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Chelsea, Liverpool look for Premier League boost
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-10 10:33
LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - Chelsea and Liverpool return to domestic action
this weekend after their Champions League exits looking to restore some pride
but they face tough matches against north London rivals bidding for Europe.
Leaders Chelsea welcome fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur while Liverpool, who
are third, visit Arsenal in fifth as the race to qualify for next season's
Champions League hots up.
Chelsea will be determined to put their midweek European Cup exit at the
hands of Barcelona behind them as they focus on trying to win their first double
of league and FA Cup.
"They'll want to bounce back after the disappointment," says Spurs manager
Martin Jol. "And it was a big disappointment because they had to play with 10
men in the home game."
Chelsea lost the first leg 2-1 after Asier Del Horno was sent off at Stamford
Bridge and never looked like overturning the deficit as they got a fortunate 1-1
draw at the Nou Camp.
Nevertheless, their domestic title ambitions look secure as they take a
15-point lead over Manchester United, who travel to Newcastle United on Sunday,
into Saturday's game with Spurs.
Liverpool will be more desperate for points as they battle Manchester United
for second place and automatic qualification for the next season's Champions
League group stage.
United are two points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand after Monday's
lucky 2-1 win at Wigan Athletic so there is little room for Rafa Benitez's team
to slip up on Sunday.
RIVALS BATTLE
Tottenham lead bitter local rivals Arsenal by five points as the pair battle
for the coveted fourth spot and a place in next season's Champions League
qualifying rounds.
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