Big four set for Sunday showdown
The Premiership season has only reached September but this Sunday sees two box-office fixtures between four of the heavyweight title contenders.
Champions Chelsea face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United are up against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
The Blues did the double over Liverpool last season and will be eager to make up ground on leaders United.
United will be hoping for a repeat of last season's corresponding fixture when they beat the Gunners 2-0.
Chelsea captain John Terry said Liverpool would be eager to make amends for their 3-0 defeat against Everton last week.
\"They got a bit of a thumping in their local derby which is a massive game for them,\" said the England skipper.
\"I'm sure their players and fans will all be very upset and they'll be travelling down here to win something.\"
Liverpool have won just once at Stamford Bridge since 1989 and Terry is looking to keep it that way.
\"We have to keep winning at this point in the season, especially in our home games because this has been our fortress in the last two seasons,\" said Terry.
Liverpool were many people's pre-season pick as the main challengers to Premiership favourites Chelsea, but they currently lie in 10th place with just four points from three games.
But Anfield defender Steve Finnan has not given up on his team winning the title.
\"We need to kick on in the league now, so it's important that we get something there,\" said the full-back.
\"I don't go along with the theory that if we lose there we can forget about the title. It's only our fourth game and we can go on to do well.
\"But, if we want to be contenders - even if it won't be a deciding match - we need to start winning matches there.\"
United hold a three-point lead over Chelsea and a 10-point advantage over Sunday's opponents Arsenal.
Midfielder Michael Carrick said it was too early to discount Arsene Wenger's men as title contenders.
\"It is too early to start looking past the game itself,\" he said.
\"We have had a super start to the season and we just want to carry it on.
\"It is a huge game and if we win it, we will be in a strong position. But it would still be too early to write them off.\"
Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky said he was expecting a tough time at Old Trafford.
\"I am looking forward to it,\" said the Czech international.
\"I know it will be tough and physical, but I said when I joined Arsenal that you will never see me jump when the tackles come in.
\"I am not as strong as some - but I am not scared either so I will never jump out of the way of tackles.\"
