Sir Alex Ferguson focused on big guns as Arsenal and Chelsea wait for Manchester United

04 December 2010 00:57
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is already looking ahead to this month's significant fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea. [LNB]While Ferguson's more immediate concern is whether Saturday's Barclays Premier League encounter with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road beats the weather, pre-Christmas fixtures against United's main rivals have taken on greater onus with his side now two points clear at the summit. [LNB]The Gunners visit Old Trafford on December 13, with the trip to Stamford Bridge following six days later. [LNB] Eye on the ball: Fergie's festive fixture list throws up some Christmas crackers[LNB]And as Arsenal and Chelsea meet themselves on December 27, Ferguson accepts it is going to be a crucial period. [LNB]'You always want to win those games because they are really significant,' Ferguson told Inside United. 'We have managed to claw ourselves into a position where we are two points ahead of Chelsea, so the game at Stamford Bridge and Arsenal's trip to Manchester will certainly be very important, there's no doubt about that.[LNB]'We saw that last season - some big decisions didn't go our way in the two matches against Chelsea and they ended up costing us important points.'[LNB] A clear foul by Didier Drogba on Wes Brown was missed by the referee as John Terry tucked home the winner for Chelsea against United at Stamford Bridge last season, a victory that ultimately proved pivotal in the Blues winning the title. [LNB] Hard to take: Chelsea beat United twice in the Premier League last season[LNB]Now United have the edge again, even if their momentum has been hit by that shock four-goal Carling Cup reverse at West Ham. [LNB]Ferguson is certain to make changes, with Wayne Rooney, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Dimitar Berbatov - fresh from his record-equalling five-goal haul against Blackburn - set for a recall. [LNB]United's first visit to Blackpool since 1974 comes at the start of what is always a pivotal period of the season. [LNB]'You are aware that you have to use your squad well because there are so many games, particularly during that week between Christmas and New Year,' Ferguson added. [LNB]'Three matches in six days is a lot. It is a hectic period but we have the players to cope. Hopefully we're in the right position come the start of January.'[LNB] United defender Evans the target of Fergie fury after cup exitSold-out Blackpool v United clash to face inspection over weather-hit pitchWest Ham 4 Man United 0: Spector sparks a shock blizzard of goalsGiggs: Man United were 'unlucky' after Carling Cup thrashing by West HamMANCHESTER UNITED FC NEWS FROM ACROS THE NET  [LNB]  

Source: Daily_Mail