Wenger : "I am confident my team can overcome United"

The Gunners have been in scintillating form so far this season but Sir Alex Ferguson's team has also produced some sparkling football of their own in recent weeks.

United can climb above Arsenal with victory in north London and Wenger admits he is relishing the occasion even more than a usual meeting between the clubs.

"It is the two teams that are leading the championship so of course it takes a special importance," he said.

"There is a lot of tradition as well because there in the last 10 years there have always been very good and very competitive games between us.


"In the last two years we dropped our level and were two far behind the other teams, but now this season we are back fighting for the championship.

"We feel we have made a big improvement and I have a great belief in this side, and I want that to come out tomorrow."

He explained: "The characteristics of the two teams were more physical a few years ago. Now they are more technical and that is certainly what will come out in the game tomorrow.

"The kind of game we play tomorrow is very important. Everybody is looking at us."

From : www.premierleague.com

Adebayor's Dream Come True

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, the 6ft 3ins targetman admits the prospect of playing in such a game inspired him to become a footballer, but while he is full of respect for Alex Ferguson's side, the only thing on his mind is three points.

"As a child I dreamed about playing in games like this," he said with a big smile on his face.

"Arsenal are first, Manchester United are second and we are playing each other. This is a big, big game, we will see who is going to win. I really hope it will be Arsenal.

"We are very focused and at the moment we are full of confidence. They will be confident as well because they are winning and scoring lots of goals. Guys like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are playing well, so it's looking good for them.

"But the most important thing for us is that when any team comes to the Emirates Stadium, no matter who they are, we want to take the three points and go home. It's as simple as that."

From : skysports.com

Neville may return in Big Match

Manchester United captain Gary Neville could return to the squad for Saturday's top of the table clash at Arsenal after ending a long injury absence by playing for the reserves.

The 32-year-old England defender, out of action since March, featured for just under an hour of a local county cup match against Stockport County which United won 6-1 on Thursday.

Neville was initially sidelined by ankle ligament damage before a planned comeback earlier this season was delayed by thigh and calf injuries.

"Missing the end of last season was bad enough but then for it to go into this season is doubly frustrating. Hopefully it's over now and I can get back into the team," he told United Radio.

If he is not selected for second-placed United's match with Premier League leaders Arsenal, Neville will hope to return against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League on Wednesday.

From : sports.yahoo.com

We Never See Mourinho Again In EPL

The ‘Special One’ was shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge in earlier in the season after an inconsistent start to the campaign.

Despite ushering in a new era of success at Chelsea in the Premier League, Alex Ferguson believes Mourinho will take a job in either Spain or Italy for his next role.

The Scot expects Mourinho to take a break from football before coming back from the spat with Roman Abramovich with renewed vigour.

"I don't know if he will come back into the English game, I'm not sure of that," Ferguson told the League Managers' Association website.

"I think Jose will end up at a top team in Spain or Italy, I'm almost certain of that.

"There certainly is no-one on the radar at the moment obviously, he's taking a break and I think he's aiming to come back fresh.

"I don't think there's any problem about him coming back into management, I think it's where he comes back in and I don't think anyone has any clues to that at this moment in time."

From : goal.com

Kewell Back as a "New Sign"

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez reckons Harry Kewell can be like a new signing after the Australia winger put six months of injury misery behind him to help his side reach the League Cup quarter-finals.

The 29-year-old seemingly perennially injured star received a standing ovation from the Anfield fans when he came on as a 70th minute substitute during Wednesday's 2-1 fourth round win over Cardiff after recovering from a thigh problem.

It was Kewell's first taste of senior action for Liverpool since appearing in the Champions League final against AC Milan in May.

Kewell's Liverpool career has been plagued by injuries, but Benitez hopes the former Leeds player can use his appearance against Cardiff to put his problems behind him.

"It was important for Harry and for us that he went on," said Benitez.

"He could be like a new signing for us. I'm really pleased for him and hopefully now he can kick on."

Benitez is unlikely to rush Kewell into his starting line up for fear of aggravating another injury, but Kewell is likely to be on the bench again when Liverpool travel to Blackburn in the Premier League on Saturday.

From : sports.yahoo.com

Giberto Could be back

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could hand a shock recall to Brazil's 2002 World Cup winner Gilberto Silva for Saturday's crunch clash with Manchester United to prove once and for all that he hasn't fallen out with him.

Reports earlier this week suggested Gilberto was fuming at having to play for Wenger's second string side in their 3-0 League Cup fourth round victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Wednesday.

Gilberto was an integral part of Wenger's side last season but has found himself on the fringes of the Frenchman's first team squad this time round.

To make matters worse Gilberto was overlooked for the captaincy in favour of Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for the trip to Sheffield.

But Wenger heaped praise on Gilberto following the midfielder's impressive display and is considering recalling him to the squad for this weekend's eagerly awaited top-of-the-table meeting with United at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said: "He was a real leader on the pitch. There is no problem with Gilberto. I don't know why people think there is a problem.

"The only problem is that he (Gilberto) hasn't had the number of games he would like, but he's still a key person for me, definitely.

"I didn't give the captaincy to him because he wasn't in the team from the start of the competition. We spoke about it and he understands.

From : sports.yahoo.com