as they bid to knock Chelsea out of this season's title race for good.