Grant returns to Chelsea as Arsenal head north

It's top v bottom in the Premier League as leaders Chelsea entertain lowly Portsmouth. But it is the visitors who are the form side. They have not lost this month, while the Londoners haven't won in four games.

The match also sees the return of Avram Grant, who took over at Pompey last month, to Stamford Bridge. The sad-faced Israeli was the man who replaced Jose Mourinho after his shock departure in 2007, but the fans never learned to love him, even though he guided the team to the Champions League final.

There will also be an added incentive among the Pompey ranks to get one over on Chelsea. Portsmouth have had a transfer embargo placed on them by the Premier League because of the £750,000 they still owe Chelsea, who are hardly cash-strapped, for the transfer of Glen Johnson two and a half years ago.

Chelsea also face a transfer ban over the Gael Kakuta affair, but will never be short of money while Roman Abramovich is at the club. Portsmouth on the other hand have had trouble paying their players this season and have had to deny rumours about administration.

On the pitch, Pompey will be hoping to capitalise on the fragility at the heart of the Chelsea defence that has seen them ship 10 goals in the their last four games. All eyes will be on Petr Cech in goal - if he even plays.

Arsenal's trip to Burnley is fraught with danger for Arsene Wenger's men. Now they are officially back in the title race they will be expected to win - but a midweek fixture against physical opponents in front of a passionate crowd and is exactly the sort of hurdle that the Gunners have had trouble with in the past.

After Wenger's uncharacteristic rant at the weekend and victory over Liverpool, Theo Walcott said that Arsenal had proved they were no pushovers. That will be tested at Turf Moor.

A win will see them reclaim third from Aston Villa.

Liverpool entertain Wigan knowing that any kind of slip up is unthinkable. Defeat to Arsenal was bad enough but anything less than three points against the Latics will leave Rafa Benitez's promise of a top four finish looking very hollow. The Reds are currently languishing down in eighth, behind Birmingham and Spurs.

The final Wednesday game sees fifth take on seventh as Tottenham entertain Manchester City, who have drawn eight of their last nine games. Spurs are steadily dropping out of contention and after losing to Wolves on Saturday need a win to maintain their push for Europe. City will move above the Londonders if they claim the spoils. ·