Fuente: © UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

FOOTBALL EUROPE: United and Chelsea out to seize chance

/noticias.info/ Manchester United FC have the opportunity to open up a three-point lead over Arsenal FC at the top of the Premier League table when they host struggling Bolton Wanderers FC tonight, and with third-placed Chelsea FC also in action away to Tottenham Hotspur FC, it promises to be a vital evening in the English title race.

Arsenal slump
United's slender victory at Derby County FC on Saturday enabled them to move above Arsenal on goal difference (with a game in hand) after Arsène Wenger's team, who were five points clear at one stage, had been held to a draw for the fourth game running, 1-1 at home to Middlesbrough FC. The defending champions were not entirely convincing against the league's bottom team, however, scoring just once late on through Cristiano Ronaldo, and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson is urging his players to show more potency.

Missed chances
"Last Saturday, missing chances knocked us out of the [FA] Cup, and against Derby we made it hard for ourselves because we missed so many again," Sir Alex said. "We were really charitable – it was a lot of chances. Maybe it's a little sticky spell, but we want to get over it." United play twice before Arsenal's next match, with Liverpool FC also arriving at Old Trafford early on Sunday afternoon. Sir Alex added: "We've big, important games coming up and we want to start taking chances." Bolton, meanwhile, remain 18th and deep in relegation trouble following their 1-0 loss at Wigan Athletic FC.

Terry belief
Also tonight, Chelsea can draw level with Arsenal if they succeed in gaining revenge over Tottenham for the recent defeat in the League Cup final. Saturday's 1-0 triumph at Sunderland FC extended their unbeaten run in the league to 12 matches, a sequence that includes nine victories. Their goalscorer at the weekend, captain John Terry, is confident of claiming a third league crown in four years, saying: "We are right in the mix and in a great position, especially as only a few months ago we were way adrift. We are quietly coming up on the rails and playing very well."

Spurs dip
The Gunners, who return to action with a crucial trip to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, will be hoping for a favour from their north London rivals, although Spurs have suffered from a dip in form since their extra-time success over the Blues at Wembley last month. A cruel penalty shoot-out defeat by PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Cup was followed by a second league reverse in three games away to Manchester City FC on Sunday, leaving Juande Ramos's men eleventh in the standings. notas_de_prensa_archivo