Fulham

Fulham blew the Premier League title race wide open by inflicting Manchester United’s second successive defeat on a day when second-place Chelsea also lost, 1-0 at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

If United’s defeat by Liverpool last week reignited hopes on Merseyside of a first championship in 19 years, then such optimism will have been heightened by events in west London where Man Utd lost consecutive league games for the first time since April 2005.

United’s afternoon started and ended badly with Paul Scholes being dismissed for handling a goal-bound header after 17 minutes, allowing Danny Murphy to convert from the penalty spot. Zoltán Gera (87) added a second and, a minute from time, a frustrating day for the champions was compounded by the dismissal of substitute Wayne Rooney for his second booking.

Chelsea could have closed to within a point of United, but Guus Hiddink lost his first game as Blues manager. Luka Modrić (50) scored the only goal at White Hart Lane to edge Tottenham up to ninth.

Liverpool will do what Chelsea failed to if they overcome Aston Villa on Sunday. In the late game, Arsenal consolidated fourth place with a 3-1 win at third-bottom Newcastle United. Obafemi Martins (58)—who had a first half penalty saved—cancelled out Nicklas Bendtner’s opener for Arsenal less than a minute earlier only for the Gunners to hit back shortly after through Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri.

Meanwhile, relegation-threatened Portsmouth came from behind to beat visitors Everton 2-1, while Ryan Shawcross scored six minutes from time to earn Stoke City a 1-0 victory against a Middlesbrough team now four points from safety. Elsewhere at the bottom, West Bromwich Albion drew 1-1 at home with Bolton Wanderers, while another struggler, Blackburn Rovers, played out the same result with West Ham United.

It is Saturday once more. After a week of introspection and frustration, everyone was expecting United to come out blazing and make a statement. There was more talk of how many United would put past Fulham, rather than the game itself.

There would've been as much anticipation on Merseyside as there'd be in the Red half of Manchester. The manager and the players would like to shrug off the pressure and say it's just another day in office, but for the fan, it's a never-ending saga of joy and heartache, a skip of the heartbeat and a tear of joy. Lets kick on with game and see it through a fan's eyes.


The Build Up

As I said earlier, one would have expected Manchester United to come out of the traps and come out all guns blazing. As many other writers on BR pointed out, United are a proud club; the drubbing at home would not have gone well with the club and the fans alike. The last time they were beaten in the league, they went on an unbeaten run, only to be beaten last week.

However, Fulham have been quite a revelation this season. Having struggled for the last couple of seasons to beat the drop, they seem relatively well placed this season. Having been beaten only thrice at the Craven Cottage, they sure were up for it.

To add to the momentum, they beat Bolton at the Reebok last week to secure their first win on the road. So things were all nicely set up for the game the Cottage.

The First Half

The game started with Fulham coming out to make a point. United had a few changes in personnel from the team that lost to Liverpool last week. However, it was the duo of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson that was looking lively in front of the goal. The initial exchanges were scrappy, without either side testing the keeper. There was a battle on in the midfield.

Just when things seemed to get even, United made the first blunder. Fulham's efforts won them a corner, which was well headed by Zamora only for VDS to make a quick reaction save. He could, however, only punch it out a few yards from him. The follow on effort from Zamora was blatantly handled by Paul Scholes, who was on the post.

United had blinked. It was more an instantaneous reaction than a deliberate hand ball. All said and done, it was a clear sending off, as he was the last man between the goal and Zamora's effort; he was rightly sent off.

Danny Murphy slotted home the penalty. Suddenly, it was advantage Fulham. United struggled to come to terms with the early blow. The sending off just added to their woes. Fulham were deservedly ahead and pressed for the second goal.

After months in hibernation, VDS was called into action for once. He made a few brilliant saves and kept United in the game til half time. The culprits of the half—the old guard of Scholes and Giggsy.

The duo struggled to get together a string of passes. The sending off was only a part of the story. Of course, Berbatov was present on the pitch as usual but failed to get involved in the game. He is class, no doubt, but he should try getting it out of the locker sometimes.

The Second Half

Berbatov was rightly substituted and the temperamental Wayne Rooney was brought on. His arrival seemed to galvanize United, as they hardly looked like they were a man down. United pressed for the equalizer and in fairness they were only denied by the heroics of Schwarzer.

