ALEX FERGUSON faces one of his most important tasks of the season today now that the odds on Manchester United winning the FA Premiership title have lengthened considerably.
Newcastle are nine points clear after beating Coventry on Sunday and United may have to find another avenue into Europe. Ferguson could find a route through the FA Cup but first they have to negotiate a tricky replay at Sunderland.
Ferguson is only too aware that United face a tough 90 minutes. He said: "We know that Sunderland are a very good team and that we were lucky at Old Trafford. On their own ground with the kind of support they brought with them to Manchester it will be a very passionate game and we have got to be ready for that.
"We have got to be sure that we don't make the silly mistakes that we made in the first match when we gave them a good start to the game. We have got to match their passion for the game and if we do that things will be okay."
Gary Pallister is out of the replay as concern grows about the England defender's back problem. He has trapped a nerve at the bottom of his spine and needs rest to cure the problem.
It means Ferguson will stick to Saturday's line up with England full back Gary Neville replacing Pallister in the central defensive role.
Ferguson said: "Gary was magnificent. He showed what a tremendous reader of the game he is. It is such a pity that he is a little short of height because he would probably be the best centre half in Britain.
Sunderland will be without skipper Kevin Ball and Republic of Ireland international David Kelly. Ball has failed to recover from a thigh injury sustained in the first match at Old Trafford 10 days ago. Steve Agnew, who scored when coming on as a substitute, will continue to deputise in central midfield.
Kelly had a recurrence of an ankle injury after just minutes of Sunday's home League defeat by Norwich and will be replaced by England under 21 international Martin Smith.
A virus is disrupting Blackburn's plans ahead of their replay with Ipswich at Ewood Park. Several players are suffering the effects of the virus but manager Ray Harford refused yesterday to name the casualties.
"We have some sickness in the camp with players feeling unwell," admitted Harford. "I am not prepared to say who is involved at this stage but it doesn't look like I will be picking from a full squad.
"We know Ipswich well, most of their players played in the Premiership last season, and it could be more like a league game than a cup tie. We have got plenty to play for. It has pleased me to see us returning to our old selves. A major factor has been the way we have stopped conceding early goals. We are better when we aren't forever chasing games and, defensively, we are looking much more like it," said Harford.
