Key Matches

ARSENAL v SOUTHAMPTON Arsenal should bounce straight back to winning ways after their 49-match unbeaten league run ended with a 2-0 defeat a...

ARSENAL v SOUTHAMPTON

Arsenal should bounce straight back to winning ways after their 49-match unbeaten league run ended with a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday. After their reserves beat Manchester City in the League Cup on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger8217;s first team should be far too strong for the visitors who have yet to win in eight matches.

BLACKBURN v LIVERPOOL

Blackburn have sunk to the bottom of the table after successive 4-0 defeats at home to Middlesbrough and at Chelsea, taking just three points from 18 since Mark Hughes became manager last month. Liverpool also beat Blackburn 4-0 in their last meeting in April and another success is on the cards.

EVERTON v ASTON VILLA

Everton will be looking to send Villa back from the North-West with another defeat after David O8217;Leary8217;s men crashed out of the League Cup on Tuesday, beaten 3-1 by second division Burnley at Turf Moor.

PORTSMOUTH v MAN UNITED

United, who ended Arsenal8217;s 49-match unbeaten league run last week, have built a 14-match undefeated run of their own in all competitions 8212; and not conceded a goal for four matches.

WEST BROMWICH v CHELSEA

Managerless West Brom will need a massive improvement under caretaker boss Frank Burrows following last week8217;s woeful 3-0 capitulation at Crystal Palace. The Baggies have not lost at home this season, winning once and drawing four times, but anything other than a win for Chelsea, beaten once in 14 matches, would be a major surprise.

BOLTON v NEWCASTLE UNITED

An intriguing game between two in-form teams is in prospect with Wanderers eager to make up for Wednesday8217;s 4-3 home defeat to Spurs in the League Cup. Newcastle have gone nine cup and league matches unbeaten since Graeme Souness replaced Bobby Robson as coach and that record will face a stiff examination on Sunday when for the first time since he took over they facea team above them.