Premier League's top four sides in direct clashes

It will be a 'Super Sunday' for the followers of the English game tomorrow as top side Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford and third-placed Chelsea face runners-up Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

United, having consolidated their top placing with a 2-0 midweek victory over Bolton, are now three points clear of Arsenal who have 67 points.

Chelsea failed to win in midweek in another London derby at Tottenham. They stayed third, five points behind United and two adrift of Arsenal. The exciting 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane was indeed a great advert for the English game, the kind of football that takes your breath away.

After they scraped through 1-0 against bottom side Derby, Alex Ferguson ordered his players to stop being 'charitable'. The last time the Mancunians were on top of the heap was on January 12 as the latest of Arsenal's hiccups have put United on the road to claim their 10th Premier League title under Ferguson.

Against Derby, Cristiano Ronaldo once again came to United's rescue even if the side missed chance after another. He also scored the two goals against Bolton, to strengthen his position at the top of the scorers' list.

The 150th Lancashire derby in league matches, between United and Liverpool, would leave a special effect at the top of the classification if the Red Devils do not emerge with all the three points.

Liverpool will continue to battle with their neighbours Everton for fourth placing that will give them a berth in the Champions League.

United lead Liverpool 57-49 in terms of wins with the remaining 43 clashes ending as draws.

Liverpool are in top form lately, chalking up impressive wins at home and in Europe. The great understanding of leading marksman Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard has also been an asset.

Stamford Bridge. The Chelsea-Arsenal derby can favour United if the outcome is a draw.

Blues captain John Terry remarked that the side's recent form had put them right back in the title race, even if they failed to take all points from Tottenham last Wednesday.

On the other hand, Arsenal skipper William Gallas, a former Chelsea player, admitted that the Gunners are struggling mentally in the fight for the Premier League title. Although Arsenal continued to drop precious points, the latest at home to Middlesbrough (1-1), Arsene Wenger remarked that his team were not about to throw in the towel in the race for the crown.

Terry hit his first goal in 65 games at Sunderland just as he and Frank Lampard (netted four against Derby) started to hit peak form.

In the past 141 league commitments between the duo, Arsenal won 58 to Chelsea's 39 with 44 draws.

Goodison Park. After losing at Fulham to give Liverpool the edge in their chase for fourth place, Everton will leave no stone unturned to topple West Ham and get back in the thick of things, knowing that their rivals have an uphill struggle at Manchester United.

Yet, all may hinge on next weekend's clash between the duo in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Everton's best player, Mikel Arteta, claimed that it was imperative for Everton to agree a new deal with manager David Moyes.

Italian Gianluca Nani has confirmed that he will become the new technical director at West Ham.

Meanwhile, Alan Curbishley is confident that he would remain at the helm and keep all young players at Upton Park for next season.

White Hart Lane. Having lost only once in six Premier League outings, Portsmouth have climbed to sixth place in the classification.

This afternoon Pompey play at Tottenham as the Spurs will be keen to do the double on their opponents following the 1-0 (Berbatov) win at Fratton Park earlier in the season.

Villa Park. While Aston Villa continue their fight for a UEFA Cup place, as Sunderland's struggle is to side step relegation.

Young Villa defender Stephen O'Halloran will be sidelined for several months after he flew to the US for treatment on his knee ligaments injury.

The Black Cats, hovering above the relegation mire, have earned a mere point from their last four league matches and failed to score in the process.

In the last nine calls to Villa Park, that date back to the early 1980s, Sunderland failed to register a win.

Reebok Stadium. Manchester City were glad to return to winning form at home to Tottenham. They stay on the road to visit Bolton.

The Wanderers' involvement in the UEFA Cup has taken its toll and now they are fighting against relegation.

After losing at Manchester United, Bolton will strive to earn the plaudits against the other major Manchester team - City.

Gary Megson told his players at Bolton to wake up and realise they are in a scrap to stay up.

Ewood Park. Mark Hughes was angry after Blackburn Rovers went into the lead at West Ham and then lost all three points.

The Rovers have not lost in their last five league matches in front of their own fans.

Emile Heskey was bursting with joy after his second goal of the season gave Wigan the precious points in their plight to escape demotion.

Since Steve Bruce took over at the JJB Stadium, the Latics lost five out of 16 league meetings.

Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough's shock 1-1 result at Arsenal (they had also beaten the Gunners earlier in the season at home) served them well in the build-up to their match against Derby today.

The Rams appear to be a relaxed team now as they look destined to play in the Championship next season. They showed great composure in the match against Manchester United but lost 1-0.

Like many other players who net against their ex-club, Boro's Jermaine Aliadiere said he hoped Arsenal win the Premier League title this season.

St James' Park. After the draw at Birmingham Kevin Keegan was full of praise for his scorer and best player Michael Owen.

He said that the England man had the potential to score more goals and keep them in the Premiership this season.

Keegan urged his players to win the 'mini league' of teams trying to avoid relegation. Fulham have also been boosted by their fine win over Everton that gave them new hope for survival.

Madejski Stadium. Reading are still close to the demotion trap door and their opponents Birmingham are just one point behind them.

Manager Alex McLeish remarked that Birmingham were showing no signs of fear in the battle to stay up.

In the 17 league matches played between these two teams, Birmingham hold the upperhand, 5-3, on wins with the remaining nine games ending as draws.

Results

The Championship - Charlton vs West Brom 1-1.

League One - Northampton vs Nottm Forest 1-2; Southend vs Swansea 1-1; Yeovil vs Doncaster 2-1.

League Two - MK Dons vs Peterborough 1-1; Stockport vs Macclesfield 2-0.