Gunners' nightmare lingers on

Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal in September 1996. Since then, the Frenchman has always succeeded in steering the Gunners to a top three placing. His cv includes three championships (including two doubles), five times runners-up and a third placing on one other occasion.

Now in his 10th season at Highbury, the last campaign at the famous stadium before Arsenal move to Ashburton Grove, he is facing a struggle to lead the Gunners to a fourth place finish and a Champions League berth come May.

After spending more than £350 million on the new stadium, the Arsenal board and fans will expect the team to play in the Champions League in 2006/07.

Yet, the most negative ten days in the club's history since Wenger took over, saw them suffering a sixth away league loss at Everton, and the exits from both domestic cups - against Wigan at home in the League Cup semi-final and in the fourth round of the FA Cup, when as holders they succumbed at Bolton.

These setbacks were followed by a home defeat to West Ham 2-3 on Wednesday.

Despite the upsets, Wenger still reckons that his team could finish high in the standings and perhaps emulate Liverpool's heroics of last year when they lifted the European Cup.

This afternoon Arsenal play at lowly Birmingham as they seek to improve their away performances.

Defender Lauren will be sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury.

Birmingham, who earned an unlikely point at Liverpool, are desperate to move into safe territory, having lurked in the murky waters of relegation for so long.

Chelsea march on

Chelsea vs Liverpool. Following their FA Cup draw at Everton, runaway leaders Chelsea dropped two points at Aston Villa, a hiccup that will still not hinder their chances of retaining the league crown.

Tomorrow they face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the match of the week. Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon told the FA to stay away from coach Jose Mourinho who has just received a prestigious award from his home country for his services to sport.

Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, sent the Liverpool fans into ruptures with the signing of Robbie Fowler who returned to Anfield after stays at Leeds and Manchester City.

Yet, the Reds only managed to earn a point against Birmingham at Anfield.

Man. United vs Fulham. The Cottagers claimed their first London derby win of the season against Tottenham in midweek. Today, they will be on the look-out for ex-player Louis Saha who seems to have found the form he enjoyed with the Londoners before his transfer to Old Trafford.

In midweek, the Red Devils stumbled once more as they were defeated for the fourth time this term - 3-4 at Blackburn.

Alex Ferguson failed in his attempts to sign another player before the closure of the transfer window in his bid to bolster the midfield.

Bolton vs Wigan. In midweek, both sides continued to add points to their tallies. Bolton drew 1-1 at Portsmouth while Wigan shared the spoils with Everton.

The Latics defeated the Wanderers in the first round, but it will be a different story at the Reebok Stadium, a place that has become a fortress for Sam Allardyce's XI.

Bolton have lost Ivan Campo for the rest of the season with a broken foot. Allardyce and Wigan's Paul Jewell have been mentioned in the list of managers that can take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson after the World Cup.

Tottenham vs Charlton. After the 0-1 loss at Fulham, Martin Jol's Spurs will be involved in another London derby.

The Valiants, having shared the points (0-0) at home to West Brom, enjoy their visits to White Hart Lane. They have not lost in all six times they met in the Premier League: 3-2, 1-0, 2-2, 1-0, 0-0, 2-2.

The last time Tottenham held the upperhand against Charlton in front of their own fans was in 1989-90 in the top flight, 3-0 (Polston, Lineker, Howells).

Charlton's Danny Murphy moved to Spurs and may line up against his ex-mates tomorrow.

Everton vs Man. City. After the 1-1 draw at Wigan, Everton will now focus on next week's FA Cup replay at Chelsea.

Manchester City, who have refused a written transfer request from Joey Barton, attained a 3-0 resounding triumph against Newcastle at their own backyard.

City, sequel to their 'first round' 2-0 (Mills, Vassell) win, will seek their second double of the season after the home and away victories over Birmingham.

West Ham vs Sunderland. The Black Cats continued with their pathetic showings after they lost to League One side Brentford in the FA Cup. The disastrous episode was described as the lowest point of the season by manager Mick McCarthy.

After the significant 3-2 victory at Arsenal, West Ham will be looking to amend their latest league record at Upton Park, where they lost four in five games.

Newcastle vs Portsmouth. The comeback of Scott Parker from injury gave Newcastle a great boost. Still the side finished on the losing end at Manchester City and on Thursday manager Graeme Souness was sacked.

Pompey's negative stretch differed slightly after a draw at home against Bolton. Harry Redknapp added another ex-Tottenham player to the trio he signed this year by the on loan capture of Wayne Routledge.

M'boro vs Aston Villa. Boro boss Steve McClaren has ruled himself out of the running for the England job after he signed a new contract at the Riverside.

After their win in the north-east derby at Sunderland, the Teessiders will be in search of a home Premiership win after five barren outings.

On their travels Villa are enjoying an encouraging stretch that has left them undefeated in six excursions. The Clarets, who held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at home, have been defeated three times in their ten Premiership calls at Boro. Their fine outcomes include wins of 5-2 (2002-03) and 4-0 (1999-2000).

West Brom vs Blackburn. Two ex-Manchester United stalwarts, Bryan Robson and Mark Hughes, will cross swords in the Midlands.

Blackburn made up for their League Cup exit against Manchester United by claiming all the points from the same rivals in the 4-3 win at Ewood Park on Wednesday.

Blackburn will hope to keep their away league run of three wins going.

West Brom gained a precious point at Charlton in midweek.