NICKY BUTT returns to Manchester United's starting line-up, tonight against Arsenal with manager Alex Ferguson reverting to his regular line-up in a bid to overtake leaders Newcastle United.
United's run of to successive wins came to an end at QPR on, Saturday when he made three changes, although it was enough to put them top for 48 hours.
Ferguson says: "I feel more than ever that I was justified in making the changes on Saturday and that I did the right thing.
"Brian McClair and David May both told me that they were really tired during the second half.
"That shows me that we are going to have to start getting them in for parts of games in order to get their fitness up to the level that we are playing at."
Ferguson brings back both Butt and Philip Neville, who has been suffering from a calf injury.
He says: "We felt the rest will have done Nicky some good and he will come back fit and fresh and ready for the challenge.
"People may have said that I should leave the team alone when you think of the chances missed in the first half, but it was nothing to do with team selection.
"It was about the ability of 11 Manchester United players creating so many openings that we should have buried them.
"Arsenal have always been a hard side to beat. We know there are going to be challenges in the games coming up, but that is what going for the championship is all about."
Manager Bruce Rioch has ruled out knee-injury victim Tony Adams even though he came through a full reserve game at Brighton.
He will stick with the side that defeated Wimbledon. Ray Parlou is also ruled out because of suspension and Steve Bould may require surgery on the hamstring injury that has kept him out for three months.
Southampton manager Dave Merrington will welcome back captain Barry Venison from suspension for the crucial relegation battle against Sheffield Wednesday.
Venison has missed the last two games, which have seen Saints slip to third from bottom of the table.
Tommy Widdrington and Francis Benali also make a return after serving bans, but Merrington has injury worries over another three players.
Jim Magilton (groin), Mark Walters (thigh) and Neil Maddison (knee) all missed the weekend defeat at Manchester City and face the fitness tests before Merrington can name his side.
Sheffield Wednesday are likely to be unchanged as Chris Waddle is still unfit with a back problem.
Manager David Pleat said: "We should have the benefit of an unchanged side which we have not had very often this season.
"Hopefully, the revitalisation of the team, with several new players and other players in new positions, will continue to work for us."
Bolton look to lay their Burnden Park hoodoo and continue their Houdini-like relegation escape act.
Colin Todd's battlers, now boasting three successive away wins, tackle Spurs looking for a rare home success.
Only once in over four months - against Wimbledon in January - have Bolton recorded a premiership victory in front of their own fans.
