Sir Alex Ferguson has performed down Manchester United’s probabilities of emulating their 1999 treble as his harm-hit workforce resume their quest for a document 19th title.
The Premier League leaders journey to in-form West Ham on Saturday leading second-placed Arsenal by a healthy five factors with only eight video games remaining, though the Gunners have a game in hand.
But April guarantees to present Ferguson’s squad with their toughest check of the season thus far, with a heavyweight Champions League quarter-remaining against Chelsea looming earlier than an FA Cup semi-remaining with Manchester City.
The demanding fixture record comes as Ferguson attempts to manage an damage crisis which has wreaked havoc together with his defensive options.
Though Ferguson hopes to have captain Nemanja Vidic back for Saturday’s trip to Upton Park, Rio Ferdinand stays sidelined with a calf injury along with Rafael (hamstring), John O’Shea (hamstring) and Jonny Evans (suspended).
Whereas Ferguson believes his squad are able to repeating the club’s historic treble, the injury disaster will make it a tall order.
“It'll be more difficult than it was in 1999,” Ferguson said. “We didn’t have the injuries we do now. There is a nice desire to do it but we've got so many accidents to defenders at present.
“We will by no means give in, though. It doesn't matter what happens, you always feel Manchester United will rating in the last minute.
“We will need to have a chance however it is harder than it has ever been.”
Ferguson, who's serving a 5-match ban for his rant towards referee Martin Atkinson, insists his criticisms were justified.
“I think the previous couple of video games we’ve had horrible decisions towards us and also you’ve simply got to be careful you don’t have paranoia about it,” Ferguson said.
But whereas Ferguson juggles his resources, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will welcome back an array of first-crew gamers as they prepare to entertain struggling Blackburn at the Emirates.
Cesc Fabregas, Alex Track, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby are all match after lacking the two-2 draw with West Brom two weeks ago.
Wenger can also be hopeful that Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Ramsey will all shake off minor knocks in time.
Wenger has been keen to emphasize that the destiny of the title stays in
Arsenal’s fingers despite consecutive attracts which have prevented them from overtaking United at top.
Victory in all of the Gunners remaining matches - which includes a fixture
against United on the Emirates on Could 1 - would give Arsenal the title.
“I am assured the consistency at the finish of the season will be rewarded, so let’s focus on maintaining our run going and winning our next recreation,” said Wenger, whose males have not lost within the league since December 13.
“Things can change in a short time, and what's important for us is to get back winning, which is what our squad wants on the moment.”
Chelsea’s remote hopes of overhauling United go away them needing to take all three points off Stoke on the Britannia on Saturday, whereas the race for the fourth Champions League qualifying place sees Spurs journey to backside club Wigan on Saturday whereas Manchester Metropolis entertain Sunderland on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Roy Hodgson has the possibility to halt Liverpool’s latest resurgence as West Bromwich Albion tackle his former club at the Hawthorns.
Nevertheless, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has rejected strategies Hodgson may have additional motivation to beat the membership which fired him in January after solely six months in charge.
“Roy hasn’t got something to prove to anyone,” Dalglish said. “If you happen to say he has further motivation then you are doubting the person’s integrity and implying he by no means had sufficient motivation before.
“It’s Liverpool versus West Brom and we’ll face a crew that has been ready by Roy. I don’t have a problem with that.”