Title conspiracy fears 'ridiculous'

Avram Grant has claimed Curbishley was wrong to write in his newspaper column that it would be a "great injustice" if Manchester United fail to win the title and that he would "raise a glass" to Ferguson if they emerge victorious after the final two games of the season.

The Chelsea manager will see his team fall three points behind in the table ifUnited beat the Hammers in the lunch-time kick-off.

And while Grant said he did not doubt Curbishley's honesty, he was unhappy with his rival's comments.

Grant, whose side travel to Newcastle on Monday, said: "I am not doubting the integrity of West Ham or Alan Curbishley but it is wrong to say things like this because he is involved in a game against United.

"West Ham have won against them the last three times and I don't think it is a good idea to say things like this but I can't be angry."

But Curbishley hit back and said anyone who claimed his players would give less than 100 per cent was wrong.

"I will raise a glass to whoever wins the title because they will have deserved it," he said.

"It's too ridiculous for words, really. If I am supposed to be biased in favour of Manchester United, how come we've beaten them the last three times we've played them?

"United can expect no favours from us tomorrow. This match will be seen throughout the world and we want to put on a good performance.

"The only pity for me is that I am still missing so many players through injury. When you go to Old Trafford you need your strongest team but that won't be the case for us tomorrow.

"If United had seven players out every week they would have found it difficult. It's the same old story for us but we'll just get on with it." And Ferguson also criticised Grant. He said: "I don't know why he says that there might be something untoward. He should know better."

Hammers midfielder Scott Parker agreed with his manager and said that the players' were determined to hold on to tenth spot - they are five points clear of Spurs - in the table.

Parker said: "Me, ease up? I don't know how, really. I will keep playing and tackling the way I normally do.

"Of course it's a massive game for United and Chelsea but from where I am it's a big game for us as well.

"We want to finish in that tenth spot. We're certainly not going to roll over. We're professional footballers and we take pride in what we do."