Dire dual derbies today

The weekend programme comprises two of the biggest season derbies in the Premiership - the clash between Tottenham and Chelsea, at White Hart Lane, and the Anfield cracker of Liverpool against Manchester United.

Leaders Chelsea, the only team to attain 12 full points from their festive season excursions, are seven points clear of nearest rivals Arsenal. Jose Mourinho continues to strive on relentlessly with his team and after their FA Cup win against Scunthorpe in midweek (not an easy ride for the Blues) they found a stumbling block in Manchester United and had to be content with a 0-0 draw in the first leg semi-finals of the League Cup.

While Chelsea are undefeated in the last 13 league matches in which they only conceded two draws, Tottenham have embarked on a positive run of eight Premiership matches and are also safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Chelsea have a remarkable record against Tottenham, having avoided defeat to their rivals in 25 Premiership matches.

In such process, the Blues did the double on their soccer foes on six occasions. At White Hart Lane, the Lilywhites' last victory over Chelsea came in season 1987-88 (1-0) when they won through a goal by Belgian Nico Claesen.

In Lancashire, Liverpool will have home advantage on their arch rivals following Manchester United's 2-1 win (Silvestre 2 - O'Shea og) at Old Trafford in September.

At their own patch, the 'Pool defeated United only four times in the Premiership, losing six matches and drawing the remaining two.

Last week, Alex Ferguson had to apologise to the United fans following the team's pathetic performance in the FA Cup against non-league side Exeter at Old Trafford.

Both United and Liverpool were involved in the League Cup semi-finals in midweek.

At Anfield, Liverpool only managed to build a 1-0 lead against modest Division One side Watford, while United earned a creditable draw at Chelsea.

Liverpool are likely to include latest capture Fernando Morientes.

Bolton vs Arsenal. The Gunners had to work hard to go past Stoke City in the FA Cup at Highbury but Bolton, who were looked at as a potential 'banana skin' at Division One leaders Ipswich, cruised through to the next round 3-1.

That was indeed a heartening outcome for the Trotters following their league win at Birmingham. Sam Allardyce sported a big smile at Portman Road and now expects his side to leave a negative sequence behind.

Arsenal will have Thierry Henry back after he was given a much needed rest in the cup. It seems, the champions cannot find the same kind of rhythm that saw them going through a whole season undefeated last year.

The Gunners lost once in five calls at Bolton in the Premiership.

M'boro vs Everton. These two teams, having earned a place in the next round of the FA Cup, will be keen to add points to their tally and consolidate their position in the standings.

Everton, having given a debut to newcomer James Beattie, will be hoping that the England attacker opens his scoring account.

In the last four League outings, M'boro lost three times and failed to find the opponents' net. In the nine occasions they met in the Premiership at the Riverside, the home side held the upperhand on four occasions.

Newcastle vs Southampton. Against one of his former sides, Graeme Souness will probably include his two new signings, defenders Jean-Alain Boumsong and Celestine Babayaro.

The Saints have been strengthened in midfield by the signing of manager Harry Redknapp's son Jamie from Tottenham. He scored in last Saturday's in the 3-1 cup win at Northampton.

The Toon need to make up for their erratic League form to keep their Euro slot hopes alive. Newcastle beat Southampton eight times in the Premiership at St James' Park.

They never did a double though but after their first round 2-1 win at St Mary's, the Magpies will be looking to achieve that goal as well.

Charlton vs Birmingham. After falling on many occasions at the very first hurdle of the FA Cup, Charlton were glad to eliminate Rochdale at home.

Birmingham easily ousted Leeds with two goals from youngster Darren Carter in a 3-0 win. That was the Blues' fifth win in seven League and Cup matches.

Birmingham have won on their last visit to London - 3-2 at Fulham. Their management staff are accusing Blackburn of unsettling Robbie Savage who is set for a move to Ewood Park.

Aston Villa vs Norwich. Villa and Norwich were both victims of a giant-killing act in the FA Cup, the Midlanders at Sheffield United and East Anglians Norwich away to West Ham.

These setbacks compare with their latest negative outcomes in the league. While Villa won once in eight league games, the Canaries earned a mere point from a maximum of 15.

Norwich are undefeated in their three visits to Villa Park in the Premiership.

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace. Like Aston Villa and Norwich, Man. City and Crystal Palace were also shocked in the FA Cup, the Citizens at League Two side Oldham and Palace at Sunderland.

Critics have again lined up Kevin Keegan for the sack. But they must not forget City's admirable performance at Arsenal (1-1) four days before and that they were the only team to beat Chelsea in the League so far.

With only one win to show in 13 outings, Palace must hold on to their prized asset Andrew Johnson. His loss can indeed spell the end of the road for the Eagles.

Portsmouth vs Blackburn. Another target for the big clubs is Portsmouth's Yakubu Aiyegbeni who scored in his side's last three outings including the killer goal against Gillingham in the FA Cup.

Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop can leave on a free in summer but it seems he is keen to sign a new deal at Fratton Park.

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes emerged with a draw against Cardiff in the FA Cup after his visit to Wales where he coached the national team before shifting to club football.

Hughes' tug-of-war with Steve Bruce (Birmingham) for the capture of Savage is making headlines.

Pompey's last league win against the Rovers at Ewood Park was the triumph by the odd goal in five (Stevens, Clark, Wigley - Hill, Johnrose) in Division Two in 1990-91.

Since then, the Rovers won twice and drew on the same number of occasions.

Fulham vs West Brom. Boss Chris Coleman has warned the Premiership sharks to keep away from Luis Boa Morte and Steed Malbranque, his top two players.

After three successive draws in the Premiership, West Brom were boosted by their FA Cup win at Preston. The only other fixture in London between these two sides in the Premier League two seasons ago, finished in a 3-0 win for the Cottagers.