Shock Sunday: Could This Be Liverpool's Chance?

After a day on which only Aston Villa was the only one of the big four that played (sorry Arsenal fans, I couldn't resist!), fans have been left drooling over the matches coming up tomorrow.

First up, at half past one is the Manchester derby. City shocked everyone by doing the double over United last season, and the last three City managers have beaten United on their first derby day at home. Mark Hughes will be hoping to make it four.

And, with what Stephen Ireland thinks is City's best ever squad, he stands a good chance.

Man City are certainly on a high after their marvellous 3-0 triumph over Arsenal last week, and they will be looking to make it three wins in a row over their red neighbours.

If the likes of Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips can re-discover the form they displayed last week, then I would not bet against them.

Fuel has been added to the fire in the build-up to this game after Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that City wouldn't be able to touch United, even with the extra billions that Abu Dhabi United have brought with him.

But he must secretly be quite nervous heading into this game. He knows that City are a strong side now and, on their day, they can cut through anyone. He also knows that United can't really afford to fall further behind in the title race.

A loss tomorrow and a win for either Chelsea later the same day or Liverpool on Monday would mean that United would be 11 points clear which, with the upcoming fixture pile-up due to the FIFA Club World Championships, could prove to be irreversible.

My prediction for the match is a win for Manchester City, especially given they have the home advantage.

Four o'clock sees the second huge match of the day, as Arsenal take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Arsene Wenger has tried to rally his troops by saying that a loss to Chelsea would mean the end of their title challenge, whereas Petr Cech has tried to unsettle Arsenal by claiming that everything Gallas said was true and came from his heart.

Both, I believe, are telling the truth.

Chelsea have been short of their best form at home this season, failing to beat any of the other two from the big four. Still, they have only lost one home game in the past 89. They are unbeaten in five league games, whereas Arsenal have suffered two losses in a row in the league.

Arsenal are yet to score since Samir Nasri blasted the winning goal in against Manchester United, and they will be hoping for a repeat performance tomorrow.

New captain Cesc Fabregas is set to make his 150th league appearance for Arsenal, and Kolo Toure could make his 300th. John Obi Mikel could make his 100th Chelsea appearance (yes, already!), Paulo Ferreira his 150th, and Alex his 50th.

After Arsenal's humiliating 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last week, I'm predicting an Arsenal backlash. Arsenal to win for me!

So, I'm plumping for a Sunday full of shocks and, if they all come true, it will pave the way for Liverpool to take a clear lead in the title race this Monday.

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