Park Ji Sung was lively as ever at Craven Cottage, which has been more like his second home—the Korean having scored on the last two visits to the cottage.

But it just wouldn't go in for United, as wave after wave of attack came to nothing. Wayne Rooney seemed to have rubbed off his enthusiasm to his teammates as well.

The Reds pushed on for the equalizer with Rooney, Park, and Ronaldo all going close. United were a shadow of what they were against Liverpool, as they dominated the game even with 10 men.

Schwarzer's heroics kept Fulham ahead for most of the second half. However, a few poor passes and a few fouls by Fulham slowed down the momentum.

Cristiano Ronaldo was easily the most frustrated soul on the pitch. Nothing seemed to be going his way. As some pointed out, it is probably more of a mental exertion than a physical one. It earned him a booking though.

Just when United were looking to have regained their lost touch, the Fulham manager did well to make substitutions at key points in the game and slow the pace of the game. And it was a substitute that made the difference.

The youngster Gera came off the bench and in what was an unlikely counter attack, Fulham gave United the sucker punch with an acrobatic effort from Gera.

It was not over, however. Wayne Rooney was determined to make his presence on the pitch felt. His travails earned him his second yellow card and a sending off. Just when everyone had decided that the title was United's, they seem to have turned generous themselves.



The culprits

SAF - For goofing up his selection

Against Liverpool, SAF was caught on the back foot as he sent out a side with a lack of English names—the likes of Scholes, Fletcher, and Giggs, which are common in the big games against their rivals. As if he wanted to mend his mistakes too early, he picked all the three together in midfield rather than start with two upfront.

Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs - the Old guard

No doubt the two veterans are still instrumental for United winning the title, but today was just not their day. They have struggled when they have played together in recent times, even against Inter at home. The duo could just not keep the ball and match the energy of their younger counterparts and opponents.

Nemanja Vidic - For his blunder last week, that still seems to have the effects on United.

Wayne Rooney - For putting his teammates into more trouble, which will probably count in the coming weeks



The Verdict

Having said all this, full credit to Fulham. They were relentless in their efforts and made the home advantage count. They struck at important times in the game and Roy Hodgson did well to slow the game down.

The result would have sent ripples through Manchester and waves of joy through Merseyside, only if Liverpool can make this one count. The title race has—as the cliche goes—truly burst into life. United have been beaten twice in a span of a week.

Are United cracking up? Has SAF lost it? Well, not just yet. While United were much improved from last week, they sadly have nothing to show for except a loss. The Championship form which they seemed to have suddenly seems lost. Lady luck suddenly seems to have stopped smiling at them. The crucial goal that they managed to score every time suddenly seems elusive now.

With only a four-point lead to show for now, United season is on the cusp of being turned around, and for once, it's not for the good. What seemed an aberration last week seems to be turning into a full fledged downfall.

As everyone says, the title is United's to lose and they seem to be taking the prerogative to make things interesting for Chelsea and Liverpool.

As SAF said, United always do it the hard way. We will know at the end of the season if doing it the hard way helped them at all. If this is what he meant by a RESPONSE, then they'd be better of without it.

Manchester United gave Liverpool every chance to get back into the title hunt with an inept display at Craven Cottage today. After the manner of the defeat to Liverpool last weekend, Alex Ferguson saw fit to recall his "old" guns to the team only to be let down by Paul Scholes who was sent off.

Wayne Rooney, who had come on as a substitute for the deplorable Berbatov, was also sent off while United were losing 2-0 and with it any chance of result.

Scholes and Giggs were re-installed in the United engine room for Carrick and Anderson who were both all at sea against Liverpool last weekend, but the move backfired on the Scot as Scholes was sent off for the sixth time in his career after he handled the ball on the line.

Danny Murphy, a long-time thorn in the United side scored his fourth goal against the Old Trafford giants from the penalty spot to hand Fulham a deserved lead after they had bossed United around all over the park.

Manchester United made schoolboy errors throughout the game, and Rio Ferdinand seemed to miss Vidic's presence more than the Serbian misses his. During United's recent run without conceding a goal the Englishman missed six games and was deputised by Johnny Evans who built a solid partnership with Vidic.

It was from Ferdinand's desperate pass to O'Shea that Fulham won the corner from which the handball resulted from.

With Scholes off the pitch United were effectively down to eight men as Cristiano Ronaldo and Dimitar Berbatov had long since given up the ghost for this game. Which was quite surprising considering the game was only 18 minutes old.

