'Pool seek to check Cech-less Chelsea

So far only four draws have been registered in the English Premier League but Liverpool would be glad if they share the spoils with Chelsea tomorrow in a difficult match at Stamford Bridge.

The Reds are playing a brand of attacking football in the league with Fernando Torres in full cry, leading the Premier League scorers' list with eight goals.

Last week, Chelsea suffered their first loss of the season at Wigan. Now, all teams have suffered a defeat in the championship. However, the Blues never expected to forfeit their perfect record at the DW Stadium against such modest opponents.

Moreover, the Blues had goalkeeper Petr Cech red-carded against Wigan after committing a penalty. He will be unavailable for the Londoners this weekend to serve his suspension.

Henrique Hilario will take Cech's place in goal.

Chelsea skipper John Terry was left fuming after the setback and turned on some of his team-mates, who, in his opinion, did not work hard enough for the Blues to avoid that upset.

In this early stage of the campaign, it has been raining goals in England and Liverpool's 6-1 hammering of Hull City featured an extraordinary Torres hat-trick.

He became the second Reds player to notch a treble this season after Yossi Benayoun's feat against Burnley at Anfield.

Last season, Liverpool did the double on Chelsea, including a 1-0 (Bosingwa og) win at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool misfired badly in the Champions League in midweek, going down 2-0 to Italy's Fiorentina but Chelsea relied on a Nicholas Anelka goal to down APOEL Nicosia.

Manchester United, back on top of the standings after beating Stoke City away, play rejuvenated Sunderland at Old Trafford this evening. They stayed on the winning track on Wednesday after beating German champions Wolfsburg 2-1 in the Champions League.

After having the better of former United player Mark Hughes in the derby, Alex Ferguson will face another ex-United stalwart Steve Bruce who has been doing well in charge of the Stadium of Light outfit.

The Black Cats have jumped to eighth place after beating Wolves 5-2.

Veteran Ryan Giggs was showered with praise for yet another five-star performance at Stoke and he joined an elite league of players to score 150 goals for the glorious club after finding the net against Wolfsburg.

Fourth-placed Tottenham had scoring sensation Robbie Keane netting four times at home to Burnley in their previous match.

Like Liverpool, the Spurs have two players - Keane and Defoe - who scored hat-tricks this season.

Today, the North Londoners will play at Bolton who are coming from a fine win at Birmingham. In ten Premier League meetings at the Wanderers' patch, Tottenham have won only once − 3-2 in 1995-96.

Wenger's record

Arsenal chalked up their second win in the group phase of the Championship League this week after staving off the stiff challenge posed by Greek side Olympiakos.

Tomorrow, the Gunners remain at the Emirates Stadium to entertain Blackburn who shocked one of the best away sides Aston Villa with a 2-1 win last week.

On Thursday, Arsene Wenger became the longest-serving Arsenal manager, celebrating 13 years at the club he has transformed from one of the best in England to one of the best in the world.

Although Arsenal have not won the Champions League during his reign, or any silverware for the last four seasons, they are never far from the major honours and are sure to be heavily involved in the trophy hunt again this season.

After their upset in the derby, Manchester City returned to winning form with a three-pointer against West Ham earlier this week.

The Citizens will be involved in another late Monday kick-off, this time at Aston Villa. One player who will be flat out to put one over his ex-mates is former City defensive kingpin Richard Dunne.

On the other side of the coin, Gareth Barry will be hoping to receive a warm reception from his ex-fans after his long service to the Midlands side.

The Everton-Stoke duel at Goodison Park should be a nail-biting affair for both sets of fans since their teams are playing to form, even if the Potters lost at home to Manchester United.

The Blues appear to have turned the corner after a disastrous start and are now collecting the points that have seen them going up to ninth place.

A London derby in the offing tomorrow will be the duel between West Ham and Fulham at Upton Park.

Both sides are struggling to find last season's form. The Hammers have lost four on the trot in league and cup competition and the Cottagers have won only once in five league outings.