Since last week's goalless draw at Stoke, Manchester United closed the gap to two points and could usurp Rafa Benitez's men if they win at Bolton on Saturday.

United midfielder Darren Fletcher insists there is still a long way to go however, and is also not discounting Chelsea's title challenge.

"I think there'll be three of us challenging towards the end of the season and I expect it to go down to the wire," he told his club's website.

"You've got to give Liverpool respect. It's been a very unpredictable league this season and a very competitive one, more so than in recent seasons. Any team can get a result against anyone and you can't discount any side after a bad result."

Liverpool will be boosted by the return of Xabi Alonso and the continuing return to fitness of Fernando Torres, who has scored three goals in his two games against Everton.

"Derbies are always tense but the last one brings back very good memories for me," Torres told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I hope to play against Everton again this time and I hope to be able to score again.

"I feel much better right now and I hope to come back to play in the first team as soon as possible. Then I can forget the injuries and start to play again for Liverpool, who are in a very good position."

Chelsea will aim to bounce back from last weekend's mauling by United when they host Stoke on Saturday.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari came under for the 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, but he will be hoping his side have turned a corner after a 4-1 win over Southend in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

Aston Villa are sneaking up on the Londoners, just a point behind in fourth place, and can maintain the pressure when they travel to 13th-placed Sunderland.

Villa have barged into the top four at the expense of Arsenal, who will hope to capitalise on Hull's recent poor form when they travel to the KC Stadium on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, Blackburn host Newcastle, West Brom welcome Middlesbrough and Wigan travel to Manchester City.

On Sunday, Harry Redknapp welcomes his former club to White Hart Lane as Portsmouth visit Tottenham - a game given added spice because of the recent return to Spurs of Jermaine Defoe from the south-coast club.

The day's other game is the all-London clash between West Ham and Fulham at Upton Park.