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Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could be back to bolster Manchester United's flagging Premier League title challenge against West Ham. Sir Alex Ferguson has not had his first-choice central defensive partnership available since October but with Ferdinand now clear of suspension and Vidic over the nerve problem that has prevented him making an appearance in 2010, both men are expected to start against the Hammers. With the Carling Cup final on Sunday, Ferguson might have been tempted to rest Wayne Rooney but that hardly seems likely in the wake of Saturday's defeat at Everton which left the Red Devils four points adrift of Chelsea. Nani is still suspended. | |||||
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has doubts over striker Benni McCarthy. The South Africa star, who signed for the Hammers on the last day of the January transfer window, has been out with a knee problem since the 2-1 defeat at Burnley on February 10. England midfielder Kieron Dyer and defender Danny Gabbidon (both hamstring) are not yet fully fit. Herita Ilunga is set to miss out with a tendon injury while Luis Boa Morte (knee), Calum Davenport (leg) and Zavon Hines (knee) are all long-term absentees. | |||||