CHAMPIONS Manchester United will look to keep their title aspirations on track when the take on Tottenham in Saturday s late kick-off at the Lane (5.30p,m). The Red Devils have this season struggled to overtake leaders Liverpool or second-placed Chelsea and Sir Ale

CHAMPIONS Manchester United will look to keep their title aspirations on track when the take on Tottenham in Saturday's late kick-off at the Lane.

The Red Devils have this season struggled to overtake leaders Liverpool or second-placed Chelsea and Sir Alex Ferguson's outfit lie third with 31 points - six points adrift of the Anfield outfit.

But few would discount the 10-time champions chances of bagging their 11th title and Ferguson's men arrive at the Lane unbeaten in their past seven games in all competitions.

But the Reds on Saturday must overcome the absence of suspended duo Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra and possibly newly- crowned European Footballer of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, doubtful with a hip injury. United's recent winning streak began with the 1-0 win over QPR in the fourth round of the Carling Cup last month. Ferguson's outfit then followed up with 5-0 demolition of Stoke in the league.

They were then held to draws by Villa in the league and Villareal in the Champions League before successive 1-0 wins over Manchester City and Sunderland kept them in touch.

Former Spurs duo Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick are likely to experience contrasting receptions from the home fans when they line up. Carrick can expect a warm welcome but Berbatov, who will be making his first return to the Lane since the acrimonious departure in summer, faces a red hot reception.