(Manchester United News)
The battle for the top four will seriously hot up over the next few days, and any one of three teams - Manchester United, Arsenal or Manchester City - could find themselves holding second position in the Barclays Premier League.
All eyes will be on the Emirates Stadium at lunchtime on Saturday, as third-placed Arsenal host Liverpool, currently fifth, in the 12:45 fixture. Arsene Wenger’s side have 60 points, one more than Louis van Gaal's men, and can go above City should they prevail with the Blues not playing until Monday night.
The Gunners have won their last six games on the trot, prompting Wenger to say: "I have great respect for Liverpool, but I am focused on the producing the performances we have done recently."
A loss for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who have 54 points and were defeated 2-1 by United at Anfield, would be another major blow for Liverpool’s Champions League ambitions.
“Our possession wasn't good enough [against United],” says Rodgers. “We need to be technically better. We will go there to Arsenal tactically very clear. We need to get something from the game.”
Whatever the outcome at the Emirates, United will gain points on at least one top-four rival, provided the Reds can beat Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Sixth-placed Southampton, who are still in the Champions League mix with 53 points, travel to Everton. The Saints have stabilised after a mid-season wobble, with two victories in their last three matches, while the Toffees have won two in a row to ease any relegation worries.
“It’s a tough test because Everton deserve a higher position,” says Southampton boss Ronald Koeman. “I like the way they play football and how Roberto Martinez is doing his job.”
Elsewhere, Leicester City play West Ham United, Swansea City host Hull City and West Bromwich Albion face QPR. On Sunday, Sunderland meet Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby and Tottenham, currently in seventh spot with 53 points, visit Burnley.
This round of Barclays Premier League fixtures ends on Monday night when Manchester City travel to Crystal Palace. “We are just planning to win – there is nothing more important,” says Blues boss Manuel Pellegrini.
