Victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford would allow Ferguson to raise a glass to a nine-point advantage over Chelsea at the top of the Premiership table, with the champions not playing until Arsenal visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

City contributed to Manchester United's miserable 2005-06 campaign by taking four points from their two league encounters, drawing at Old Trafford and then beating their crosstown rivals 3-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium.

But with the veteran Giggs running into the kind of form that has made him a match-winner so often in the past, Ferguson is confident of a different outcome this time around.

The 33-year-old winger, now plying his trade regularly in midfield, was outstanding in the 3-1 Champions League win over Benfica in midweek, making United's equaliser and then scoring a well-taken second.

And his enduring value was reflected in Ferguson's move to haul him off immediately his header had hit the net.

"Ryan's performance was superb," the Scot declared. "When he scored I couldn't get him off quick enough because I think he is hitting form again and with a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday that limits his recover time."

"He has had a couple of quiet games for us recently, but you can always tell with Ryan when it's coming, you get the signs and we we got that on Wednesday night."

Ferguson's achievement in revitalising United this season has been watched with admiration by Stuart Pearce.

"They are a fine side and are playing very well at the moment that is why they are six points clear at the top of the table over a side (Chelsea) that has spent, multi, multi millions," said the City manager.

"Alex has rejuvenated United again this year. That is why young idiots like me have to admire him so much as a manager."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who was taken to hospital suffering from a severe migraine last weekend, has been handed another headache ahead of the Arsenal match after striker Andriy Shevchenko allegedly hinted at tensions with his new boss.

The Ukrainian forward, who has struggled to make an impact in England, reportedly claimed his style "doesn't suit Mourinho" and said he would be happy to go back to AC Milan on loan in January if he was not wanted at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho has, in the past, come down hard on players who go public with their grievances but Shevchenko's close relationship with the club's owner, Roman Abramovich, makes this a tricky one for him to handle.

Ashley Cole will feature against his old club Arsenal for the first time since his acrimonious departure for Chelsea in the summer, but William Gallas, who moved in the opposite direction as part of that deal, has only a slim chance of making his comeback from a thigh injury.

Arsenal, who will again be without injured skipper Thierry Henry, have serious problems at centre-back with Kolo Toure suspended and back-up defender Johan Djourou doubtful with a hamstring strain.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Liverpool and Portsmouth, who entertain Fulham and Everton respectively, both have a chance to move up to third in the table.
Fixtures
(1500 GMT kick-off unless stated)
Saturday
Manchester United v Manchester City (1245), Blackburn Rovers v Newcastle United, Liverpool v Fulham, Middlesbrough v Wigan Athletic, Portsmouth v Everton, Tottenham Hotspur v Charlton Athletic, Watford v Reading, Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United (1715)
Sunday
Chelsea v Arsenal (1600)
Monday
Sheffield United v Aston Villa (2000)