Resurgent United stalk hurting Liverpool

(MENAFN- Arab Times) LONDON Dec 12 (AFP): Manchester United will relish the opportunity to inflict more pain on wounded foes Liverpool when the teams renew their heated rivalry at Old Trafford in the Premier League this weekend. Liverpool won both league fixtures against United last season triumphing 3-0 on their last visit to Sir Matt Busby Way in March en route to finishing 20 points clear of their cross-county rivals in the final standings.

But the tables have since turned and while United go into the weekend in pursuit of a sixth consecutive victory a run that has lifted Louis van Gaal's side to third place Liverpool's confidence is at a low. Having made a dismal start to their league campaign Liverpool's season nose-dived further on Tuesday when they were eliminated from the Champions League in the group phase following a 1-1 draw at home to Basel.

Memories of last season's thrilling title bid are fading fast at Anfield but midfielder Joe Allen says his side will draw encouragement from their last performance at Old Trafford when they make their return on Sunday. 'We had a fantastic result there last season so we'll be looking to draw some confidence and inspiration from that performance and we'll go there and try to get the win' the Wales international told the Liverpool website.

'They are great games to play in between two clubs who are massive globally and there's a great rivalry between the clubs. These matches are great to be a part of. 'Last season it was a great feeling to go to Old Trafford and get the three points and all of the players want that feeling again.' Liverpool remain without injured striker Daniel Sturridge while Mario Balotelli has not played for over a month but United have injury problems as well.

Chris Smalling sustained a groin injury during United's 2-1 win at Southampton on Monday joining Phil Jones Luke Shaw Angel di Maria and Daley Blind on the sidelines. While Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League in mid-week Manchester City secured their place in the last 16 with a superb 2-0 victory away to Serie A title contenders Roma.

It followed a run of four straight league wins that has seen the champions whittle leaders Chelsea's advantage down to just three points ahead of Saturday's trip to bottom club Leicester City.

City will learn the identity of their next Champions League opponents on Monday but goalkeeper Joe Hart has urged his team-mates not to lose focus in their quest to topple Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

'We are confident we can do well against anyone but it is Leicester now and we have to turn our eyes to that' said the England international. 'That's our next big game.'

Chelsea saw their unbeaten run come to an end at Newcastle United last weekend but goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Wednesday's 3-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League has restored momentum.

'It's always important to win especially when you lose a game in the league' said the Czech who will give way for Thibaut Courtois for Saturday's home game with third-bottom Hull City.

Arsenal failed to claim top spot in their Champions League group despite winning 4-1 at Galatasaray but the victory allowed them to draw a line beneath last weekend's dispiriting 3-2 loss at Stoke City.

Arsene Wenger's side have lost three of their last five league matches and midfielder Aaron Ramsey whose side host in-form Newcastle on Saturday says they must raise their game ahead of the hectic festive period.

'That is the thing we need to do now' said the Wales international who scored two goals in Istanbul including a stunning 30-yard strike with his weaker left foot.

'We have a busy couple of weeks coming up now and hopefully we can take full advantage of them and hopefully take maximum points throughout December.'

Southampton who have slipped to fifth after three consecutive defeats visit second-bottom Burnley while high-flying West Ham United will look to tighten their grip on fourth place when they travel to Sunderland.

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Newcastle United's Alan Pardew was named Premier League manager of the month for November on Friday following a remarkable turnaround in the club's fortunes just weeks after fans were calling for his head.

The north east club were languishing in the bottom three in October as 'Sack Pardew' banners appeared at St James' Park but a run of five straight wins starting at home to Leicester City on Oct18 saw them surge up the table.

They won three out of four games in November seeing off Liverpool West Bromwich Albion and Queens Park Rangers while their superb turnaround was typified by a gutsy 2-1 win at home to previously unbeaten leaders Chelsea last weekend.

'It is nice to be recognised for our results but we will not get carried away by this and will do everything we can to make sure December is just as good a month for us' Pardew said on the club website (www.nufc.co.uk).

Manchester City's prolific striker Sergio Aguero was named player of the month after scoring six times in November.

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has risked angering frustrated fans by saying the under-performing London club do not need any January signings if everyone in the current squad stays fit.

The Frenchman has come under mounting criticism in recent weeks as Arsenal's title challenge has faltered at an early stage again with a 3-2 Premier League defeat to Stoke City last weekend provoking an angry reaction from some supporters.

The Arsenal boss was subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse from fans at a railway station after Saturday's reverse.

Club officials also blocked unhappy supporters from displaying banners calling for Wenger to be sacked ahead of Arsenal's 4-1 victory at Galatasaray on Tuesday.

Yet with Arsenal trailing league leaders Chelsea by 13 points Wenger who has reputation for keeping his powder dry in the transfer market said there was no immediate need for January reinforcements unless injuries forced his hand.

'There will be very little activity' he told reporters on Friday. 'Quiet in first three weeks frenetic in last few days. Usually the market is not busy in January. 'If everybody is fit and available we don't need to go into transfer market.' Wenger said he may have to rethink his plans if defender Laurent Koscielny fails to recover from a calf injury he suffered in their victory over Southampton on Dec 3.

The French centre back joins Aaron Ramsey (hamstring) and Nacho Monreal (foot) on the sidelines for Saturday's game against Newcastle United along with the suspended Calum Chambers. Wenger has found an unlikely ally in Newcastle manager Alan Pardew who the Frenchman once shoved in a touchline skirmish. Pardew described the incident at the train station as 'totally disrespectful' and told Arsenal fans they should be grateful to Wenger for all he has achieved at the club. 'We had a problem once but we sorted it out' Wenger responded. 'I am very thankful for compliments but all I want is to do well for my club.'