Premier league: Arsenal await stern Anfield test

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will face a stern test of their Premier League title credentials when they take on Liverpool on Wednesday.

Wenger’s side head to Anfield two points clear at the head of the table and having won five of their last six league games.

The weekend FA Cup third round victory over Sunderland extended their winning run and Wenger acknowledges his side’s recent success has strengthened the belief they can push on during the second half of the season.

The Gunners manager, though, knows any meeting with Liverpool carries an extra edge that was demonstrated when the sides met on Merseyside last season, with the home side clinching a point thanks to Martin Skrtel’s stoppage-time equaliser.

“The momentum creates confidence and confidence is vital at that level,” Wenger said.

“In December and now in January we have been consistent and we go into a very important part of the season because we play many games.

“Every time we go to Anfield, we face a team who is up for it. It’s always a ferocious battle, no matter who the manager is.

“They had a very strong manager before, they have a very strong one now and Jurgen Klopp has the personality to do well there.”

Wenger hopes to add Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny to his squad this week.

And his options will shortly be strengthened by the return to fitness of Alexis Sanchez.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking forward rather than back as he prepares to take on Wenger in English football for the first time.

The pair have previously met at Champions League level with honours almost even, Wenger enjoying three wins to Klopp’s two and a draw from his time in charge at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

“It’s always a big challenge to play against clubs like Arsenal or Man Unit-ed. “My respect for Arsene Wenger grows day by day. It’s really intensive to work in the Premier League and he’s done a brilliant job.”

Captain Jordan Henderson is also set to return in midfield and winger Jordon Ibe is fit after hamstring trouble.

City, Everton resume rivalry Manchester City and Everton play the second instalment of their league and cup trilogy with all parties insisting thoughts of Wembley will go on hold.

The two clubs met in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Everton last Wednesday when the Merseysiders won 2-1.

Leicester City, two points behind Arsenal in second place, return to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur, just three days after a 2-2 draw between the teams there in the FA Cup.

Guus Hiddink’s improving Chelsea host West Bromwich Albion, seeking to record consecutive league wins for the first time this season.