Man Utd v Norwich preview

Manchester United host Premier League newcomers Norwich looking to bounce back from their midweek draw with Basel.

The Premier League champions were two goals to the good at Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League clash before the Swiss side looked like causing a shock with three unanswered goals.

Ashley Young's last-minute effort saved the Red Devils' blushes and boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be demanding a reaction against the Canaries as his side aim to maintain their perfect home league record.

But the Canaries go into the game on a high after beating Sunderland 2-1 at Carrow Road on Monday night to rise to the heady heights of ninth in the table.

That victory followed a 1-0 win at Bolton as Paul Lambert's side have now fully found their feet in the top flight.
Team news

Danny Welbeck may find himself back on the bench when Norwich visit despite scoring two goals in the Champions League in midweek.

For Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez are back from injury for the visit of the Canaires.

Chris Smalling (groin), Nemanja Vidic (ankle) are still missing and could return after the international break, but Jonny Evans has recovered from his ankle injury and is available to bolster Ferguson's defensive options.

Midfield duo Tom Cleverley and Darron Gibson are long-term absentees with foot and ankle problems respectively.

For Norwich, Lambert has confirmed striker James Vaughan will be out for several months with a knee injury.

The 23-year-old hobbled off after coming on as a second-half substitute during the Canaries' defeat of Sunderland on Monday night.

Source: www.skysports.com

Everton vs Liverpool preview

Old foes Everton and Liverpool will lock horns once more at Goodison Park on Saturday in the 216th Merseyside derby.

For David Moyes it is the chance to build on some steadily improving home form that has seen the Blues recover from that shock opening game defeat to QPR to go unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions in front of their own supporters.

They also have fond memoires of last season's home encounter with Liverpool, when they strolled to a comfortable 2-0 win thanks to goals from Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill.

It is a very different Liverpool team though that will take to the field on Saturday, complete with a new - or should that be familiar - man in the dugout.

Reds boss Kenny Dalglish is preparing to return to Goodison Park as Liverpool manager for the first time since 1991.

Back then Dalglish famously quit the Anfield club just days after a tumultuous 4-4 FA Cup tie with the Toffees, citing the pressure of the job and the strain it had taken on him over the years.

His return last January was equally dramatic and the intervening nine months has seen him stamp his authority on the squad with a number of big money incomings and notable departures
The situation could not be more different across Stanley Park, with Toffees boss Moyes forced to work on a shoestring budget, raising nearly £15million in player sales over the summer but only bringing in three loan signings.

Despite the financial disparity the Blues could go above their old rivals with a win on Saturday, with a game in hand.

Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and Everton's Tim Cahill appear to relish this fixture more than most and the pair have five derby goals to their name. The Australian has scored more derby goals than any other Everton player since the war.

The game could hinge on referee Martin Atkinson, who faces the unenviable task of trying to manage the Premier League's most volatile encounter. This match-up has seen 19 red cards since the start of the Premier League, more than any other fixture.

Atkinson showed six yellows and two reds the last time he was on duty in a Merseyside derby, at Anfield in February 2010.

Therefore the derby spoils could hinge on who keeps their head in the white hot atmosphere of a packed Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.
Team news

Cahill is a doubt for Everton after he sustained a shin injury in a challenge with Manchester City's Vincent Kompany last weekend. The Australian hasn't trained all week but Moyes will leave it as late as possible before deciding on the 32-year-old's fitness.

Striker Louis Saha is pushing for a recall after appearing as a substitute against City last weekend but fellow forward Victor Anichebe remains side-lined until December.

For Liverpool, skipper Steven Gerrard looks likely to start from the bench as he edges his way back to full fitness. The England man has played just 25 minutes of competitive football since recovering from a groin operation.

Glen Johnson is out with hamstring strain while Daniel Agger will also miss out as he recovers from a rib injury.

Possible starting XIs

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Rodwell, Fellaini, Osman, Coleman, Cahill, Saha.

Liverpool: Reina, Enrique, Carragher, Kelly, Skrtel, Kuyt, Downing, Lucas, Adam, Suarez, Carroll.

Source: www.skysports.com

Harry hails Wenger

Spurs boss salutes under-fire Arsenal rival ahead of derby date

Redknapp and Wenger: North London rivals will go head-to-head
again on Sunday.
Harry Redknapp has hailed Arsene Wenger as a 'great manager' as he prepares to put his wits against the Frenchman in Sunday's North London derby.

Friday marks the 15th anniversary of Wenger's appointment as Arsenal manager, but if his team's recent form is anything to go by, there is not much reason for the Frenchman to celebrate.

The departure of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, coupled with the 8-2 humbling at Old Trafford and the shock 4-3 reverse to Blackburn saw some supporters calling for his head.

But Tottenham boss Redknapp insists sacking the man who has brought three Premier League titles to the club since he moved from Japan would be foolish.

"You know what it's like in football. You lose a few games and suddenly Arsene Wenger's a poor manager," Redknapp said.

Great manager:
"The man's been a great manager at Arsenal and I am sure he will be for many years to come. God knows what people are saying about him on the radio.

"They have had injuries. That has been the problem. I think the centre-half (Thomas) Vermaelen is top drawer. They have missed him. I think he is a fantastic player."

Redknapp has only lost one of six North London derby meetings in the league since taking over and he is confident about taking all three points this weekend.

"They'll be difficult to beat but we are a very good team as well so I fancy our chances against anybody," the 64-year-old said.

"I am confident in my own team. I just feel we have good players here. Scott Parker and (Emmanuel) Adebayor coming in have made a massive difference to us.

"Sandro coming back from his long-term injury gives us strength. He's a fantastic player so we look strong."
Respect

And Redknapp is sure that there will be no repeat of Adebayor's infamous goal celebration if the on-loan Manchester City striker scores against former club again on Sunday.

Redknapp feels he has no need to talk to Adebayor about his behaviour this weekend and is confident that the giant striker will not go over the top.

The Spurs boss said: "I'm sure he won't over-react again. I think he apologised last time. He's got a lot of respect for Arsenal still but he loves it here now, he's a Tottenham player.

"I've never spoken to him about it. I hope he does score a couple of times. I hope he slides on his knees and celebrates.

"I am sure he's going to get plenty of abuse come the weekend but he has just got to get on with his game.

"You can't react to that. He's got to get on with it. Fans are entitled to give players all the stick in the world so long as it's in the bounds of decency."

Source: www.skysports.com