Frist could force the confrontation this week by bringing two of Bush's nominees -- Janice Rogers Brown and Priscilla Owen -- to the Senate floor.

CNN: Showdown looms on Senate filibuster

For its own part, the White House got out front early in the spin cycle, saying the president had won up-or-down votes on three of its previously blocked nominees to the federal appeals bench: Priscilla Owen, William Pryor and Janice Rogers Brown.

NPR: Filibuster Fight Might Move to High Court Nominee

United's reshuffled defence, which saw substitute Owen Hargreaves come on at right-back and Wes Brown moved to centre-back, had coped well with Chelsea's threats.

BBC: Chelsea 2-1 Man Utd

Sarries dominated the opening half with two penalties from Owen Farrell and a converted try by James Short after Gloucester's Alex Brown was sin-binned.

BBC: Gloucester 19-13 Saracens