For pole position

LONDON: Any one of three sides could find themselves top of the Premiership come full-time on Saturday. Leaders Manchester United will be knocked off the top of the table by third-placed Bolton, two points behind, if the hosts win their encounter against the Red Devils at the Reebok Stadium.

But a draw could also see Sir Alex Ferguson’s side lose first place if reigning champions Chelsea, level with United on points but behind on goal difference, have a successful away day against newcomers Sheffield United.

Despite winning their last three domestic games, as well as defeating last season’s Champions League winners Barcelona, Jose Mourinho’s Premiership title-holders have come under fire for failing to turn on the style. 

Vintage performances have been in short supply with the Londoners content to grind out hard-working victories.

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole will look to strengthen his claim for an England recall after marking his first start of the season following a knee injury at the World Cup by scoring the Blues’ opener in their 2-0 League Cup win against Blackburn Rovers. England play the Netherlands on November 15. “The next England game would not be too soon for me,” said Cole. “I am fit for selection and will be ready for it.” 

Charlton, buoyed by their midweek League Cup win against Bolton are away to Newcastle, who themselves enjoyed a Cup victory over Premiership high-flyers Portsmouth on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney will hope to end his 10-game goal drought against Bolton and United’s experienced goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is convinced the England striker will soon be hitting the back of the net again.

“Nobody here has any doubts about Wayne. People regard him very highly and expect a lot of him but even if he was to play 55 games a season, as soon as he goes through a spell where he is not scoring or makes a couple of wrong decisions, people get on his back,” said van der Sar.

Cristiano Ronaldo may return in place of Darren Fletcher in United’s midfield. Despite United being 11 points clear of arch-rivals Liverpool, following their 2-0 win against the Merseysiders at Old Trafford last weekend, Ferguson has refused to write off their foes’ title hopes.

In Saturday’s other match Arsenal face Everton in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming League Cup clash while Sunday sees second-bottom West Ham, knocked out of the League Cup by minnows Chesterfield, at home to Blackburn.