Man. United can move a step closer to glory

The Lancashire derby between Liverpool and Manchester United is among the most anticipated fixtures of the season in England.

With a lunchtime kick-off today, United, currently nine points clear at the top of the Premier League standings, will be hopeful of a fifth consecutive victory.

When a club is in the running for the crown and wins an away match in a laboured manner as United did at Fulham last weekend, it somehow denotes that they are bound for glory. It must be said, however, that Cristiano Ronaldo did score a gem of a goal which clinched the points at Craven Cottage.

In midweek, United maintained their quest for honours on three fronts when they reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after beating Reading 3-2 in a replay.

At the Madejski Stadium they almost squandered a 3-0 lead they had built inside the first six minutes.

For Liverpool, the showdown against United comes only three days before a crunch Champions League last 16 clash against Barcelona, also at Anfield.

Liverpool are aware that despite their excellent 2-1 win at the Nou Camp in the first leg, qualification is far from certain. It would be no surprise if manager Rafael Benitez fielded a weakened side this afternoon.

Liverpool are keen to close the gap on second-placed Chelsea to four points, albeit temporarily. They would also love to beat their arch rivals, but may still be satisfied with a point to conserve their unbeaten home record in the Premiership which currently stretches to 30 matches.

Last week, Liverpool trounced Sheffield United 4-0, to earn a place in the club's record books for a ninth successive top-flight clean sheet at Anfield.

The Reds also lead the overall clean sheets list with a total of 16, just above Chelsea on 15. Javier Mascherano had a very good debut in midfield.

On recent past commitments Liverpool have only picked up one point from the last four league games at home against Man. United and have not scored in the last four home and away matches against them.

Terrific Terry

Arsenal's youngsters produced a great show against a full-strength Chelsea side in the League Cup final last Sunday.

Yet, maturity and experience outweighed the raw talent of the Gunners as the Blues emerged deserved winners.

The big influence of John Terry rubbed on his team-mates as they stepped up another gear in the second half to go on and lift the cup.

In the league, the nine-point gap appears to be an Everest for Chelsea to overtake United, who enjoy a better goal difference... in case all goes to the wire.

Claude Makelele claimed that internal pressures made their last phase of the campaign 'difficult' to succeed. Jose Mourinho remarked that he is well ahead with his plans for next season. This evening they will take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Chelsea have only lost five of 44 league and cup games this season.

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure lost his temper and sparked a mayhem at the end of a great match in Cardiff last week.

Arsenal bowed out of the FA Cup at Blackburn last Wednesday. Today, they will play in front of their own fans against Reading. They are still unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger will also have an eye on their Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven at home next week. They have to overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg.

It would indeed be a setback if Arsenal had to bow out, after reaching the final of last season's competition.

Reading face a battle to hold on to midfielder Steve Sidwell (ex-Arsenal) as a host of clubs are keen to sign him next summer.

Last Saturday's defeat at Middlesbrough was Reading's first of the year, and ended a six-match unbeaten league run of five wins and one draw.

The Lancashire derby between Bolton and Blackburn at the Reebok Stadium is on tomorrow. In the last month the Wanderers suffered two heavy defeats - 1-4 at Tottenham and 1-5 at Middlesbrough.

Blackburn were disappointingly eliminated from the UEFA Cup after they failed to beat Bayer Leverkusen at home but made up for it with a sound league win against Portsmouth at Ewood Park. More impressively, they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in Wednesday's fifth round replay.

The Rovers confirmed their commitment to reduce ticket prices for next season when enormous cash prizes will be at stake for Premiership clubs.

The London derby between struggling West Ham and in-form Tottenham will take place at Upton Park. The Hammers' fans were dejected by the way Charlton took the lead through an alleged 'offside' goal and then went on to win 4-0.

It was a most demoralising defeat for West Ham, the fifth in a row in all competitions. The upset led the side to a seemingly inevitable slide towards the Championship after two seasons at the highest level.

Dimitar Berbatov came in for a glowing tribute from Martin Jol after the annihilation of Bolton. Defender Anthony Gardner will continue to give his all for Spurs after rumours that he will be seeking a move next summer.

The derby between Newcastle and Middlesbrough is a high-octane clash for the north-east fans.

In midweek, Boro moved into the last eight of the FA Cup following a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Championship side, West Brom-wich Albion.

Glenn Roeder said he was convinced he got a bargain when he paid £10 million for striker Obafemi Martins from Inter.

The Nigerian is now Newcastle's top scorer with 14 goals.

In the 11 Premiership meetings at St James' Park, Middlesbrough won only once - 2-1 (Boksic 2 - Cort) in 2000-01.

In their last two Premiership visits to London, Aston Villa lost both by an identical score of 1-2 against Charlton and Tottenham. Martin O'Neill's side will be keen to make amends against Fulham who have been on the losing end in their last three games.

Yet, their performance against Man. United should encourage them to return to winning ways.

At the City of Manchester Stadium, Man. City will square up against neighbours Wigan.

Stuart Pearce's City were inactive in the last fortnight and will be looking to gain three points following three defeats on the spin - against Reading and Blackburn in the league.

Trevor Sinclair can return for City after recovering from injury.

The Latics breathed more easily following their vital win against Newcastle to restore a six-point cushion above the drop zone.

Sheffield United have slipped to fifth from bottom after four defeats in their past seven games. They entertain Everton at Bramall Lane.

The Blades have won one and drawn another of the two previous Premiership meetings with Everton. They have not been beaten by the Toffees on their own patch for 35 years, winning two and drawing five of the seven clashes.

While Watford are staring relegation in the face, their opponents today, Charlton, can still retain their status after recording their biggest victory of the season when trouncing West Ham by four clear goals at the Valley.

The return of Darren Bent has given Charlton more ammunition in their survival struggle. The Hornets have been stuck in bottom place since December 5. Charlton won their last league visit to Vicarage Road 11 years ago.