Cristiano Ronaldo has warned Manchester United's Premier League rivals that the champions are only just beginning to hit their stride.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side are unbeaten in nine league games and will try to keep the pressure on leaders Arsenal with a victory against in-form Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford tomorrow.
With Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez in scintillating form, United look capable of destroying any opponent. They have scored four goals in five of their last six matches, but Ronaldo expects them to get even better yet.
PHOTO: AFP
"We have more options. We have new players, we have great quality and when you have quality you have the opportunity to score goals -- which is what the players try to do," he said. "We have better players and they want to win the Champions League and the Premier League. You have to believe."
Struggling Fulham could be forgiven for cursing their luck as they prepare to face Liverpool just three days after Rafa Benitez's side destroyed Besiktas 8-0 in the Champions League.
But it is Benitez who fears the effects of that result because he knows it would be easy for his players to rest on their laurels.
"When you are at the bottom of the table and you are still scoring goals, it means you must be dangerous in attack," Benitez said. "For us especially on the counter attack we need to be aware."
Liverpool remain unbeaten in the league but have won only one of their five home matches and that run has to end quickly if the Reds are to keep pace with Arsenal and United.
"The key for us this year is to improve at home because away I think the team has confidence," Benitez said.
Chelsea's impressive resurgence under Avram Grant is being threatened by a series of injuries to key defensive players, with goalkeeper Petr Cech the latest to be sidelined ahead of tomorrow's home match against Everton.
Grant's side have won their last four league games but midfielder Michael Essien believes captain John Terry's absence with a knee injury is stopping them reaching peak form.
"We miss him a little bit. He's one of the pillars at the back," Essien said.
Arsene Wenger expects to welcome back Kolo Toure and Tomas Rosicky from injury for Arsenal's trip to Reading.
The pair missed the midweek draw at Slavia Prague but both should feature on Monday as Wenger's side try to extend their 26-match unbeaten run.
Wenger made eight changes for the Slavia tie and French left-back Gael Clichy believes the refreshed Gunners will feel the benefits at the Madejski Stadium.
"When you play every three days, you need a rest sometimes and that was the right thing for the manager to do," he said.
Roy Keane can't wait to get a taste of one of soccer's most passionate matches today as Sunderland host local rivals Newcastle.
"It's one of the big derbies. Football people are well aware of the intensity of it," he said. "I'm looking forward to it. It means a hell of a lot to Sunderland fans and the players won't be short of commitment."
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