Sir Alex Ferguson is one of a few Premier League bosses enjoying the Africa Cup of Nations... as long as it keeps denting his rivals' title bids all the way to the February 10 final.

Arsenal have Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue away with favourites Ivory Coast, who also boast Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Salmon Kalou. Their team-mate Michael Essien is also into the knock-out stages with Ghana.

Fergie said: "I'm hoping it's an Ivory Coast and Ghana final, just to keep Arsenal and Chelsea's players occupied. It's no use kidding, Arsene Wenger and Avram Grant know what I'm hoping for. In fact, I'm hoping the final goes to extra-time, penalties and maybe even a replay."