Liverpool looking to extend lead over Manchester United

By Vic Mills

LONDON (JP): Mid-week European action has again played havoc with the Premiership fixtures. In an effort to allow players sufficient time to recover, key games have been held over to Sunday and Monday.

Set for a return to domestic duty on Sunday at West Ham, Liverpool currently stands two points clear at the top of the Premiership.

The most ominous aspect of its 5-1 demolition of Chelsea last Saturday was the post-match mood. The talk among the players was not self-satisfaction at the result, but of the importance of the gap developing between themselves and Manchester United.

The desire to wrest the title from Manchester has never been more fierce. The difference this season, however, is that manager, Roy Evans, appears to have the team to foster such optimism.

Last season's defense has been stiffened by the discovery of Dominic Matteo's talent as a sweeper. Mark Wright and Phil Babbs complete the back three, with wing-backs Stig Bjonebye and Jason McAteer to move from defense to attack when the occasion demands.

A key element in Liverpool's climb to the top has been the form of England midfield player, Steve McManaman. Against Chelsea he demonstrated his ever-growing maturity, while a first goal of the season at Anfield for international colleague, Robbie Fowler, will not have done his confidence any harm.

However, for all the riches on view, it was the silky skills of Czech international Patrik Berger that again caught the eye. His movement and finishing were a joy to behold.

For a West Ham side missing key players through injury, the hope will be that Thursday's Cup Winner's Cup tie has taken its toll. If not, then it could be a torrid afternoon for the pride of East London.

The other Sunday match sees Tottenham Hotspur, another side plagued with injury, make the unenviable trip North to Old Trafford.

Manchester United, unbeaten in the Premiership but having drawn four of its last season games, was a pale imitation of its recent self against Aston Villa last Saturday.

Cantona showed an early willingness to vary United's tactics, but soon faded. Cruyff and Proborsky performed with more vigor than craft. Beckham became frustrated and Keane, back after a month out with injury, collected his mandatory booking.

United again failed to capitalize on its superiority in Wednesday's Champions Cup tie with Rapid Vienna, although two early goals were sufficient for victory.

That said, it should still be too strong for a Tottenham side missing Chris Armstrong and with Darren Anderton now sidelined for five weeks.

Manager Gerry Francis, acutely aware of the deficiencies, is looking towards Europe to strengthen his side. With reinforcements unlikely to arrive before Sunday, bricks and mortar look the only way to stop United.

New management

With European ambition no longer an issue following defeat by Borrusia Mochengladbach, third place Arsenal entertains mid-table Sunderland on Saturday.

Having lost its way in recent weeks, the signs are that a sense of direction has returned to Highbury. The upbeat mood coincided with Arsene Wenger's recent visit to the club and the announcement that Pat Rice will be his assistant. It is rumored that the new management team will have 12 million pounds to spend on new players.

There is a new trend, too, on Tyneside, where Newcastle United won its third away game last weekend against Leeds, an ability which a few months ago would have won it the Premiership.

Improved away form, however, has not made Kevin Keegan's job easier. Against Leeds last Saturday and mid-week in Europe his side was strong on effort, but short in inspiration.

Asprilla continues to provide the few moments of fantasy. Yet where and how is he to play with Ferdinand fit and again paired with Shearer? The other selection dilemma is a straight choice between the elusive, temperamentally vulnerable Ginola, on the left, or the busy Gillespie.

With a point from the tactical game against Manchester United last weekend, Aston Villa, another first round loser in Europe, will look to its robust forward-line to expose any weaknesses in the Newcastle defense.

The most intriguing confrontation of the night will see Alan Shearer against his England colleague, and arguably the best young defender in the country, Gareth Southgate. Their contest could well decide the game.

Elsewhere, Wimbledon's self-styled Crazy Gang, now sixth in the Premiership, visits Derby County. Not for the faint hearted, inspiration is set to finish a distant second behind perspiration at the Baseball Ground.

This could be the weekend, too, that sees George Graham collect his first points for Leeds United. Although still missing the likes of Yeboah, Dorigo, Deane, Bowyer and Pemberton, the match against Leicester City offers the prospect of at least a draw.