Liverpool face must-win game at troubled Hull

The midweek Premier League clashes sent Manchester United back into a three-point lead at the top of the table with a game in hand over closest rivals Liverpool. So this weekend's games will see whether Rafa Benitez's Merseysiders can maintain their late challenge for the league or whether Manchester United will continue their serene progress towards retaining their crown.
 
Liverpool are travelling to the KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon, where Phil Brown's Hull find themselves in serious threat of relegation. After a fine start to the season, the Tigers have won only one of their last 17 Premier League matches. Hull will have the motivation to play out of their skins, and Liverpool are smarting from the 4-4 home draw in midweek with Arsenal that derailed their title hopes. But whether Hull have the ability is another matter.
 
Manchester United take on Tottenham at Old Trafford in the late game on Saturday, so even if Liverpool win they will only top the table for a few hours should Fergie's team roll over a Spurs side that have nothing to play for. White Hart Lane boss Harry Redknapp has admitted that qualification for the Europa League would be a double-edged sword, so he has no real desire to fight for the seventh spot which would guarantee European football next season.
 
Gianfranco Zola at West Ham is positively welcoming the prospect to prove himself on the wider stage, and will be looking to make London rivals Chelsea sweat in what is always a lively derby. Stamford Bridge manager Guus Hiddink has accepted that the Blues' domestic league hopes are over, and will have an eye on next week's Champions League semi-final tie against Barcelona.
 
Finally among the Big Four, Arsenal entertain Middlesbrough on Sunday afternoon, in a game which could see the Teessiders - already third from bottom - lurch closer to relegation if other results conspire against them. So, expect a combative performance from Gareth Southgate's men. As for the Gunners, would another Andrei Arshavin masterclass be too much to hope for? ·