Wednesday Mar 19 2008 08:30
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned
Manchester United to expect a physical encounter with Kevin Davies during Wednesday's clash with
Bolton Wanderers.
The United boss has earmarked the combative striker as a threat to their title aspirations when the sides meet needing points for vastly different reasons.
The Red Devils could move three points clear of Arsenal the top of the table, while Bolton could pull themselves out of the drop zone if they can complete the double over the champions this season.
But after Davies' physical approach upset Ferguson in a 1-0 win for Bolton at the Reebok Stadium back in November, the United boss has warned his defenders to prepare for another thorough examination.
Davies' wild challenge on full-back Patrice Evra which earned the no-nonsense striker a yellow card particularly upset the veteran Scot.
"They've got Kevin Davies up front and he'll do everything he possibly can to unsettle us," he claimed.
"He's a physical lad and we have to deal with that, but I think Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have the height and ability to do that.
"Of course, losing Jussi Jaaskelainen is definitely a big blow for Bolton because he's one of the best goalkeepers in the division, but they have experience in Ivan Campo and Kevin Nolan.
"If we perform well and take our chances then we'll win the match, but it's important we respect our opponents.
"Some of our football recently has been terrific and there's good penetration in the team.
"It's encouraging that we're making so many chances. Perhaps the forwards just need to relax a little in front of goal and then the goals will come."
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