Liverpool can inflict more misery on wounded Arsenal

The second round of the Premier League season is upon us and there is plenty to look forward to. The biggest game of the weekend comes on Saturday lunchtime as Arsenal try and prove they are not a spent force as they take on Liverpool at the Emirates. Kenny Dalglish's side will want to prove that they have what it takes to challenge for the title this season.

Last week's big winners were Bolton and Manchester City, and they come face to face at the Reebok Stadium. West Brom face another tough assignment, this week they are away at Chelsea and up north there is the small matter of the Tyne Wear derby.

Here's The First Post's guide to the best of the weekend's action.

Arsenal v Liverpool
If all the pre-season hype is to be believed then this is a game between a rejuvinated giant and a once-great club now in terminal decline. Arsenal are threatening to replace Liverpool as the big side that can't get it right in the Premier League, while the visitors are hoping to take over the Gunners' mantle as title contenders. With that backdrop Arsene Wenger knows that he needs an impressive performance from his charges or else the cloud of gloom hanging over the Emirates will get a shade darker, and he may even start to hear the sound of knives being sharpened.

As far as Kenny Dalglish is concerned this will be an opportunity to set down a marker. Certainly his front two, Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll will be looking forward to taking on the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Carl Jenkinson in the Gunners defence. And Arsenal look threadbare elsewhere. They will be without the departed Cesc Fabregas, the suspended Alex Song and Gervinho, Jack Wilshere is injured and Samir Nasri is also likely to miss the game. It could be a long and educational afternoon for the Gunners, and they may not like what they learn.

Bolton v Man City
Current Premier League leaders Bolton take on second place City on Sunday, by which time they will both be in mid-table following Saturday's games. All eyes will be on City's glittering array of stars. Sergio Aguero made an astonishing debut against Swansea on Monday, but will he even get in the team? Mario Balotelli didn't even play in that game and will no doubt be itching to make an impression, and then there is Carlos Tevez. Will he be given a run out? The problem for anyone expecting a repeat of the City firework show is that away from home Roberto Mancini rarely ventures anywhere near the light-blue touchpaper, let alone puts a match to it. That is good news for Bolton who could escape with a draw.

Chelsea v West Brom
Chelsea fans will get their first chance to greet Andre Villas-Boas as  his side take on West Brom on Saturday afternoon. The Blues only managed a draw against Stoke last weekend, but a draw against the Potters at home is not a result to be sniffed at. There were some encouraging signs for Chelsea supporters. Not least was the form of Fernando torres. He may not have found the net, but at least he looked like a player who wanted to be on the pitch, which is a distinct improvement on last season, when he cut a folorn and listless figure. As for West Brom, they have had the toughest start imaginable, with games against Man United and now Chelsea. Roy Hodgson knows his chances of success are slim, but starting the season with back-to-back losses is the last thing he will want to happen, it's just that he may not be able to do much about it.

Everton v QPR
The Toffees entertain Premier League new boys QPR on Saturday afternoon and the Hoops will be hoping to perform better than they did last week against Bolton, when they shipped four goals at home. Another repeat of that kind of scoreline and people will be talking about an immediate return to the Championship. But Neil Warnock is nothing if not a pragmatist and he will know how to get the best out the players he has at his disposal. Rangers will also be buoyed by the news that they have a new owner in Tony Fernandes, who has bought out Bernie Ecclestone and Flavio Briatore, and that there is money to spend. Everton on the other hand have just been told that there is no money available for new signings. But with a team boasting players like Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill, David Moyes should have enough talent at his disposal to see off the Londoners.

Sunderland v Newcastle
What will Joey Barton come up with this weekend? After finding himself at the centre of attention last week he is sure to be in the limelight once again as the Toon Army make the short trip to the Stadium of Light. Last season Newcastle thrashed their neighbours 5-1 and they have only lost to the Black Cats once in the last decade, but Steve Bruce has assembled a good squad and they will be confident after their excellent comeback against Liverpool last weekend. Newcastle may leave with a point, but can't expect anything more.

In the other games this weekend Aston Villa take on Blackburn, Stoke visit newly promoted Norwich, Roberto Martinez returns to his old stamping ground as Wigan travel to Swansea and Wolves play host to Fulham.

Manchester United v Tottenham could be a belter but you'll have to wait until Monday night to find out if it lives up to expectations. ·