Previews: Neville confident of derby delight
Reuters - Friday 05 February 2010, 13:59
LONDON - Brief news ahead of this weekend's
Premier League fixtures:
Everton captain Phil Neville believes Everton can end
their 11-year wait for a league victory at Liverpool on Saturday
in the Merseyside derby.
"It has been a long time since we won a game at Anfield and
everybody knows it is one of the most difficult places to go to
and actually win a game," Neville told evertonTV.
"The game is something you have got to concentrate on and
just play your game, play the way we have been doing, show the
confidence we have been doing and we will be okay."
Fabio Aurelio is doubtful for Liverpool despite returning
to training following a calf injury.
Alberto Aquilani is expected to play some part in his first
Mersey derby and captain Steven Gerrard believes the Italian is
ready to show his best.
"It will be a great game for him to notch his first goal,
too. He is improving the more he is playing and training,"
Gerrard told Liverpool's website.
Defender Nemanja Vidic could return for Manchester United
at home to bottom club Portsmouth on Saturday when the champions
can go top of the league for 24 hours at least.
Vidic has been
out with a nerve problem in his leg. Rio Ferdinand is still
suspended for United while Brazilian defender Rafael is doubtful
with a knock.
"Vidic has trained for the last few days and hopefully that
will bring him into contention for Saturday. Everyone else is
okay," manager Alex Ferguson told United's website.
Champions League-chasing Tottenham Hotspur are without
striker Roman Pavlyuchenko for the visit of rivals for fourth
spot Aston Villa but Eidur Gudjohnsen is in the squad for the
first time since joining on loan.
Central defender Ledley King is also doubtful for Spurs.
Norway striker John Carew is in contention for Villa after
returning to training following a knee injury. Full-back Stephen
Warnock is out with a shin injury.
Third-placed Arsenal are without Eduardo (hamstring) for
their London derby at leaders Chelsea on Sunday. Manager Arsene
Wenger is hopeful that midfielder Abou Diaby will be available
but will give him a fitness test.
Defender Wayne Bridge is expected to return for Manchester
City against Hull City but Roberto Mancini's side are without
injured duo Micah Richards and Vincent Kompany.
French midfielder Patrick Vieira is in the City squad and
could make his debut after his move from Inter Milan.
Wigan Athletic, humbled by fourth division Notts County in
the FA Cup in midweek, are without captain Mario Melchiot (neck
injury) for the away clash at Sunderland. Goalkeeper Chris
Kirkland is also out with a collarbone injury.
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola will have plenty of
attacking options for a change for the vital relegation battle
at Burnley.
Carlton Cole could start after coming off the bench
in their last two games following a lengthy injury lay-off. New
signings Benni McCarthy and Mido are also in the squad.