Liverpool face the ultimate test this weekend when Chelsea visit Anfield looking to cement their position as the pace-setters.

Roy Hodgson's side have won their last two top-flight matches, even if they were a touch fortunate against Bolton, and memories of their mauling by Everton are now just a bitter memory.

The optimism brought about by the New England Sports Ventures takeover could evaporate, however, if Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea exert the dominance that saw them beat the Reds home and away last season.

Blues striker Didier Drogba expects a tricky encounter for his side, though.

"There is never a good time to go to Anfield because they are a very strong team," said Drogba. "They will try to use this game to start their season, so we have to be ready.

"We are seeing a different Liverpool than the one from earlier in the season. They have won their last two matches and their confidence is getting higher.

"We have to be careful. It's true that we shouldn't fear any team but we're going to have some difficult moments."

Chelsea play late on Sunday afternoon, by which time they will know the result of second-placed Arsenal's home encounter with Newcastle.

The Gunners should be full of confidence after their 4-0 demolition of the Magpies in the Carling Cup, but Newcastle are riding high following the 5-1 drubbing of north-east rivals Sunderland and with striker Andy Carroll in ominously powerful form.

Arsenal, meanwhile, slipped up against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League but they should be able to count on Cesc Fabregas returning to the starting line-up.

Roberto Mancini will take his fourth-placed and under-performing Manchester City side to face West Brom, currently in sixth spot and this season's surprise package under the guidance of his fellow Italian Roberto de Matteo.

Defeat for City would be the third in a row in the league and really heap the pressure on him.

There is also a repeat of a Carling Cup tie when Wolves travel to play Manchester United, who won last week thanks to Javier Hernandez's late goal but Mick McCarthy's men will have the knowledge that they pushed United to the very end.

Bolton will have a sight of player-of-the-moment Gareth Bale when Tottenham visit for the Saturday lunchtime fixture.

A win for Spurs would see Harry Redknapp's side go above Manchester City for 24 hours at least.

Blackpool entertain Everton with both teams locked together on 13 points after 10 games and needing victory to maintain a solid position in the top half of the table.

At the other end of the table, Blackburn against Wigan already looks a relegation scrap, with Rovers needing victory to leapfrog their Lancashire rivals out of the bottom three.

Sunderland, still licking their wounds after the Tyne-Wear derby, could have done without their old striker Kenwyne Jones being back in town as Stoke travel to the Stadium of Light.

Rock-bottom West Ham face Birmingham at St Andrew's while Fulham host Aston Villa.

Saturday Fixtures

Sunday Fixtures