Arsenal face a stern test of their lingering Premier League title aspirations on Sunday as they host Liverpool at the Emirates.The Gunners trail Manchester United by seven points with a game in hand, but with United involved in an FA Cup semi-final, they could apply psychological pressure with a win.
Having returned to the club on a short-term loan, the 41-year-old Jens Lehmann looks set to continue in goal with Manuel Almunia injured.
"I love playing football and when you finish it is a little bit boring because you don't have the adrenaline anymore," he said. "That is what came back to me and I am quite happy about it."
Although they lost their last away game 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool are boosted by a superb 3-0 win at home to Manchester City on Monday.
Centre-forward Andy Carroll broke his duck for Liverpool in that game, and looked in superb form as he added a second.
""He showed what he's capable of doing, not just with his head but with his feet as well," said midfielder Lucas Leiva.
"Your first goal is always the most difficult to get. I'm sure now he will get more and more.
"The way he scored, especially the first which was a great strike in a big game, means he will have more confidence in the next few games for next season as well."
Chelsea, who have only Champions League qualification to play for following Tuesday's quarter-final exit in European showcase event at the hands of United, are away at West Brom, who remain unbeaten since Roy Hodgson took over as manager and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The key game in the relegation battle comes at Birmingham City, who host a Sunderland side that has taken just one point from its last eight games.
Defender Roger Johnson could be fit for Birmingham, who are just three points above the drop zone, despite suffering concussion in last week's draw against Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce remains confident of beating the drop.
"We have got on paper a fantastic-looking run-in. It's up to us. I know we are capable of winning two or three of those. If we win two or three of those games, we could finish in the top 10, which was always our aim," he said.
Elsewhere, Blackpool host bottom side Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers go to Everton, while West Ham United host Aston Villa.
Having returned to the club on a short-term loan, the 41-year-old Jens Lehmann looks set to continue in goal with Manuel Almunia injured.
"I love playing football and when you finish it is a little bit boring because you don't have the adrenaline anymore," he said. "That is what came back to me and I am quite happy about it."
Although they lost their last away game 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool are boosted by a superb 3-0 win at home to Manchester City on Monday.
Centre-forward Andy Carroll broke his duck for Liverpool in that game, and looked in superb form as he added a second.
""He showed what he's capable of doing, not just with his head but with his feet as well," said midfielder Lucas Leiva.
"Your first goal is always the most difficult to get. I'm sure now he will get more and more.
"The way he scored, especially the first which was a great strike in a big game, means he will have more confidence in the next few games for next season as well."
Chelsea, who have only Champions League qualification to play for following Tuesday's quarter-final exit in European showcase event at the hands of United, are away at West Brom, who remain unbeaten since Roy Hodgson took over as manager and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The key game in the relegation battle comes at Birmingham City, who host a Sunderland side that has taken just one point from its last eight games.
Defender Roger Johnson could be fit for Birmingham, who are just three points above the drop zone, despite suffering concussion in last week's draw against Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce remains confident of beating the drop.
"We have got on paper a fantastic-looking run-in. It's up to us. I know we are capable of winning two or three of those. If we win two or three of those games, we could finish in the top 10, which was always our aim," he said.
Elsewhere, Blackpool host bottom side Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers go to Everton, while West Ham United host Aston Villa.
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