Man City plan to extend the lead at the top

The final destination of the Premier League title could become a little clearer this weekend, with four of the current top five facing each other.

Manchester City, three points clear of Manchester United at the top, are at home to Tottenham Hotspur, two points further back in third, while United travel to fifth-placed Arsenal.

For City, it's another chance to dent the hopes of one of their title rivals, with Spurs having lost ground last weekend when they drew at home with Wolves.

Roberto Mancini said his side's 1-0 win at Wigan in midweek was a good result considering they have a number of injuries and that the Toure brothers are away on Nations Cup duty.

Emmanuel Adebayor, on loan at Tottenham from City, will not be eligible for Sunday's match, leaving manager Harry Redknapp to choose from Jermain Defoe and Roman Pavyluchenko.

Defoe has admitted his frustration at being pushed down the pecking order, but said he would be ready to give his all, if picked.

Spurs will be out to make amends for their earlier 5-1 home drubbing by City and Arsenal also have something to prove against United after the 8-2 crashing in the first meeting at Old Trafford.

But United cannot afford the gap between themselves and City to widen.

Defender Rio Ferdinand is doubtful through concussion and with Nemanja Vidic out for the rest of the season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will have to use his defensive cover.

Paul Scholes could start the game in midfield after returning from retirement a week ago, while Arsenal have doubts over Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry.

Any slip-ups above them and fourth-placed Chelsea will be looking to take advantage, even if they are 11 points behind leaders City.

Only one point separates Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool. Newcastle are away to Fulham and Liverpool travel to Bolton.