(Manchester United News)
As Manchester gears up for derby day on Sunday, United and City’s rivals for Champions League positions will try to make gains on them on Saturday afternoon.
Second-placed Arsenal, one point ahead of United, travel to Burnley. The Gunners are the country’s form side, having won seven games on the bounce, and nine of their last ten, but Arsene Wenger isn’t taking the Clarets for granted. “You shouldn’t look at their place in the table,” he says. “They started slowly, but recently have played very well.”
As for whether his team can mount a late title challenge, Wenger assesses: “Chelsea have a difficult schedule, but so do we. All we can do is master our schedule.”
Sixth-placed Tottenham, who are eight points behind United, host Aston Villa, while Southampton, who are in seventh, must win at home against Hull City to keep their dreams of a top-four finish alive.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman isn’t giving up despite losing at Goodison Park last week, saying, "If we play like we did against Everton and show the same ambition, we have a chance.”
Elsewhere in the Barclays Premier League, West Ham face Stoke City, West Brom host Leicester City, Swansea play Everton and Sunderland welcome Crystal Palace.
On Sunday, league leaders Chelsea have their own derby with QPR. “Mentality is important because now is the moment where everything is decided,” says Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
“You can do amazingly well for seven, eight, nine months, but the moment of truth always arrives – and the moment of truth for us is to get the wins we need to be champions.”
On Monday night, Liverpool, who are fifth with eight points less than United, host Newcastle. Anfield boss Brendan Rodgers says he has not given up on a Champions League place just yet but says, “We have to win our [remaining] seven fixtures."