It was plain for anyone to see that neither player really tried and that they wanted to be elsewhere as a rampant Fulham dominated all over the pitch. And Berbatov got his wish after he was taken off at half time.

Strange to see two of United's most lauded players not seem to care. Ronaldo was petulant while Berbatov was downright lazy.

No point in playing the second half with an injured uninterested player right?

Wayne Rooney came on and with him on the pitch United actually began to look like they might take something from the game. He huffed and puffed and ran his legs into the ground as he tried to drag his uninterested team mates back into the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo walked around and barely even kicked the ball.

With United playing without the Portuguese, Rooney and Giggs began to get frustrated, and it came as no surprise to see Rooney pick up a yellow.

With his game tempered, Fulham took charge again. Andy Johnson broke down the right and crossed to Zoltan Gera who smashed the ball home to give Fulham a two goal lead.

The lead became an unassailable one minutes later as Wayne Rooney recieved a second yellow card. As he stomped off the pitch, glaring at his teammates, United's only chance of rescuing the game had gone.

Fulham deserved their win. They played all the football and Brede Hangeland has firmly established himself as one of the leagues best defenders in his debut season. Bobby Zamora played like Bobby Charlton but his finishing was more Jack Charlton as he ran Rio Ferdinand ragged all day.

The title ran is on. All Liverpool have to do is win tomorrow and a United side in all kinds of problems, with no momentum, will then have huge pressure placed on their shoulders. With suspensions mounting, Liverpool have a real chance.

This Manchester United team have been called great all season. They are far from a great side. Central midfield has been poor all season and all of their current problems stem from here. There is no driving force. No one to grab a team mate by the scruff of the neck, no one to drag the team to victory when the chips are down.

Rooney and Tevez are the most honest players in the squad and both are always played out of position for players who are not as good. To win the league Ferguson will have to sit down and get them back onside, without them United won't win anything.

So say it quietly, Liverpool have a real chance.

Fulham vs Manchester United

Saturday March 21 2009, Craven Cottage

Kickoff: 15:00

Fulham

Fulham defeated Bolton Wanderer's 3-1 away in their last league match, their first win in four league outings, and their first victory on the road this season.

In their last five matches, Fulham have won two, drawn one and lost two, picking up seven points from the 15 available. The Cottagers are currently ninth in the league, two points clear of 10th place Manchester City, and one point behind eighth placed Wigan.

Fulham currently have no reported injury concerns.

Manchester United" src="http://www.sportsbettingreview.co.uk/images/manutd.jpg">

Manchester United

Manchester United lost 4-1 at home to Liverpool in their last match, the Red Devils' first league loss in 17 straight matches, and their first league loss at home this season.

In their last five, Man Utd have won four and lost one, earning 12 of the possible 15 points. They are currently top of the league, leading second placed Chelsea and third placed Liverpool by four points, with a game in hand.

Manchester United will be without Owen Hargreaves and Wes Brown, whilst Gary Neville and Rafael are still doubtful.

Man Utd will also be without Nemanja Vidic for two matches, after the defender picked up a red card in the game against Liverpool. 

Prediction

Manchester United beat Fulham 3-0 earlier this season at Old Trafford, whilst last season's Fulham-Manchester United fixture also ended in a 3-0 Man United victory. Sir Alex Ferguson's side also posted a convincing 4-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage only two weeks ago, in the FA Cup quartefinals.

Fulham's win against Bolton may serve to reinvigorate the Cottagers, after a few disappointing results for the squad. On the other side of the pitch, it will be interesting to see how Manchester United respond after last week's thrashing at the hands of rivals Liverpool.

The Premier League title is still very much in the hands of the Red Devils at this point, but with Chelsea and Liverpool hot on their heels, Manchester United cannot afford to make any mistakes in the run-in.

Sir Alex Ferguson said that his team will respond with a strong performance after last week's result, and this is exactly what the defending champions are likely to do.

Manchester United will go into this match as heavy favourites for the victory, and a greater margin than expected may even result as the Red Devils go out to prove a point. However, with Fulham holding a great home record (having only lost three matches at Craven Cottage all season), it may prove to be a tough fixture.

Although the thought in the back of one's mind may be as to whether United will crack under the pressure following last week's demoralising defeat, all signs point towards the reigning champions overcoming adversity and continuing their near-faultless recent run of results with a victory in this match.

