Arsenal set sights on Southampton

By Jonathan Caswell

Arsenal FC look to return to winning ways in the English Premiership at home to Southampton FC on Saturday after losing 2-0 at Manchester United FC - who hope to build on Sunday's victory against the champions by picking up three more points away to Portsmouth FC.

Arsenal changes
United may have ended his side's record 49-game unbeaten league run last week, but Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is looking forward not back. With Tuesday's important UEFA Champions League tie with Panathinaikos FC in mind, Wenger has indicated he could give a few of his younger players a start against Southampton, though injuries will force changes anyway.

Campbell out
England defender Sol Campbell is ruled out with a calf problem, while goalkeeper Jens Lehmann (hamstring) and full-back Ashley Cole (knee) are both doubtful. Arsenal and United's fellow Champions League contenders Chelsea FC, two points behind in second, will look to take advantage of any further slip by Arsenal by winning away to West Bromwich Albion FC, who are yet to name a replacement for sacked manager Gary Megson.

Turning point
United still lie eight points adrift of Arsenal, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson sees Sunday's win as a turning point. "I think our season can be galvanised with what happened last Sunday," said Sir Alex. "It can be the start for us because I feel our season has never really got under way." Ferguson is without the suspended Ruud van Nistelrooij, but Roy Keane returns after illness.

Weakened sides
Third-placed Everton FC entertain Aston Villa FC with both sides struggling with injuries. Everton manager David Moyes is without the suspended Lee Carsley while Alan Stubbs has a calf problem. For Villa, striker Darius Vassell misses out with a broken ankle and Jlloyd Samuel is doubtful with a shoulder injury, as David O'Leary's side go in search of their first away win of the season.

Liverpool trip
Liverpool FC, who visit RC Deportivo La Coruña on Wednesday, travel first to bottom side Blackburn Rovers FC, and also on Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur FC go to Fulham FC, Charlton Athletic FC welcome Middlesbrough FC, and Birmingham City FC meet Crystal Palace FC.

First win wanted
On Sunday, fourth-placed Bolton Wanderers FC will look to end Graeme Souness's nine-match unbeaten run as Newcastle United FC manager, and on Monday Norwich City FC face Manchester City FC still searching for their first win.