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 Wenger’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 O’Leary’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 Arsenal’s 49-match unbeaten league run last week, have built a 14-match undefeated run of their own in all competitions — 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 week’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 Wednesday’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.