• Premier League

Ferguson to name strong side against Gunners

ESPN staff
April 26, 2013
Sir Alex Ferguson believes he owes a duty to the clubs chasing a Champions League spot © Getty Images
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Sir Alex Ferguson has reassured Chelsea and Tottenham that he plans to pick a full-strength side at Arsenal on Sunday.

Manchester United wrapped up the league title with Monday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa and Ferguson had said he would try and give some of his squad players games in the final weeks of the season.

However, Arsenal are in a three-way battle for the final two Champions League places with London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham, and Ferguson is conscious of the importance of Sunday's match for all three clubs.

"We have a few bumps and bruises from the other night but it is hopefully nothing serious and I expect to have a strong side on Sunday," Ferguson said. "Having won the league, there's always a danger of falling into the trap of 'it's all over and we can relax and enjoy ourselves', but I think we've got a duty to other clubs who are chasing Champions League places.

"Also, the rivalry we've had with Arsenal and then Chelsea over the years does put an edge to these games anyway so hopefully we'll represent ourselves in the right way."

Ferguson could welcome back both Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic at Emirates Stadium, but he will again be without Darren Fletcher and Ashley Young, who have been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, the United boss said he was pleased Arsenal are to give the new champions a guard of honour on Sunday.

"I'm glad Arsene has done that," he said. "When they came to Old Trafford some years back, we did exactly that, and that's what great clubs should do.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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