English Premier League: City plot assault on United’s seven-point lead
Kompany’s successful appeal allows him to play against Fulham.
City hope to recover from their 10-point slip as they face Fulham today. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON:
With Premier League leaders Manchester United not playing until tomorrow, champions Manchester City can close to within four points of their title rivals by beating Fulham today.
United have looked imperious in recent weeks, picking up 31 points from a possible 33 to establish a seven-point lead over second-place City, who have let 10 points slip over the same period.
Roberto Mancini’s side have also been boosted by captain Vincent Kompany’s successful appeal against the red card he was shown in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Arsenal, which would have ruled him out of the home game with Fulham.
Although United show no sign of slowing, City full-back Pablo Zabaleta says his colleagues have not lost hope and will draw inspiration from the way they pipped Alex Ferguson’s men to the English crown last season.
“We know that we are up against a rival in United who are in a very good moment,” said Zabaleta. “They have seven points more, but that ‘s not much in this league. There is a long way before the title is decided and there’s still a margin to lose and recover.”
Further down the standings, Liverpool host Norwich City, knowing that victory would take them to within six points of the Champions League places.
Newcastle United host second-bottom Reading, while Aston Villa will bid to arrest their worrying slide down the standings when they visit rivals West Bromwich Albion.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2013.
With Premier League leaders Manchester United not playing until tomorrow, champions Manchester City can close to within four points of their title rivals by beating Fulham today.
United have looked imperious in recent weeks, picking up 31 points from a possible 33 to establish a seven-point lead over second-place City, who have let 10 points slip over the same period.
Roberto Mancini’s side have also been boosted by captain Vincent Kompany’s successful appeal against the red card he was shown in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Arsenal, which would have ruled him out of the home game with Fulham.
Although United show no sign of slowing, City full-back Pablo Zabaleta says his colleagues have not lost hope and will draw inspiration from the way they pipped Alex Ferguson’s men to the English crown last season.
“We know that we are up against a rival in United who are in a very good moment,” said Zabaleta. “They have seven points more, but that ‘s not much in this league. There is a long way before the title is decided and there’s still a margin to lose and recover.”
Further down the standings, Liverpool host Norwich City, knowing that victory would take them to within six points of the Champions League places.
Newcastle United host second-bottom Reading, while Aston Villa will bid to arrest their worrying slide down the standings when they visit rivals West Bromwich Albion.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th, 2013.