Weekend works in Grant's favour

'Very proud'
The Israeli's Chelsea FC side host Liverpool FC on Wednesday having collected a 1-1 draw at Anfield last week, and they are sure to be buzzing after defeating Manchester United 2-1 on Saturday. That took them level on points with United at the top of the Premier League with just two fixtures remaining. "We did what we needed to do, played good and deserved to win [by] more than 2-1," he said. "I'm very proud of my players - they're very competitive and wanted to win."

European focus
Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez denied that result would affect the showdown at Stamford Bridge, however, saying: "I don't think [it] will alter things." His own team had to claw back a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 at Birmingham City FC, but they all but wrapped up fourth place and a spot in next year's UEFA Champions League in the process. "The idea was to secure fourth place," said Benítez. "Hopefully now we can progress in the [UEFA] Champions League and if we get there focus on the final."

Injury doubts
United enjoy no such luxury following Saturday's defeat, and they must also contend with fresh injury concerns as they prepare for Tuesday's encounter with FC Barcelona at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's men collected a goalless draw in Catalonia, but now have injury question marks hanging over Nemanja Vidić and Wayne Rooney. "[Nemanja]'s got a few stitches under his lip and he's lost a tooth," said Sir Alex. "Wayne got the same knock as he got last week, straight on the hip bone. I'm hopeful he'll be alright for Tuesday's match."

Barça loss
Their opponents also suffered a galling defeat on Saturday, the 2-0 loss at RC Deportivo La Coruña their seventh league reverse of the campaign. "Deportivo deserved their victory," admitted Barça coach Frank Rijkaard. "The first half was quite equal but in the second we lowered our rhythm and they took advantage of that. To win games you need to score goals and that's exactly what we are working on now."