|
London: English Premier League leaders Manchester United can re-open a 15-point lead over champions Manchester City when they host Norwich City on Saturday, although manager Alex Ferguson’s team selection will be heavily influenced by the Champions League last-16 second-leg match against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
United’s top scorer Robin van Persie has shaken off a hip injury and will be fit for Saturday’s match at home, Ferguson said on Friday.
The Dutchman, who has 19 league goals to his name for the leaders this season, was substituted in the first half of last weekend’s 2-0 win at Queens Park Rangers after tumbling into a TV camera dugout.
“Robin van Persie has trained this week — he’s available for tomorrow. His hip was very tender but he’s OK now,” Ferguson told a news conference.
Defender Phil Jones will not be available for the Norwich tie because of an ankle injury but could return for Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 second-leg at home to Real Madrid.
“We have a job to do and the manager has said we need to think game to game and just win the next match, what’s in front of us,” midfielder Michael Carrick said.
Fixtures
Saturday: Chelsea vs West Bromwich; Everton vs Reading; United vs Norwich; Southampton vs QPR; Stoke vs West Ham; Sunderland vs Fulham; Swansea vs Newcastle; Wigan vs Liverpool
Sunday: Tottenham vs Arsenal
Monday: Villa vs Man City | 
