The Lancashire derby between Manchester United and Liverpool is set to take all the limelight this weekend as the two fierce rivals clash in a Premier League match at Old Trafford this afternoon.
The two teams only met two weeks ago at Anfield and on that occasion it was Liverpool who emerged on top after beating United 2-1 in an FA Cup fourth round match.
In the corresponding first round fixture, the two teams took a point each after a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
In the league, United completed a stunning comeback at Chelsea last time out as they hit back from 0-3 down to draw 3-3.
Manager Alex Ferguson still rued the two points lost at Stamford Bridge but praised the performance of under-fire goalkeeper David de Gea who effected two fine saves late on to deny the Blues.
Liverpool were left kicking themselves on Monday after missing a string of scoring opportunities in a goalless draw against Tottenham at Anfield.
The Reds were boosted by the return of striker Luis Suarez who has now served an eight-match ban for racist comments against Man. United defender Patrice Evra.
Critics have urged Kenny Dal-glish not to field Suarez today as he is set to receive a torrid reception from the United fans but the Liverpool manager said that he would pick his strongest team as he has always done.
Manchester City will be in action tomorrow when they travel to the Midlands to face Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The Citizens will be in search of their third double of the season after they had won the first round clash at home 4-1.
Roberto Mancini’s team have already won at home and away against Wigan and Tottenham. They lost once in their last five league outings (at Everton 0-1).
City goalkeeper Joe Hart, considered by many as the best in the Premier League, said that he was flattered by his emergence as a contender to replace John Terry as England captain.
Third-placed Tottenham, with boss Harry Redknapp now cleared of tax evasion charges, face Newcastle at White Hart Lane.
Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson admitted that the dressing room was buzzing with the five-star performances of Demba Ba and debutant Papisse Demba Cisse who both scored in the victory over Aston Villa last weekend.
After throwing away victory against United, Chelsea have a tough trip to Everton this afternoon.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas criticised referee Howard Webb for awarding United what he described as two ‘dubious’ penalties last weekend.
Everton boss David Moyes said he was satisfied with the way his side have been responding lately, being undefeated in their last five matches.
Arsenal went berserk against Blackburn Rovers last week, hitting them for seven − three goals bearing the mark of top scorer Robin van Persie.
Today, the Gunners will play at in-form Sunderland whose win at Stoke was rated as among the team’s best performances since Martin O’Neill took over at the Stadium of Light.
In midweek, the Black Cats also won their FA Cup replay tie at Middlesbrough 2-1.
Wolves and West Brom will be involved in a Midlands derby tomorrow.
Wolves registered a significant win last week at Queens Park Rangers even if the Londoners were a man short.
Yet, the way manager Mick McCarthy re-deployed his side after the interval was another positive outcome and shows why supporters must be patient with their manager at Molineux.
West Bromwich have lost four of their last seven league matches and are six points above the relegation zone.
Fixtures and forecast
Premier League
Blackburn-QPR X
Bolton-Wigan 1
Everton-Chelsea 2
Fulham-Stoke X
Man. Utd-Liverpool 13:45 X
Sunderland-Arsenal 2
Swansea-Norwich 1
Tottenham-Newcastle 18:30 1
Tomorrow:
Aston Villa-Man. City 17:00 2
Wolves-West Brom 14:30 1
Standings: Man. City 57; Man. United 55; Tottenham 50; Chelsea 43; New-castle 42; Arsenal 40; Liverpool 39; Sunderland 33; Norwich 32; Swansea, Everton, Stoke 30; Aston Villa 28; Fulham 27; West Bromwich 26; QPR, Wolves 21; Bolton 20; Blackburn 18; Wigan 16.
The Championship
Barnsley-Birmingham 2
Blackpool-Portsmouth 18:20 1
Crystal Palace-Doncaster 1
Hull-Bristol City 1
Ipswich-Middlesbrough X
Leeds United-Brighton 1
Leicester-Cardiff 1
Millwall-Derby 1
Nottm Forest-Watford 1
Peterborough-West Ham 2
Reading-Coventry 1
Southampton-Burnley 1
League One
Brentford-Oldham 1
Chesterfield-Charlton 2
Exeter-Sheffield Wed. 2
Hartlepool-Bournemouth X
Leyton Orient-Huddersfield X
MK Dons-Bury 1
Rochdale-Notts County X
Sheffield Utd-Wycombe 1
Stevenage-Carlisle 1
Tranmere-Preston X
Walsall-Colchester X
Yeovil-Scunthorpe 1
League Two
Accrington-Oxford Utd X
Wimbledon-Bradford 1
Barnet-Swindon 2
Bristol Rovers-Morecambe 1
Burton Albion-Gillingham X
Crawley-Aldershot 1
Dagenham-Northampton 1
Hereford-Cheltenham 2
Macclesfield-Plymouth1
Port Vale-Crewe 1
Torquay-Shrewsbury 1
Hot Four
Tottenham Hotspur, Blackpool, Crystal Palace, Reading.