In a short space of a week, Londoners Tottenham Hotspurs will have another chance to show that they have come good under new manager Juande Ramos.

At Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup last week, Spurs had a good performance and only the blunders of centre-back Michael Dawson let them down.

His first error gave Manchester United the draw and then he left his mates to fight with a man short after he conceded a penalty and was sent off.

United fought hard after going a goal down. Perhaps, on another day they might have had to settle for a draw and a replay.

This afternoon, the Lilywhites will want to prove that they are a better outfit under Spaniard Ramos.

However, ambitious teams like Tottenham, and others in the Premiership failed miserably when coming face to face with United who should never be allowed extra space to dictate their game.

No other club in England has 'another Ronaldo' in their team, a player who can change the outcome of an encounter single-handedly when things are not going United's way.

Alex Ferguson's XI will be in search of their fourth double of the season today after their home and away wins over Birmingham, Sunderland and Everton. Moreover, United won on their last six calls at White Hart Lane in the Premier League, scoring a total of 16 goals - 4-0, 2-1, 1-0, 2-1, 2-0, 5-3.

In midweek, Tottenham drew 0-0 at Everton and Manchester United beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Home record

City of Manchester Stadium. Manchester City were eliminated from the FA Cup by Championship side Sheffield United last week. In midweek, City drew at lowly Derby and this afternoon they will have another severe test to preserve their unbeaten home record when hosting Arsenal.

The Gunners, having beaten Newcastle twice in four days by the similar scoreline of 3-0 in the FA Cup and league, will seek to keep in touch with Manchester United at the top of the standings.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said he will stay at Arsenal at least till the end of the season.

Fratton Park. Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was quoted as saying that Pompey could give a game to any team in the next round of the FA Cup.

Today, Portsmouth host Chelsea after losing to Man. United 0-2 on Wednesday. Chelsea, on their part, confirmed their true title credentials with another win at home - vs Reading 1-0.

One of the unsung heroes at Chelsea this season is Brazilian Alex. Lately, he took over from injured centre-half John Terry and filled his void to perfection.

In the four times that Chelsea played Pompey away in the Premier League, the Londoners won on each occasion by the same 2-0 scoreline.

Anfield. After the 5-2 win over non-Leaguers Havant in the FA Cup, Rafael Benitez's Liverpool lost at West Ham and will now face Sunderland looking to lift their Champions League hopes.

The Reds will have to work hard to retain a top-four berth at the end of the season if they fail to shrug off their complacency. The cold war between the club, Benitez and the American owners has been smothered after co-owner Tom Hicks stated the manager's job is safe for the next two years.

Liverpool parted with midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, who joined Juventus.

Swede Rade Prica, Sunderland's new striker, said that he was keen to take the responsibility of keeping the club in the top flight and that he was looking forward to the challenge.

He responded promptly to his task and scored on his debut in Sunderland's 2-0 win over Birmingham at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.

Craven Cottage. As Roy Hodgson continued to wheel and deal in his attempt to lift Fulham from their misery, the side earned a valuable point at Bolton.

Tomorrow, they will cross swords with Aston Villa, one of the best away sides in the Premier League.

The Midlanders have only lost once on their travels and scored a total of 23 goals, averaging more than two goals per game.

Fulham failed to topple Aston Villa in their last four Premier League clashes at the Cottage, drawing three and losing the other.

Ewood Park. After conceding three straight league losses, Blackburn Rovers embarked on a positive stretch that saw them chalking up six matches without defeat to climb to a more respected place in the classification.

Today, Blackburn host Everton, who drew 0-0 against Tottenham at Goodison Park. Versatile defender Joleon Lescott has turned down offers from Arsenal and Manchester United to stay at Everton.

St James' Park. Kevin Keegan will be involved in his first north-east derby after accepting to return as Newcastle manager as the Magpies meet Middlesbrough tomorrow.

Keegan will be in search of his side's first goal since he took over from Sam Allardyce.

Ex-Leeds boss Dennis Wise has been appointed executive director at St James' Park.

Boro, having seen off Wigan at home, will hope to attain another three-pointer and beat their rivals to keep the fans happy. Although Boro have succeeded in holding on to prized asset Stewart Downing, the winger will seek pastures new in summer. Defender Jonathan Wood-gate left for Tottenham this week.

JJB Stadium. Steve Bruce's Wigan were again on the receiving end this week when they lost to Middlesbrough. The Latics, who host West Ham today, must arrange the state of their pitch, the worst in the entire division.

The Hammers, having beaten Liverpool at home on Wednesday, seek to stretch their away positive record that saw them lose once in four outings in the league. In the only two calls at the JJB Stadium, West Ham held the upperhand with wins of 2-1 and 3-0 in the league.

Madejski Stadium. Reading, just two points above the relegation zone following the 0-1 upset to Chelsea, cross swords with Bolton, who could only gain a point at home to Fulham in midweek.

Bolton legend Gudni Bergsson called on the fans to play a key role in the team's fight to keep their heads above the murky waters of relegation.

St Andrew's. The Midlands derby between Birmingham and Derby will not have that much effect since the Rams have become slaughter to almost every side they have met.

The 'Second City' Blues are also in dire straits after their upset at Sunderland. In midweek, Derby earned a point from their clash with Manchester City at Pride Park.