Chelsea are coming off three successive draws after managing a single goal in each of those matches, and manager Jose Mourinho is lamenting the absence of Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba at the African Nations Cup.

"We miss Didier Drogba," he told the club's website after a 1-1 draw at Villa Park widened their lead over Manchester United to 15 points.

"(Hernan) Crespo and (Carlton) Cole are doing very well... But Drogba has a presence in the box, is strong, tall, a fighter. Crespo and Drogba can give us something different."

Chelsea beat Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield in October and the teams also played out two goalless draws in the Champions League, helping both to qualify for this month's round of 16.

European champions Liverpool will aim to make up for that embarrassing home defeat, especially after Xabi Alonso's own goal gifted Birmingham City a point at Anfield on Wednesday.

Liverpool are third with 45 points, 18 less than champions Chelsea although they have two games in hand.

Manchester United are licking their wounds after Blackburn Rovers completed a league double with a 4-3 victory at Ewood Park on Wednesday, although United should have little trouble against Fulham at Old Trafford.

United will be without England defender Rio Ferdinand, who was sent off at Rovers for a second booking having filled an unfamiliar midfield role for the second game in a row.

Sixth-placed Arsenal travel to Birmingham shell-shocked after being dumped out of the League and FA Cups inside a week and suffering their second home league defeat of the season.

Arsene Wenger's injury-hit defence are likely to be without right back Kerrea Gilbert (bad back) who went off before halftime in Wednesday's 3-2 home defeat by West Ham United.

Long-term injury victims Lauren, who may miss the rest of the season, Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy are all sidelined and Sol Campbell is being rested after a crisis of confidence.

Arsenal's slump in form has allowed north London rivals Tottenham to hold on to the fourth Champions League qualifying place despite their own run of poor results.

Spurs are still three points clear of surprise package Wigan Athletic, who visit seventh-placed Bolton Wanderers, and four ahead of Arsenal, although the Gunners have a game in hand.

Tottenham entertain Charlton on Sunday and are struggling to cope without striker Mido who is on Nations Cup duty with hosts Egypt.

Spurs' new signing Danny Murphy will not play against his former team after a gentleman's agreement between the clubs. Ireland winger Andy Reid is also sidelined through injury.

Newcastle United start life without sacked manager Graeme Souness at home to fellow strugglers Portsmouth, who are second from bottom and eight points behind their opponents.