Read More Previews including Newcastle vs Arsenal, Tottenham vs Chelsea and Liverpool vs Aston Villa at the Sports Betting Review site now!

Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship (UWCC) saw another defence today as champions Manchester United took on former champions Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

It was another important match for United regarding their dreams of an unprecedented quintuple, while Fulham were looking to cause a major upset and make some history of their own.

A late winner from Hull in their midweek match meant Fulham were stuck in mid-table mediocrity, while Manchester United's win over Newcastle put them seven points clear in the league and extended their impressive unbeaten run.

United had progressed to the quarter-finals of the tournament after overcoming Derby, while Fulham advanced thanks to a late comeback in their fifth round replay against Swansea.

They couldn't repeat that feat today, however, as United comfortably ran out 4-0 winners.

It began so promisingly for the London club as they created numerous goal-scoring opportunities after suffering an early scare from a Carlos Tevez effort. Andy Johnson came close to giving Fulham an early lead when he inadvertently poked the ball past the onrushing Edwin Van Der Sar, but Nemanja Vidic got back in time to clear the ball.

Then, on 20 minutes, Carlos Tevez sneaked in at the back post following Wayne Rooney's flick on from Anderson's corner to give United the lead against the run of play.

More chances followed for both teams, notably Rooney missing the type of chance he would usually take in his sleep, but it was Carlos Tevez who doubled United's lead with a fantastic long range strike, sending out another message to Sir Alex Ferguson.

The goal effectively ended the tie as a contest despite being after just 35 minutes. For the rest of the first half, and the entire second half, United were in control.

On 50 minutes, Wayne Rooney made up for his earlier miss with a lovely finish from just outside the area and Park Ji-Sung completed the scoring with nine minutes left.

The result means United are just two behind Fulham's UWCC title defence record with seven, and have already won more games than any other team in UWCC history with six. Their four goals mean they have now scored more goals than any other team in UWCC history as well, netting 16 overall.

92.3 percent of voters in the poll predicted that Fulham wouldn't be able to beat Manchester United so, again, well done to the vast majority!

Manchester United's run

West Ham 0-1 Manchester United (Manchester United become new champions)

Derby County 1-4 Manchester United

Manchester United 3-0 Fulham

Manchester United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers

Inter Milan 0-0 Manchester United

Manchester United 0-0 Tottenham (Manchester United win 4-1 on penalties)

Newcastle 1-2 Manchester United

Fulham 0-4 Manchester United

(Click here to see the complete history of Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship)

Manchester United's next title defence comes this Wednesday as they host Inter Milan in the Champions League. Could Inter Milan take the UWCC title out of England for the first time and become the best team in the world?!

Note: Should the match against Inter Milan end in a draw with Inter going through on away goals, the title will stay with United. If, however, Inter win on penalties, then they will win the title as was the case in the Carling Cup final.

Despite their current supremacy, their abundance of exquisite footballers, and their unwavering determination to succeed on all fronts, Manchester United may find an FA Cup sixth-round trip to Craven Cottage a difficult challenge to overcome this evening.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s thoroughbreds continue to vanquish their opposition week after week, playing with swagger and style as well as with grit and strength of mind, but rarely does a team visit Fulham and find it easy. Just ask Arsenal and Chelsea, two teams who have both suffered as a result of magnificent home performances from Roy Hodgson’s men this season.

Even the very best succumb to defeat at some point, and Fulham could be the team that end United’s remarkable run of fantastic results. The last time the Old Trafford club lost was back in November against Arsenal at The Emirates, and until their 2-1 win over Blackburn two weeks ago, that match was also the last league fixture in which they conceded a goal.

Combined with their consistent ability to score goals from out of nowhere, that is why Manchester United are currently champions of England, Europe, and the World.

Statistics favour Fulham as well though, and that is why they will believe that they can knock United out of the Cup this evening.  They have won eight of their 13 games at home in the league this season, a record only bettered by the two Manchester clubs. Their goals tally at Craven Cottage can only be beaten by the top three and Man City. Fulham do not concede many at home either–just 10 in those 13 league games–and once again only the top three can better that record along with, remarkably, Tottenham.

For a team just poking their head into the top half of the table, Fulham’s home record is extraordinary, and they will be hoping their Cottage confidence will help them pull off a famous victory tomorrow evening.

