RIVALS: Looking at Arsenal v Manchester City & Liverpool v Tottenham.

After conceding that Manchester City will win the title in midweek and that second place will pretty much depend on our result at Anfield, it's time to look at this weekend's fixtures and the possibility of both of our rivals dropping points.

First and foremost, Chelsea need to produce another professional performance at Selhurst Park which isn't going to be easy. We play before both City and Liverpool and three points against Palace is all important if we are to maintain pressure at the top of the table. We simply cannot afford another Aston Villa result between now and the end of the season!

Arsenal v Manchester City: 

Seems ridiculous to ask the question after witnessing last week and the midweek performances, but do we think it's possible for Arsenal to come away with something from the game?

I cannot see Arsenal conceding another five or six goals as they have previously to both of us and you would have to imagine they will be well up for the game. After the week they have had, Arsenal and Arsene Wenger will feel like they have something to prove and we are ALL looking for some sort of a response from them at the Emirates in the early evening kick off.

The problem with Arsenal as we have all seen is that you never know what performance you are going to get from them. They have the players so do it they just need to be stronger in the middle of midfield. Flamini has to start to give them a chance.

Looking at City and you will find it hard to bet against them tomorrow. Some people will feel that it's simply a case of them turning up to win this one but I am hoping there is more to it than that.

If Arsenal can look at the way we played against them at the Emirates on the league game and other games they have lost on their travels this season, there should be plenty of encouragement.

Stranger things have happened in football. For Arsenal to take a point or even three from City tomorrow is a long shot but we can hope!

Liverpool v Tottenham: 

Again another game that should give us some hope despite the result earlier in the season at White Hart Lane. Under Tim Sherwood, Spurs will not suffer defeat by the same margin again.

Similar to Arsenal, Tottenham are another side who's supporters will head to this game hoping, but not knowing if their team will turn up.

It's important to remember here that Tottenham were right in the game with us at Stamford Bridge until the sending off and everything changed from there.

They too have the players to cause Liverpool problems but the outcome of the game is dependant on whether or not they can keep Sturridge and Suarez at bay.

If anything, looking at the Sunderland second half performance the other night, it was encouraging to see Liverpool being pegged back on the defensive.

As for Liverpool, it's another game where you would put your mortgage on the home side to take the points here. They are on an amazing run of form but have three massive games coming up starting with this one on Sunday. City and Chelsea follow and it will be a real test of character and their title credentials.

The key point to remember ahead of this fixture is the fact that Liverpool concede goals. If Tottenham can take a chance in the first half then it will be very interesting to see what happens.

To sum up: 

On form and the previous encounters, both City and Liverpool will start as clear favourites. Arsenal and Tottenham have the players and potential to upset the apple cart but it's whether or not they can get out there to do it is the problem.

We can only hope!