Arsenal and Man United both hope to top the table

Who would have thought three weeks ago that Arsenal could claim top spot in the Premier League on Saturday? It seemed inconcievable after their back-to-back losses against Manchester United and Chelsea - but the never-say-die Gunners refused to give up and if results go their way this weekend they could find themselves top of the pile.

They take on Burnely in a weekend fixture list that is split between the Premier League and the FA Cup, which has reached the quarter final stage.

The Gunners go into their game knowing that if they stick four past the visitors they will go top, at least until United take on Wolves later in the day.

Arsenal's title challenge has been given added impetus by the horrific injury suffered by Aaron Ramsey last week at Stoke. But the encouraging thing was Arsenal's reaction. When Eduardo suffered a similar broken leg at Birmingham two years ago the team folded, but this time the shock appears to have stiffened their resolve.

The Gunners will be without suspended Alex Song, but Abou Diaby should replace him. Eduardo could also start - and the fact that both Diaby and Eduardo recovered from injuries like Ramsey's will give the young Welshman some encouragement.

For Burnley, the trip could be something of a nightmare. The Clarets have managed just one point away from home this season and have shipped 43 goals in 13 losses and a draw, and they will be without Steven Fletcher and Graham Alexander. It's hard to see them leaving the Emirates with much more than their pride.

In Saturday's evening kick-off Wolves entertain Manchester United. Whatever happens at the Emirates it will be United who are top of the table if they can see of Mick McCarthy's side at Molineux.

Rio Ferdinand is expected to return to the United defence after missing the League Cup final and England's game against Egypt with yet another back problem. His fitness has become a real concern and all eyes will be on national captain.

Earlier in the season McCarthy put out what was effectively a B-team against United at Old Trafford, which was duly dispatched by Rooney and Co. He is likely to field a stronger side on Saturday, but despite the bullish talk coming from the Wolves camp it is hard to see them stopping United from reclaiming top spot.

Saturday's other league game sees West Ham entertain Bolton. Both teams are in relegation trouble, and it is a high stakes game. The loser will be left looking worriedly over their shoulder at the teams below them while the winner will have taken a very big step towards safety.

In the FA Cup on Saturday, Portsmouth welcome Birmingham to Fratton Park, where the atmosphere is sure to be vibrant. Pompey's days in the Premier League are numbered, and their very existance is under threat - so what better way to react than by going on a cup run?

It would be a fairy story if Portsmouth did make the semi finals, but Birmingham, who have been quietly effective all season, will have other plans for Pompey.

The second quarter-final is an all-London affair at Craven Cottage where unfashionable but flourishing Fulham take on Spurs. Harry Redknapp obviously has designs on the FA Cup this season, but Fulham are in form and, having just knocked Shakhtar Donetsk out of Europe, they will fear no-one.

On Sunday, the last remaining non-Premier League club in the cup, Reading, will probably bid the competition goodbye when they play Aston Villa. Having missed out in the Carling Cup, Martin O'Neill and his men will be keen to pay another visit to Wembley to make up for the disappointment.

The final cup clash is between favourites Chelsea and yet another unfashionable club, Stoke. The Potters have taken some impressive scalps on their way to the quarter finals, beating Manchester City and Arsenal along the way, but a visit to Stamford Bridge will probably prove a bridge too far, particularly as they will be without Ryan Shawcross, who is banned after breaking Aaron Ramsey's leg. However, Chelsea are on a wobble and Stoke's uncompromising style could unnerve them.

The only other game on Sunday is a Premier League encounter between mid-table Everton, whose chances of a top four finish are slim at best, and Hull, who badlt need points if they are to escape relegation. ·