ARSENAL fear the predatory finishing instincts of Liverpool's new England marksman Robbie Fowler could strike again and bite into their European ambitions at Highbury tonight.

Fowler and England team-mate Steve McManaman have persuaded Liverpool manager Roy Evaris to think again about his original intention to rest them for the trip.

And Evans is aware he will face flak from local rivals Everton - plus other clubs chasing a UEFA Cup place - if he fields a weakened team.

Victory over the FA Cup finalists would virtually ensure the Gunners fifth place in the Premiership and a European spot to salvage something tangible from the first season under new boss Bruce Rioch but Fowler's return to north London provides a haunting reminder of past failures.

Last season, his last-minute winner at Highbury put Arsenal briefly in the shadow of relegation and they subsequently needed to win two of their final three Premiership matches to ensure they dodged the drop.

And Fowler rattled in a hat-trick against the Gunners at Anfield in December almost matching his phenomenal feat in Arsenal's previous visit when he registered the Premiership's fastest-ever treble with three goals in just over four minutes.

Rioch admitted: "Fowler has hurt Arsenal a lot maybe this time we ought to tackle him in the tunnel before we go out there!"

And Arsenal's England captain David Platt added: "There is no way that Liverpool are just going to lie down and let us get the win we need.

"Some people might think they will have one eye on the FA Cup final and will take their foot off the pedal in the last couple of League matches, but I don't believe that."

Only Tottenham, two points behind, can overhaul Arsenal if the Gunners win tonight.

But Spurs finish the season with tough away trips to Leeds tomorrow and Newcastle on Sunday, while Arsenal meet Rioch's old club, relegation-doomed Bolton, at Highbury on the final day.

Top-scorer Ian Wright, though, is doubtful for tonight's clash having pulled a groin muscle after scoring a vital point-saving equaliser from a penalty at Blackburn on Saturday.

Wright, who has 23 goals this season, needed more treatment after his first training session of the week yesterday: "I'm really not sure what my chances are. It will be a late decision."

Paul Gascoigne was last night named Scottish Player of the Year by the Scottish football writers' association. He adds the title to the one handed out on Sunday night by his fellow professionals in the Scottish professional footballers association.