Another factor that could work in Fulham’s favour is that Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to rest many of his stars with Wednesday’s Champions League second leg with Inter Milan in mind. The likes of Berbatov, Rooney, Ronaldo, Ferdinand, and Carrick may not feature, handing Fulham’s less celebrated individuals a greater chance to shine. Brede Hangeland, Danny Murphy, and Andy Johnson will relish the spotlight.

Manchester United are no doubt favourites for tomorrow’s FA Cup showdown at Craven Cottage and rightly so, such is their imperious form of late. But do not bank against Fulham causing an upset on home turf this evening–they are not bad at the Cottage you know.

Manchester United 3 - Fulham 0 (Premier League, February 18, 2009) (Longer highlights here.) Bringing back memories of his famous goal against Bradford (watch here), Paul Scholes broke his duck for the season with a replica goal against Fulham, however on this occasion Mark Schwarzer was culpable for failing to stop the tame drive from crossing the line.

United’s second on the half hour reflected a side oozing with confidence, Carrick, Scholes, and O’Shea all involved in the build up before Dimitar Berbatov tapped the ball home. In the second half Old Trafford saw the return of Wayne Rooney off the bench and the number 10’s first contribution was to score from Park’s shot-cum-cross.

Watford 2 - Swansea 0 (Championship, February 17, 2009) First half efforts from Tamas Priskin and Tommy Smith was enough to claim all three points for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Hereford 2 - Leeds 0 (League One, February 17, 2009) Leeds should taken the lead, but Lee Trundle’s penalty was turned aside by Gulacsi and two minutes later Hereford were in front. Sam Hewson slipped the ball through to Jennison Myrie-Williams whose left-footed shot found the far bottom corner. Febian Brandy grabbed the second with a header early in the second half.

Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship (UWCC) saw another defence today as champions Manchester United took on former champions Fulham at Old Trafford.

Fulham were looking to become the first team to win the UWCC title twice, but they had a huge task ahead of them. United had gone 24 matches unbeaten, with their performances, at Old Trafford especially, becoming all the more ominous.

Fulham, however, had looked like recovering after their loss to West Ham which saw them lose the UWCC title, and were on a run of three matches unbeaten. A win for United would see them go five points clear at the top of the table, while a win for Fulham could see them climb as high as eighth.

It was Manchester United who grabbed all three points, however, in a dominant performance.

Fulham were swept aside by United, who took the lead after just 12 minutes when Mark Schwarzer spilt the ball into his own net after Paul Scholes' shot. Fulham rarely threatened the United goal and, such was the ease with which United were containing Fulham, that Dimitar Berbatov's goal on the half hour mark allowed them to cruise to victory.

The returning Wayne Rooney capped off the scoring just after the hour mark, becoming the eighth different United player to have scored in the past three games.

The ease with which this match was won will come as a relief to Sir Alex Ferguson as his team now faces eight games in 25 days which includes the Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan, the Carling Cup final against Tottenham and a potential title decider against Liverpool in the league.

Despite being the longest reigning champions in UWCC history, 100 percent of voters in the poll said that Fulham wouldn't be able to beat United, so well done to you all!

Manchester United's run

West Ham 0-1 Manchester United (Manchester United become new champions)

Derby County 1-4 Manchester United

Manchester United 3-0 Fulham

(Click here to see the complete history of Barney Corkhill's Unofficial World Club Championship.)

Manchester United's next title defence comes on Saturday as they welcome Blackburn Rovers to Old Trafford. Could Blackburn become the best club in the world?!

The Red Devils hosted Fulham tonight and with Liverpool hot on the heels of the current table toppers, Manchester United needed nothing else but a win to give them a comfy five-point lead.

Although a tough game against Blackburn beckons this weekend, Alex Ferguson fielded a strong team to take on Fulham, who have not won a game outside Craven Cottage this season. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic resumed their roles as the "Immovables," no doubt giving Edwin Van Der Sar confidence that the record of 13 straight clean sheets will remain intact for another game.

John O'Shea was trusted with the right back berth while Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes took up the central midfield positions. Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo found themselves on the wings, while Carlos Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov found themselves with the responsibility of piercing the Fulham defence.

And it didn't take long for United to find the back of the net against a severely stretched side.

