Premier League preview

Everton meet Liverpool in the Merseyside derby while Arsenal tackle London foes Chelsea on an engrossing weekend of Premier League action.

Both derbies can be seen back-to-back on Sky Sports 1 & HD1, on a Sunday when one need not leave the sofa. Rafa Benitez remains a man under severe pressure, while David Moyes' Everton are not faring too well either. For Arsenal, the clash against Chelsea will serve as a litmus test of their title credentials.

Elsewhere on a weekend that holds a full programme of top-flight fixtures, two sides aiming to break up the so-called 'big four' lock horns as Aston Villa host Tottenham Hotspur, Avram Grant's Portsmouth welcome Manchester United to Fratton Park, Manchester City are in action against Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers go head-to-head with locals rivals Birmingham City.

Having been condemned to the Europa League during midweek, Liverpool's season reached a new depth of disappointment. It is, therefore, vital they overcome their bitter rivals Everton on Sunday, for all energy must be focused on climbing back into the top four. Benitez received the club's backing on Tuesday, but another slip-up will surely raise further question marks over the direction of the side. The fixture is a tale of two out-of-form sides: between them they have managed just two wins in 13 league matches. A fiery encounter can be expected, with the match-up witnessing more red cards (17) than any other in Premier League history.

Arsenal bounced back from their loss at Sunderland with a fairly routine win over Standard Liege on Tuesday, but Sunday's opposition Chelsea promise to be an entirely different kettle of fish in terms of quality. The Stadium of Light loss will be deemed a mere off-day if the Gunners can defeat the Blues, who recorded a 4-1 win - Arsenal's worst home defeat in the Premier League - on their last trip to Emirates Stadium. Chelsea look an intimidating force at present, with the club five points clear the summit. Didier Drogba will likely be the key man, with the Ivorian scoring eight goals in as many of his last appearances in all competitions versus Arsenal.

Fifth plays fourth as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur do battle at Villa Park. The Villans battled for a late point at Burnley in their last outing, while Spurs' previous fixture was something to behold. The 9-1 spanking of Wigan was a humiliation and underlined Tottenham's attacking potency, even without the creativity of the injured Luka Modric. Villa, though, will surely be a different proposition for Harry Redknapp's men. Martin O'Neill has seen his side take 13 points from their last five league games on home soil. If either club are serious about breaking into the top four, then only three points will do.

Tuesday saw the end of Paul Hart's reign in charge of struggling Portsmouth. The axe came as a shock to some, who suggested, considering the instability on the South Coast, Hart had not done a bad job. Pompey have since acted by confirming Avram Grant as manager, and it will be quite some bow for the Israeli as his side entertain Premier League champions Manchester United. Grant has a history with United, having met them on three occasions - the last that rainy penalty shoot-out defeat in Moscow - during his time with Chelsea. He faces quite the task at Portsmouth, with the side six points from safety. For second-placed United, Sir Alex Ferguson will be mindful of what is a mixed record of three losses, two wins and one Premier League draw at Fratton Park.

Draw specialists Manchester City are in action against a resurgent Hull City. Mark Hughes has seen his charges fail to win or lose in each of their previous six matches, yet they still remain sixth in the table. The Tigers, meanwhile, have taken seven points from their last three games - their best run since October 2008 - and in the process edged away from the drop zone. Despite Hull's improved form, City will be expected to see off Phil Brown's club. Victory remains the paramount concern for Hughes' ambitious team, while another stalemate would equal the all-time top-flight record of straight draws.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' meeting with Midlands rivals Birmingham City is partly overshadowed by the attention directed at Sunday's other two derbies, but the encounter remains very much a match of great importance to those who follow said teams. Wolves are in trouble at second from bottom in the table, the club having not won since 20th September. Birmingham, who lie 13th, will be aware that success at Molineux will put a significant psychological difference of eight points between the two promoted clubs.

Wigan Athletic must restore their fans' faith when they host Sunderland at the DW Stadium. The players did at least reimburse those travelling supporters that witnessed the horror show in the capital last weekend, and now attention turns to repairing damaged confidence and egos. Roberto Martinez will be wary of a Sunderland side that beat Arsenal last weekend, but will also be clued up on the opposition's poor form on the road this term. The Black Cats have won only one of their last 16 Premier League away games. But the incentive is there for Sunderland to potentially climb up into fifth place.

West Ham United's clash versus Burnley is a must-win game for the former. The point earned at Hull last weekend was enough to lift the Hammers out of the drop zone, but only on goal difference. West Ham have fared poorly at Upton Park this season - winning just once - while Burnley have recorded just one win on their travels, making the outcome of the match an unpredictable one. Having seen how swiftly a manager can be disposed of this week, Gianfranco Zola will know that success against the newly-promoted Clarets is essential, particularly with United as their next opponents.

Bolton Wanderers manager Gary Megson is another man under pressure, with his team rather on the wane. A trip to Fulham is possibly not what the doctor ordered, as Roy Hodgson's men are the fourth-most in-form side in the division. Yet the Trotters have fared better on the road this campaign. But, then again, that is saying little, such is Bolton's low points tally. The Cottagers sealed a rampant win over Blackburn in midweek and will be eager to build on that success.

Blackburn Rovers, who will again be without their unwell manager Sam Allardyce, go head-to-head with Stoke City. Rovers' home form has been their saving grace this season - the Lancashire club have managed 13 points from their six outings at Ewood Park - so the club will be hopeful of returning to winning ways after their poor result at Fulham. Tony Pulis continues to impress in charge of Stoke and it is feasible that the Potters could even finish the weekend in sixth place
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