Arsenal have dropped 13 points in the first phase of the Premier League campaign. This afternoon, they will be keen to secure the boost they need with a positive result against champions Manchester United.
The Gunners have gained ten points at home and the remaining ten on their travels.
Indeed, Arsenal have not been so much of a force in front of their own fans at 'Fortress Emirates'.
Arsene Wenger fears that his players could already be suffering from burnout after the 2-1 upset to Stoke.
Defender William Gallas said that the side must stop putting so much emphasis on 'beautiful football'but toil for the three points.
United are a point ahead of Arsenal in the current standings and have a game in hand. The Red Devils have lost seven points from a maximum of 15 on the away front.
Defender Rio Ferdinand has called upon his mates at the back not to repeat the defensive lapses as they committed against Hull in the second half.
Midfielder Owen Hargreaves will be sidelined for about six months after agreeing to undergo an operation to cure a long-standing knee condition.
In the last decade, Arsenal lost twice at home to United. They won four times and drew the remaining matches in the Premier League.
In the Champions League this week, United drew 1-1 at Celtic while the injury-hit Arsenal were unexpectedly held at home by Fenerbahce 0-0.
Ewood Park. Chelsea regained top spot after a lapse of one month, having last been at the summit on September 28. The Blues' goal machine that came to a standstill against Liverpool, is once again in full gear in the Premiership, hitting eight goals in their last two outings.
After the upset to Roma, where they lost 1-3, Chelsea stay on the away front and face Blackburn at Ewood Park tomorrow.
Anfield. Liverpool, having surrendered their unbeaten league run after a 1-2 shock defeat at Tottenham, can return to winning ways against West Brom.
In the Champions League, at home to Atletico Madrid, Liverpool had to wait until the last minute to draw level (1-1), albeit thanks to a disputed penalty. The Reds missed a catalogue of chances and sorely felt the absence of Fernando Torres.
Villa Park. Aston Villa's loss at Newcastle on Monday prevented them from climbing above both Arsenal and Manchester United. Tomorrow, the Villains face Middlesbrough.
Eighth-placed Middlesbrough have lost only twice in their last eight calls to Villa Park, winning twice and drawing four.
KC Stadium. Hull, having suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League for this first time this season (vs Chelsea 0-3, vs Man. United 3-4), will be keen to return to their earlier form at home to Bolton.
Manager Phil Brown remarked that his players need more self-confidence after they lost to United in dramatic fashion.
Bolton's 2-0 home win over Manchester City was the third victory of the season.
Upton Park. While West Ham have not won in their last five league outings (four defeats and a draw), Everton won two successive matches (away Bolton 1-0 and home to Fulham 1-0) for the first time this season. Everton lost only once on their travels (at Arsenal 1-3).
Gianfranco Zola has admitted that managing is a lot harder than he had expected.
Sometimes, he reckoned, it felt more tiring to be on the bench than being on the pitch.
Stadium of Light. Roy Keane will relish a duel of wits with Tony Adams, remembering their conflicts on the pitch as he ran the midfield for Manchester United and Adams was a kingpin in the Arsenal defence.
Adams's debut started with successive defeats to Liverpool away and Wigan at home.
Reports say he is eager to bring former Arsenal stalwart Patrick Vieira to Fratton Park.
City of Manchester Stadium. The Citizens love to return to home comfort after winning only four points from a maximum of 18 on their travels. Tomorrow, they cross swords with rejuvenated Tottenham.
Most of the Spurs players have said that it is great to work for Harry Redknapp. The confidence lacking from the side looks to have been restored.
On Thursday, Tottenham thumped Dinamo Zagreb 4-0.
JJB Stadium. Steve Bruce is wearing a smile once more now that Wigan are back on track.
The Latics play Stoke this afternoon fresh from their significant 2-1 win over crown pretenders Arsenal.
After their fourth win of the campaign, the Potters are now in mid-table.
Craven Cottage. After the 2-0 home win over Aston Villa, Newcastle moved out of the drop zone.
The Magpies visit London tomorrow to square up to Fulham. In their two previous visits to the capital this season Newcastle lost at Arsenal 0-3 and West Ham 1-3.
The Cottagers, having won once in the last seven league outings, have high hopes of gaining the points with Andy Johnson back in the side to lead the front line.
Last season Newcastle did the double on Fulham: 2-0 at home (Viduka, Owen) and 1-0 away (Barton pen).