Ranieri: Beware United challenge

Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri will apply the fear factor to motivate his side ahead of the trip to Aston Villa today.

After conceding the Barclaycard Premiership title to Arsenal following Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Middlesbrough, Ranieri has warned his expensively-assembled squad that Manchester United “are a big shark” lurking in third place and “can still easily overtake us”.

The Italian said: “Manchester United are still one of the best teams. They are a champion side with wonderful quality. It would a fine achievement to finish above them.”

Darius Vassell has called on Aston Villa to rediscover their ruthless streak on home soil if they are to maintain a push for a European spot.

It will be a tough task, and after the draw with Bolton, Vassell said: “We have not been as ruthless at Villa Park as in the early part of the season and we need to get that corrected as soon as possible if we want to finish strongly this season and make that European spot.”

Alan Curbishley aims to heap more pressure on Gerard Houllier when Charlton visit Anfield – but insists the Liverpool boss can only be judged at the end of the campaign.