Liverpool’s new era begins with a visit from Arsenal

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says it is time for his side to start their season afresh now that their Champions League nightmare is behind them - and they kick off the new era with a huge game against Arsenal on Sunday.

Benitez knows that a top four finish is vital if he wants to keep his job, but with his team languishing in seventh place in the table another defeat is unthinkable.

There is some good news for the Spaniard. Big summer signing Alberto Aquilani finally made his full debut against Fiorentina on Wednesday night and Fernando Torres also returned after five weeks out.

For their part Arsenal will not want to give up any more ground in their pursuit of Manchester United and Chelsea. They may be eight points off the top, but the Gunners have a game in hand so they are not out of the title race just yet.

Arsene Wenger's big guns had a week off as his youngsters aqcuitted themselves admirably in the Champions League. Now the senior players will be expected to respond. Arsenal are short of firepower up front, but Andrei Arshavin is fit - and he scored four times in the memorable 4-4 draw last season. There could be fireworks again on Sunday.

Leaders Chelsea entertain Everton on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti's men are wobbling slightly after losing to Manchester City last week and being held by Cypriot minnows Apoel Nicosia in the Champions League this week. The Italian, who is also without Michael Essien for four weeks, will want to see his side respond.

Everton recovered from two goals down against Spurs on Sunday to claim a point. David Moyes will be hoping that the rearguard action will mark a turning point in the season - although it doesn't get much tougher than a trip tp Stamford Bridge.

Everton will also be without defender Joseph Yobo until the end of the year.

Manchester United entertain Aston Villa in Saturday's evening kick-off. The match is a potential banana-skin for the injury hit Red Devils, with Aston Villa sitting in fifth place and unbeaten for over a month.

Villa have a shocking record at Old Trafford, they haven't won their since 1983, but but they may fancy their chances this time round.

Sir Alex Ferguson may welcome back Nemanja Vidic in defence, while Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov could also return - although Michael Owen will hope that his  midweek hat-trick will earn him a run in the team.

Spurs will be hoping to consolidate their place in the top four with a win over lowly Wolves, who lie third from bottom of the table. Sixth placed Manchester City, buoyed by their famous win over Chelsea last week, make the short trip to second from bottom Bolton.

The other games on an unusually full Saturday programme see Birmingham entertain West Ham, Fulham travel to Burnley, Hull take on Blackburn, Wigan visit Stoke and Sunderland play host to bottom club Portsmouth. ·