Liverpool could dent Arsenal’s league hopes

Liverpool held the Gunners to a 1-1 away draw in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final and hope to knock them out in Tuesday’s second leg at Anfield.

On Saturday, the two teams meet again in the league at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and the Gunners, six points behind Manchester United in the title race with games running out, cannot afford another draw.

“All we have to do is concentrate on winning every game and that’s it,” midfielder Cesc Fabregas said. “I know we are not the favourites any more but it is just up to us to win the six remaining league games.

“The title is no longer in our own hands because Manchester United are six points ahead but winning our last games is up to us and we have to be there behind them waiting for any opportunity.”

With both teams behind in the domestic title race, the Champions League appears to be their best chance for title glory and rival coaches Arsene Wenger and Rafa Benitez may be tempted to rest some of their top players to keep them fresh for Tuesday’s return leg.

Adebayor scare

The Gunners, who knocked Liverpool out of the League Cup and FA Cup last season with victories at Anfield, may be without leading scorer Emmanuel Adebayor who injured his ankle against the Reds on Wednesday, when he scored his team’s goal. Robin van Persie, who provided the cross for the strike, is also a major doubt with an injured leg muscle.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano will miss the game after picking up a two-game suspension for his protest against a red card in last month’s 3-0 loss to Manchester United. The Argentina star will be able to play in the Champions League game, however, because his suspension only applies to domestic games.

Manchester United are not in action until Sunday when they visit Middlesbrough. The Red Devils are in confident form after winning 2-0 at AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Second-place Chelsea hope to make up ground by winning at Manchester City on Saturday and come off a Champions League setback, losing the lead at Fenerbahce and tumbling 2-1 in the first leg.

Cech back for Chelsea

Manager Avram Grant hopes that first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech will be back from a persistent ankle injury. Frank Lampard, who appeared disappointed to be substituted against Fenerbahce, hopes to finally recover from a virus.