Manchester derby pits second place against third

This weekend's Manchester derby not only pitches the city's two clubs against each other, it also sees the Premier League's second and third place teams (prior to Saturday's games) take each other on.

Added spice, if any is needed, will be added to the occasion by the possible appearance of Carlos Tevez in a City shirt. The Argentinean spent two seasons on loan at Old Trafford where he became a cult figure among fans, until City stepped in and bought him during the summer. The blue half of Manchester celebrated by erecting a giant poster of Tevez in their colours in the city centre. It will be interesting to see the reception he gets at Old Trafford if he does play.

Both teams have 12 points going into the game and City are unbeaten so far this season.

Of the Big Four only Liverpool and Arsenal are in action on Saturday. Arsenal, who beat Standard Liege in the Champions League on Wednesday, entertain Wigan, and will be anxious to get back to winning ways. The Gunners began their campaign in scintillating fashion putting 10 goals past Everton and Portsmouth, but since than have lost back to back games against Manchesters City and United, leaving them down in ninth place - a third defeat in as many games might even spell the end of their title challenge prematurely.

Liverpool, who beat Hungarians Debrecen 1-0 at Anfield on Wednesday, travel to West Ham. The Londoners recorded their first win of the season last week and signed Mexican striker Guillermo Franco on Thursday, whose contract with Villarreal in Spain had expired. Liverpool are in touch with the leading pack but, like Arsenal, cannot afford to lose any more ground after two league defeats so far this term.

It looks like another tough week for lowly Portsmouth, bottom of the table and still without a point this season - they travel to Aston Villa who have risen to sixth in the table thanks to three consecutive wins.

On Sunday Chelsea entertain Spurs in the second big derby of the day. Table toppers Chelsea have a 100 per cent record so far this season, but Tottenham have also enjoyed a good start to the season and will want to reassert their credentials after defeat to Manchester United last week.

At the bottom of the table, Everton - who have a shocking return of three points from four games and lie in 19th spot - take on Blackburn at Goodison Park. It is a game the Toffees must surely win if they are to get their season back on track. ·