A Ronaldo cross from the right was turned away by Toni Kallio resulting in a corner. Michael Carrick swung it to the outside of the box to the awaiting Scholes who blitzed a volley towards goal.

Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer dived to his right fantastically, only to let the ball bobble underneath him and give United the one-nil lead and the smell of blood that usually precedes even more goals.

After the goal, United pressed even further, controlling the midfield superbly. Michael Carrick and especially Paul Scholes twisted and turned the defence constantly with splitting passes.

Surely Scholes must be considered the best passer of the ball in the league still?

17 minutes in and Zamora threatened with a header at Van Der Sar's far post. Newspapers such as The Mirror laughably called the United keeper the "man that does not concede" while slating Zamora as the "man that does not score."

And true to form, Zamora endured an awful night, with Nemanja Vidic once again pouncing on any ball within his radius.

United continued to dominate, and on the 30-minute mark found their reward as the niggling Berbatov tapped in John O'Shea's flick from out wide on the right before celebrating in his usual sleepy manner...

Evra was fantastic down the left with Ronaldo, giving a strong message as to how things may be next week in the San Siro against Inter Milan. Although Ronaldo seemed frustrated and clearly wanted to add to his bulging tally, he did enough in the game to show that his amazing form of last season is slowly but surely seeping back.

Fulham could not piece together an attack as the game wore on and Scholes continued to create space and time for the attackers. Tevez fizzed, Berbatov graced, and Ronaldo danced. However it was the first touch of adopted scouse Wayne Rooney after his 60th minute substitution that put the final nail in the coffin for Fulham.

Scholes, Tevez, and Park all linked up at the edge of the box before the Korean drove a shot across the face of the goal. Rooney slipped in behind the sleepy defenders before crashing a shot into the roof of the net and past the extremely disappointing Schwarzer.

Ferguson brought on the impressive youths Darren Gibson and Jonny Evans for Michael Carrick and John O'Shea respectively, and Gibson soon sent a scorcher of a shot at Fulham's goal.

The Red Devils comfortably controlled the rest of the game, with only a Bobby Zamora flick that barely went wide threatening Van Der Sar. The Dutch keeper comically raised his eyebrows and smirked—realising that his clean sheet record nearly evaporated.

The current champions move five points clear of their nearest rivals, Liverpool, and while the lead is still a close one—Manchester United remain favourites as they march on, on, on.

Manchester United used their game in hand against Fulham on Wednesday night to go five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Edwin Van Der Sar kept his 13th straight Premier League clean sheet, having been threatened a few times against the Cottagers. He saw two or three chances go just wide of his net, and other than those close on goal attempts by Fulham, the Dutchman had little to do.

Fulham have yet to win on the road, and had little chance of winning this one, which doesn't necessarily represent the progress they've made from a bottom-dwelling team last year.

United with a five-point lead, and an apparent knack for keeping opponents out of their goal, could be eight points ahead should they win on Saturday at home against 18th-placed Blackburn Rovers.

Liverpool don't host Manchester City until Sunday, and could theoretically be tied in points with Aston Villa should Chelsea fail to get a result at Villa Park on Saturday.

Sam Allardyce has been able to get results at Old Trafford, but it would take nothing short of a miracle to beat United at home given their current form.

Van Der Sar seems to be unbeatable, though a very questionable no-call against Nemanja Vidic for a suspected hand ball in the second half could have easily resulted in a penalty for Fulham. He is just over 3/4 of a game away from setting the European Club record for minutes without allowing a goal.

Should United go eight points clear on Saturday, a tremendous amount of pressure will be levied on the shoulders of Liverpool. Should they fail to get the three points, a seven or eight point deficit with just 11 games to go would be extremely difficult to make up.

Should Liverpool claim the three points on Sunday, they will have an opportunity the following weekend to cut the deficit to two points, due to the fact that United will miss the EPL weekend due to their Carling Cup Final with Tottenham.

If Liverpool do cut the lead to two points in just over a week's time, the pressure could be back on United the following weekend, even though the Red Devils will have a game in hand.

I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. The fixtures for both teams are coming fast and furious now as the Champions League gets underway next Tuesday, and United will have to deal with a trip to the San Siro to face Jose Mourinho's Internazionale.

One thing is for sure, United made the 3-0 win over Fulham looked pedestrian, and I would expect a similar result on Saturday when they face a Blackburn team in desperate need of a victory.