However, full-back John O'Shea is set to be missing after suffering a calf injury on duty with the Republic of Ireland.

"Rio has been in training this week and has a got a chance for Saturday, I'm not sure how big a chance but he has got a chance," said Ferguson.

Ireland's coach Giovanni Trapattoni had warned that O'Shea could be ruled out for a couple of months if he is rushed back into action too soon.

Ferguson said: "O'Shea has not trained - he came back with a calf injury from Ireland's game in Cyprus and is doubtful for Saturday so we will see what he's like."

Arsenal head to Manchester City on Saturday without playmaker Andrey Arshavin, who aggravated a groin problem while on international duty with Russia.

Boss Arsene Wenger confirmed: "We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia and should not have played.

"He will be out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan. I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem.

"He did not play in Russia's first game, but played last night against Wales. He should not have played and is injured."

With leaders Chelsea travelling to Stoke, Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed his love for the English game, which he sees as more exciting than back home in his native Italy.

"People go to the stadium to see a spectacle," said Ancelotti. "In Italy unfortunately it isn't like that. People there don't have this sense for spectacle.

"In Italy we still have violence, so I hope that in Italy it will change soon, and that people go to the stadium to see an exciting match, like in England, and to support their team - not using violence and racist taunts towards the players."

Stoke manager Tony Pulis rates Chelsea as the best team in the Premier League and has been highly impressed by their "irresistible" start to the campaign.

He added: "We've looked at videos of the games they've played this year and they have been fantastic.

"Everyone will admire what their players can do with the ball, but their work-rate off the ball is phenomenal.

"They have hit the ground running and, with Manchester United losing (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Carlos) Tevez and Arsenal losing a couple of players, I think they are the best.

"Chelsea haven't lost anybody and when you look at the players they have it is frightening."

In the top flight's other Saturday games, Liverpool entertain Burnley and Wolves travel to struggling Blackburn. Sunderland take on Hull, Wigan are at home to West Ham and Portsmouth face Bolton at Fratton Park.

The big game on Sunday is the West Midlands derby between Birmingham and Aston Villa at St Andrews.

Defender Franck Queudrue insists Birmingham's players have the passion needed to come out on top.

Queudrue said: "We all know exactly how the fans feel about this. They are on at us all the time about beating Villa.

"It is certainly our biggest game of the season. You can talk about Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool coming to St Andrew's but, no, this game is more important."

Sunday's remaining fixture sees Fulham take on Everton at Craven Cottage.