Arsenal and Man United set for 3D showdown

After the midweek excitement of the Carling Cup's Mancunian sideshow it's all eyes back on the Premier League at the weekend, where Chelsea are back on top after their win over Birmingham on Wednesday.

Without doubt the biggest game of the weekend will be on Sunday, when third-placed Arsenal play host to second-placed Manchester United – a game that will be shown in 3D in some pubs.

It's not as if the game needs to be hyped, but the result could have huge implications for the title race. Indeed, whoever wins the clash could find themselves top of the table with the loser left fighting to stay in touch.

Manchester United will be without defender Rio Ferdinand for the match, although that's something they have been used to this season. The defender returned from injury last weekend, but has now been banned for four games after being found guilty of violent conduct after an altercation with Hull's Craig Fagan on his comeback.

Arsenal have good news about one of their centre backs. Thomas Vermaelen went off injured midweek with a suspected broken leg, but it transpires that the injury is less serious although he is doubtful for the game. That could mean Sol Campbell will start in the Gunners' defence.

Arsenal will also be without Eduardo, who has strained a hamstring, but Emmanuel Eboue and Alex Song are back from the African Cup of Nations.

Earlier in the season United ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford and Arsene Wenger famously ended the match stood among the home fans after being sent off (above). The match-up could be another classic and the punters watching in 3D will be hoping that it lives up to its billing.

Before Sunday's main event the league leaders Chelsea take on Burnley on Saturday, knowing that a win would leave them top whatever the result at the Emirates.

Burnley boss Brian Laws has had a baptism of fire at the Lancashire club, he has yet to earn a point since taking over and his charges have not won in 11 games. And his chances of adding to the club's paltry tally of 20 points against Chelsea would appear to be slim.

Not only are Chelsea on an impressive run, they also welcome back Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou from the African Cup of Nations this weekend. A convincing win would give them a massive advantage in the title race.

Below the top clubs Liverpool, who have been quietly regrouping in recent weeks, take on lowly Bolton, knowing that a win would put them back in contention for fourth place. Liverpool are still without Yossi Benayoun and Fernando Torres, but they are in form - they have not lost in five and have conceded just one goal in that time.

However, Owen Coyle's Bolton outfit will be no pushovers and it the match will be a real test of the Reds' fragile confidence.

Also in the hunt for fourth spot, Spurs could do themselves a big favour with a win over Birmingham on Saturday.

The Midlands outfit had been on a 15 match unbeaten run before they lost to Chelsea on Wednesday. How Birmingham respond to defeat will be crucial in the outcome of this game. The match is at Birmingham's home of St Andrews and if they are serious about their European aspirations they need a win.

Spurs tend to blow hot and cold but with the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko and David Bentley back on the scoresheet recently there is competition for places. Harry Redknapp has also brought in several new faces, including Eidur Gudjohnsen. A victory for the Londoners would leave them secure in fourth spot, no matter what Liverpool can conjure up.

Aston Villa could move up into fifth if they beat Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon, and elsewhere Hull entertain Wolverhampton, Blackburn visit West Ham and Wigan play host to the ever improving Everton.

The early kick off on Sunday sees rich kids Manchester City hoping to bounce back after their Carling Cup heartbreak with a win over the paupers of Portsmouth, who are still bottom of the table, and in fresh turmoil after Younes Kaboul and Asmir Begovic were sold to Tottenham without the knowledge of the chief executive Peter Storrie and manager Avram Grant. ·