With an automatic place in next season's Champions League and the riches associated with that tournament at stake, neither Manchester United nor Liverpool can afford to lose out in a tussle that reaches a potentially decisive turning point when the two clubs meet at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Always one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures of any English season, the latest meeting between the two clubs will provide a benchmark of their respective credentials as the club best-equipped to challenge Chelsea's current ascendancy over the next few years.

Manchester United fans may beg to differ, but recent form has pointed to Liverpool being the more likely candidates for that role, particularly in the wake of United's 3-1 defeat in last weekend's Manchester derby.

A run of 11 wins in their last 12 matches has left Rafael Benitez's European champions a point adrift of United, currently occupying second place, with the advantage of two games in hand.

Liverpoool's run has been founded on the solidity of a defence that did not concede a single goal for 11 matches at the end of last year, and Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso is confident of his back four's ability to contain the formidable attacking threat posed by Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"It is one of the keys to beating Manchester United that those two are controlled," said Alonso.

The Spaniard went on to underline the importance of Sunday's match.

"It is always a big occasion but this one is even more important. If we win, then we go two points ahead of them with two games in hand.

"Chelsea are top on merit, so, at the moment, we are battling for second place with United. We are in for a tough test but we can get the result we need.

Liverpool will be without injured Spanish midfielder Luis Garcia while United must do without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo.

Chelsea entertain Charlton on Sunday with the visitors' manager Alan Curbishley pondering a debut for Marcus Bent, whom he signed from Everton earlier this week.

"He has looked quite sharp in training, although everybody has to be fair," Curbishley said. "The players in recent weeks have given me everything to turn things around - and that's something that wouldn't go amiss against Chelsea."

Everton's home clash with Arsenal is the pick of Saturday's matches with the Gunners riding high after knocking seven goals past Middlesbrough last weekend and the Merseysiders also on an upward curve.

"The important thing last weekend was to get three points against Portsmouth and move up a few places. I hope now we can kick on," said the Toffees' midfielder Phil Neville.