ekansekans's blog: "df"

LONDON - Manchester City has already won one major battle ahead of Mondays Premier League derby: convincing Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson that it is a force to be taken seriously. NaVorro Bowman Super Bowl Jersey . Ferguson initially dismissed City as "noisy neighbours" following a 2008 takeover by Abu Dhabi investors but now says that the rivalry is becoming as important as that with its traditional enemy Liverpool. "If were going to be contesting with them for the league titles regularly -- and I think we will be -- it will become almost as important as the Liverpool derbies," Ferguson said. "Maybe not in terms of the emotions; the Liverpool-United games are emotional. But certainly in terms of importance this supersedes Liverpool at the moment because City are our direct opponents. "Manchester City are up against us to win titles. We have to focus on the team who can affect our progress in terms of winning the league." United overtook Liverpool as Englands most successful club with last years record 19th league title. City would have to win the Premier League every season until 2029 to relieve its local rival of that status but it can take a huge step forward with the victory that would draw it level on points with United at the top of the Premier League. But City manager Roberto Mancini has remained calm, pointing out that he is used to these types of situations, even if City isnt. While Mancini won three league titles as manager of Inter Milan and another two as a player, City has not been English champion since 1968. "Ive experienced other crucial matches, like the last match of the Serie A season in 2007-08 when I was Inter coach," Mancini told France Football magazine. "At halftime, Roma was champion, but in the end we won the Scudetto by scoring twice in the second half away to Parma, which was fighting to stay up. "But yes, this match is very important. City has been waiting for a match like this since 1968." If it wins, Citys superior goal difference would make it a firm favourite for the title. That is an entirely plausible outcome given that City has already won 6-1 at Old Trafford this season, handing Ferguson his worst defeat in 26 years at United. City also knocked United out of the FA Cup semifinals last season on its way to ending a 35-year streak without a trophy. "We have to get used to playing City in important games," Ferguson said. "Theyre not going away. The financial support they have means well meet them in a lot of big games. Cup finals, semifinals: weve already done that. Theyre there." United beat City 3-2 in the season-opening Community Shield at Wembley and won at the Etihad Stadium by the same score in Januarys FA Cup third round. "Playing often against United has helped us to improve. It has helped us to learn," Mancini said. "Weve got closer to them but they are still better than us. They have more experience and this team spirit that we are in the process of building." Both teams have thrown away the chance to take a decisive grip on the title race, most recently when United lost 1-0 to Wigan and then drew 4-4 with Everton after leading 4-2. City midfielder Gareth Barry said Uniteds spell as leader and favourite had lifted the pressure from his team. "Theres probably been less pressure on us in the last few games," Barry said. "When the game is that big the pressure is on both sets of players and its probably going to be down to who handles that best. "People are speaking of this as maybe being the biggest game in Premier League history and on a personal level, its a massive game for me to be playing in." Ferguson must decide whether to change the side that dropped points against Everton, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both available to replace fullback Rafael da Silva. Ryan Giggs, Tom Cleverley and Park Ji-sung could also come in to strengthen midfield. Arsenal could strengthen its hold on third place when it plays Stoke in one of Saturdays seven games. Fourth-place Newcastle is at Wigan, while Everton hosts Fulham, Liverpool is at Norwich, Sunderland hosts Bolton, Wolverhampton Wanderers is at Swansea and West Bromwich Albion hosts Aston Villa. On Sunday, its Tottenham vs. Blackburn and Chelsea vs. Queens Park Rangers. The Premier League has scrapped team handshakes before Chelseas match because of John Terrys pending racism trial. The Chelsea captain is accused of racially insulting QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, who is black, during a game in October. Terry faces a criminal trial in July over the incident, which led to him being stripped of the England captaincy for the European Championship. Ferdinand was spared having to decide whether to shake Terrys hand before an FA Cup match in January after the Football Association allowed the sides to skip the ritual. Jerry Rice Womens Jersey . Jekyll and Mr. Hyde into high art. The Dutch team can either turn up at the opening whistle of the European Championship with its beautiful game of yore or rely on some of the brutal tactics it used at the last two World Cups. Colin Kaepernick White Jersey . The Toronto Maple Leafs prospect now has 10 goals in his last seven outings and leads Erie with 16 goals and 25 points in 19 games. Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist for the Otters (5-11-3), who halted their five-game losing streak, while Anthony Cortellessa and Adam Pelech scored a goal apiece. http://www.sf49ersfootballstore.com/authentic-colin-kaepernick-super-bowl-jersey/ .J. Foyt has hired IndyCar veteran Mike Conway to drive the No. Andy Lee Jersey . -- The Milwaukee Brewers spent eight innings scratching and clawing their way to a two-run lead, then put trusty closer John Axford on the mound to close out the Kansas City Royals. Colin Kaepernick Camo Jersey .C. -- Brian Vickers will race for the Nationwide Series championship next season for Joe Gibbs Racing.Morgan Rielly will not be starting the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he and Matt Frattin were the teams final cuts on Friday. Also, forward Tim Connolly cleared waivers and has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies. The Leafs will begin the season with 13 forwards, eight defencemen and two goaltenders. Defenceman Jake Gardiner is not included as he is currently an injured non-roster player. Rielly was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draaft. Jerry Rice Jersey. The Vancouver, B.C. native had three goals and 18 points in 18 games with Moose Jaw in the WHL last season. The 18-year-old Rielly also played for Team Canada in this years World Junior Hockey Championship, posting a goal and two assists in six contests. Frattin, 25, had eight goals and seven assists in 56 games with the Leafs last season. He has spent his entire career in the Leafs system, after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Draft. ' ' '