05/10/2008

Adrian Chiles introduces action and reaction from the day's six Barclays Premier League games. After a flurry of European matches in midweek it's back to domestic duty, with Champions League sides Chelsea and Liverpool up against ambitious Uefa Cup representatives Aston Villa and Manchester City respectively.

Villa took four points off Chelsea last season, and the sides shared an enthralling 4-4 draw in the corresponding fixture at Stamford Bridge. Gareth Barry's last-minute penalty earned Villa a deserved point on that occasion and the England man will need to be on top form to keep Chelsea's formidable midfield at bay.

Recent matches between Manchester City and Liverpool have been cagey, with no more than one goal scored in each of the last seven meetings. Both clubs have the attacking riches to end that record, in the shape of Brazilians Robinho and Jo for Manchester City and Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane for Liverpool.

Elsewhere, promoted Stoke and Hull visit Portsmouth and Tottenham respectively, while Everton host Newcastle and West Ham face Bolton. There's also a round-up of Saturday's games.