TEAM NEWS, BETTING AND QUOTES AHEAD OF TONIGHT'S MATCH

Last updated : 05 March 2003 By Editor

Diego:

"I did some running the other day and it was okay. I thought it would be worse than it is and hopefully I will be able to come back on Wednesday."

Fergie:

"Sometimes adversity is a good thing. We don't like defeat and we have to do something about it. We have players of great character at this club and now they have to prove it.

"The training ground has been a quiet place since Sunday, which is only natural after a defeat like that. But the players have to put that disappointment behind them now because there are a lot of important games ahead."

El Tel:

"I can't see Arsenal slipping up. They are too good a side to let the title slip now. United are still good enough to win things. But in the league I would think, in their heart-of-hearts, they would admit it's going to be very difficult for them. I have not seen a side that is so strong against United as Arsenal are at the moment.

"Under Arsene Wenger they have come up with a style of play that's very different to anybody else. And a lot of teams are simply not getting to grips with it. Newcastle are trying to do a similar thing in the way they play - and it's paying off for them too. United have built up a wealth of knowledge by playing consistently in the Champions League over the past few years. So that's why it wouldn't surprise me if they cashed in on that investment by winning it this season. The fact the final is on their own ground has given them an edge. I believe United will be looking towards the Champions League more than the Premiership."

Provisional squad is:

Barthez, Carroll, Ricardo, G Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Beckham, P Neville, Scholes, Keane, Veron, Butt, Giggs, van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer, Fortune, Forlan, Roche, Richardson, Pugh, Fletcher.

As regards The Sheep, well they have a few out. This is from The Mail:

Terry Venables is without Jason Wilcox (flu), Dominic Matteo, Michael Duberry (both hamstring) and Eirik Bakke (ankle), while Harry Kewell serves a one-match suspension.

Gary Kelly is also struggling with a hamstring problem and Lucas Radebe is again doubtful with his ongoing knee injuries, leaving Venables potentially severely handicapped in defence.

Mark Viduka returns from a three-match ban, replacing Kewell up front.

Sheep squad: Robinson, Kelly, Harte, Radebe, Viduka, Bravo, Barmby, McPhail, Lucic, Smith, Mills, Johnson, Okon, Burns, Kilgallon, Milner, Martyn.


R.I. Here's for two strikers Fergie

By the way Leeds haven't won at O.T. since 1981 when Brian Flynn scored a goal in the last minute against the run of play - it was their only attack that day.

Betting:

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Man Utd 4/11

Draw 3/1

Leeds 13/2

What about a bet on Rio to score against his old club at 7-1 or 25-1 for the first goal?

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Manchester United 4/9

Draw 13/5

Leeds 6/1

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