PREVIEW: United wary of City charge

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney believes it is too early to write off their rivals despite the Red Devils extending their lead at the top of the Premier League last weekend.

Friday 8th February 2013

Rooney's goal in Saturday's 1-0 victory at Fulham helped United move nine points clear of defending champions Manchester City and 16 above Chelsea in third.

However, with United losing an eight-point lead last season, Rooney knows his side cannot afford to get carried away with how things stand at present.

"Results are the most important thing now," said the 27-year-old. who has now scored 11 goals in his last 11 games for club and country after netting for England against Brazil on Wednesday.

"Look at Manchester City against QPR. They should have got the win, had a lot of chances but ended up dropping two points.

"That could quite easily have happened to us against Southampton the following night.

"It proves we have to keep picking up the points when we can."

This weekend sees Rooney's former club Everton visit Old Trafford - a fixture which will still be haunting some United supporters from last season.

On that occasion last April Everton fought back from 4-2 down with seven minutes left to earn a draw in what many believe was the turning point in a thrilling title race which saw United dramatically denied right at the end.

The Toffees also beat United on the opening day of this season at home thanks to a Marouane Fellaini header and a similar result would keep their dreams of Champions League football alive.

Champions City have a chance to put pressure on United when they take on Southampton on Saturday evening, with Sir Alex Ferguson's men not in action until Sunday.

City welcome back talismanic midfielder Yaya Toure from African Nations Cup duty and he insists there is still all to play for in the title race.

He told www.mcfc.co.uk: "United have a strong squad and, on paper, they have an easier run in than we do but the title race is a long way from finished.

"It only takes a couple of results to go our way and we're right back in it - I'm sure we'll come back.''

Aston Villa host West Ham with Paul Lambert's side desperate for a win in their fight against the drop. They will be buoyed by the form of striker Christian Benteke who has bagged four goals in his last three league outings.

Reading will look to continue the form that saw striker Adam Le Fondre and manager Brian McDermott pick up the January Premier League player and manager of the month awards when they go to Stoke.

Bottom club QPR will hope to add a win to their recent unbeaten run against Swansea on Saturday while fourth-placed Tottenham should welcome back Emmanuel Adebayor from the African Nations Cup as they face Newcastle.

Arsenal will hope to capitalise on any slip by fifth-placed Everton when they go to Sunderland while struggling Wigan travel to Stamford Bridge looking to heap more misery on under-fire Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez.

Also, Norwich play Fulham while the Monday night game sees Liverpool take on West Brom.

Saturday's Premier League Fixtures

Tottenham vs Newcastle

AVB: Bale can reach Ronaldo's level

Villas-Boas admits concerns over Bale's future

AVB set to pick Adebayor against Magpies

Stoke vs Reading

McDermott: There's talent in the lower leagues

Pulis impatient for Wilson return

Swansea vs QPR

Redknapp positive about Remy recovery

Laudrup in no rush to sign new Swans deal