Liverpool have lost their two most potent weapons - Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen - to suspension and injury respectively and are susceptible to in-form Manchester United who they have not beaten since December 1995.
United are approaching the run-in to a unique Treble of League, FA Cup and European Champions' League - a dream of Liverpool's way back in 1977, which was wrecked, ironically, by United.
But Alex Ferguson's side have not tasted defeat since December 19th when Middlesbrough stormed the Old Trafford gates and have learned from last season about holding on to a lead at the top of the table.
Key Men:
Roy Keane (Man Utd): The Republic of Ireland international returns from a one-match suspension to act as the counter-balance to Paul Ince, whom he has outplayed in recent encounters.
Paul Ince (Liverpool): the England mid-fielder played as centre-forward against Tottenham on Saturday and scored the equaliser for Liverpool but will revert to his favoured central role against his former club.
Verdict: Liverpool 0 Man Utd 2.
Last five League matches: Liverpool D L L W W; Man Utd W D W D W.
Top scorers: Michael Owen (Liverpool) 23; Dwight Yorke (Man Utd) 27.
This season's meetings: Man Utd 2 Liverpool 0 (24/9/98, Premiership), Man Utd 2 Liverpool 1 (24/1/99, FA Cup 4th round).
Match odds: Liverpool 12/5, Draw 12/5, Man Utd 10/11.
Tottenham V Arsenal
Tottenham have won just twice since they lifted the League Cup in March leaving manager George Graham a frustrated man.
However, the visit of Arsenal will provide Tottenham with the ideal opportunity to appease the fans who have seen only Nottingham Forest and Charlton beaten by their side in the last seven games.
Arsene Wenger usurped Graham's achievements last season when he led Arsenal to their second League and FA Cup Double and his side are on a roll.
Arsenal have remained unbeaten in the Premiership since November 21st and whittled away Manchester United's superior goal difference with emphatic victories over Wimbledon and Middlesbrough.
Key Men
Nicolas Anelka (Arsenal): The young Frenchman has let his feet do the talking on the pitch this season with 17 goals so far to leave him ahead of the field in Arsenal's goal-scoring charts. Supporters remain unconvinced that Anelka is the `real deal' but a goal against the old enemy would go some way to allaying their doubts.
David Ginola (Tottenham): the newly-crowned PFA Player of the Year sat out the defeat at Liverpool on the substitutes' bench - to the surprise of everyone but will relish the clash with World Cup-winning French compatriots Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit.
Likely outcome: Tottenham 0 Arsenal 1.
Last five League matches: Tottenham D W W L L; Arsenal D W W W W.
Top scorers: Steffen Iversen (Tottenham) 13; Nicolas Anelka (Arsenal) 17.
This season's meeting: Arsenal 0 Tottenham 0 (14/11/98, Premiership).
Match odds: Tottenham 12/5, Draw 12/5, Arsenal 10/11.
Chelsea V Leeds United
Victory for Chelsea will secure their place in the qualifying stages of the Champions' League and make up for their Cup Winners' Cup disappointment, and even offer an outside hope for the Premiership in the unlikely event Arsenal and Manchester Utd both slip up.
But fourth-placed Leeds will be looking to capitalise on Saturday's 51 victory at West Ham with another three points from the capital.
David O'Leary has seen his side go 12 Premiership matches unbeaten and will want the run to continue despite admitting that his young side are beginning to tire.
Key Men
Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea): The diminutive Italian has been in splendid form and capped his excellent display against Everton with two goals in the 3-1 win which leaves him as the club's leading goal-scorer. When Zola plays well, Chelsea play well.
Harry Kewell (Leeds): The Australian youngster has been pulling the strings for Leeds this season and shows no signs of the fatigue which his manager believes is afflicting other members of his team. Pacy, strong with fantastic ball control.
Likely outcome: Chelsea 1 Leeds 1.
Last five League matches: Chelsea W D D D W; Leeds W D D D W.
Top scorers: Gianfranco Zola (Chelsea) 15; Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Leeds) 19.
This season's meeting: Leeds 0 Chelsea 0 (25/10/98, Premiership). Match odds: Chelsea 4/5, Draw 9/4, Leeds 3/1.
