Title chasers face survival rivals

By Luke McLaughlin

With the freezing conditions showing no signs of abating it will not be a weekend for the faint-hearted in the English Premiership. And with invaluable points on offer in the race for the title, the top three will be praying to emerge unscathed as they seek to overcome UEFA Champions League deficits in midweek.

Johnson threat
Manchester United FC travel to resurgent Crystal Palace FC hopeful of maintaining some pressure on Chelsea FC who sit six points clear at the top. Palace striker Andrew Johnson has 18 goals this season but faces a United defence which has been breached only 17 times in the Premiership.

High praise
Forwards Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have been in fine form for United, helping them narrow the gap to Chelsea during Ruud van Nistelrooij's recent absence. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson, whose team visit AC Milan on Tuesday trailing 1-0, said: "They are both fantastic. We are very fortunate to have two young players who I think in the next few years will be world-class."

Canaries challenge
Chelsea are 2-1 down against Barcelona but first make the trip to another struggling side, Norwich FC, on Saturday. Arjen Robben is not yet back to fitness for Chelsea, who won the English League Cup last Sunday, and Norwich striker Darren Huckerby faces a late test on a hamstring strain.

Wenger worries
Before Arsenal FC attempt to turn around FC Bayern München's 3-1 advantage, they must welcome Portsmouth FC to Highbury, with Patrik Berger set to feature for the visitors after illness. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger is waiting for a fitness test on Thierry Henry's achilles tendon, so Quincy Owusu-Abeyie may start after an impressive showing against Sheffield United FC in the FA Cup.

Souness test
Liverpool FC, 3-1 up against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their Champions League tie, are away to a Newcastle FC side with Patrick Kluivert available after a knee injury. Having lost to Chelsea in extra time in the League Cup final, Liverpool are now hoping to rein in fourth-placed neighbours Everton FC, who play Blackburn Rovers FC on Sunday.

Neighbours meet
Elsewhere on Saturday, ninth-placed Charlton Athletic FC entertain London rivals Fulham FC, while a day later bottom team West Bromwich Albion FC welcome Birmingham City FC. Monday's game pairs Manchester City FC with Bolton Wanderers FC.