RYAN GIGGS on tomorrow's venomous Leeds v Manchester Utd clash There's often too much hype but I've crossed the Pennines for ten years and this game can be hottest yet
By David Mcdonnell � RYAN GIGGS has warned his Manchester United team-mates they face the ultimate test of their temperament and resolve in the "unforgiving" hostile atmosphere at Leeds tomorrow. United are always assured a vitriolic reception at Elland Road and Giggs believes the current turmoil at Leeds means Peter Reid's side will be more determined than ever to beat their arch rivals. Rio Ferdinand, making his first appearance since the drug test row which saw him dropped from the England squad, can expect a relentless barrage of abuse from Leeds fans who have never forgiven him for moving to United. Leeds fans are certain to seize upon the controversy that has engulfed Ferdinand in the past fortnight in an attempt to unsettle the England defender. And Giggs is convinced Leeds, despite their on and off-field problems, have the capacity to dent United's title challenge, for the simple reason that there is no expectation on them to win. "There's often too much hype in the build-up to games these days," said Giggs. "But I know, from ten years of travelling across the Pennines with United, this match really is as big as they come. "There's never any love lost between the two clubs and I can't honestly see that ever changing. "And it could be one of the worst times in recent seasons to play Leeds because now, more than ever, they will probably feel they've nothing to lose - and that makes them more dangerous than ever. "Going to Elland Road is always tough and our record there isn't the best. More than at most grounds, you've always got to play against the crowd, as well as the Leeds players on the pitch. "Of course, that motivates us but it's an unforgiving atmosphere and you really have to earn your points when you go there. "Everybody knows what's happened at Leeds in the past year or so. They've been forced to sell some of their best players to balance the books, and they've been forced to bring in a lot of players on loan. "They've also been struggling for form this season. But their backs are against the wall and that's so often the worst time to face teams. "Every Leeds player knows there's no better way to turn their season around than by beating us in front of their own fans. "The fact we're playing them again in the Worthington Cup at the end of the month will only spice things up even more, because anything that happens on Saturday will still be fresh in people's minds for the second game." United occupy third place in the Premiership, just a point behind leaders Chelsea and Arsenal. Giggs admitted United cannot afford to let their two main rivals get too far out of sight. "In terms of the title race, three points is obviously very important to us," he said. "Chelsea and Arsenal have started well and we know we can't afford to lose our focus and let them edge too far ahead. "It's not that important to be top of the table at this stage of the season, but it's equally important not to let your main rivals put too much daylight between you." Chelsea, Arsenal and United have pulled away from the rest of the pack at the top of the Premiership, with a four-point gap separating Sir Alex Ferguson's side from fourth-placed Birmingham. Giggs refused to discount the threat of Liverpool and Newcastle despite the fact Liverpool are eighth and Newcastle are camped in the relegation zone, a staggering 14 points adrift from thetop. But, bizarrely, Giggs believes both have a shot at the title. "There may be a small gap between the top three and the rest at the moment, but no-one at United is thinking that it's going to stay that way. "At this stage, all you need to do to transform the look of the table is put together a run of six or seven games, and both Liverpool and Newcastle have proved they're capable of doing that before." Flop Roque Junior is likely to be dropped to the Leeds bench for the game. The Brazilian is available again following his one-match ban, but boss Peter Reid has hinted he will probably have to settle for a place among the substitutes. A HISTORY OF HATRED FEB 8, 1993: Leeds 0 Man Utd 0. Leeds fans attack the United coach on Eric Cantona's first return to Elland Road and Alex Ferguson said: "The hostility towards him and Manchester United had to be seen to be believed." SEP 27, 1997: Leeds 1 Man Utd 0. Roy Keane ruptures his cruciate ligament trying to foul Alfie Haaland, sparking a feud between the pair. AUG 14, 1999: Man Utd 2 Leeds 0. David Beckham gives Leeds fans the V-sign in response to sick chants about his wife and son. Sep 14, 2002: Leeds 1 Man Utd 0. Rio Ferdinand gets a fierce reception from Leeds fans on his first return to Elland Road. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Rent DVDs from home. Over 14,500 titles. Free Shipping & No Late Fees. Try Netflix for FREE! http://us.click.yahoo.com/mk9osC/hP.FAA/3jkFAA/tsUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> *************************************** Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe from the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
