London  - There may be more than three months still to go in the English Premier League, but this weekend's fixtures could yet prove to be pivotal in the destination of the championship trophy.

Champions Manchester United sit two points clear at the top, with a game in hand on Chelsea and Liverpool, who meet on Sunday at Anfield, with Aston Villa just a point behind.

Depending on the results of the games involving both United and Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool could find themselves in third and fourth come kick-off on Sunday.

Having drawn their past three games, the pressure is on Liverpool, who have slipped from first to third in recent weeks.

Though Rafael Benitez's side have lost just once this season, they have now drawn nine league games, allowing United to take a stranglehold on the lead at the top.

Only a victory over Chelsea, whom they beat at Stamford Bridge, will restore faith in their ability to win the title for the first time in 19 years and Benitez admitted that Sunday's game will be crucial.

"We have an important game on Sunday and if we can play like we played in the first half (against Wigan) then we can beat anyone," he said, after his side were held 1-1 at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday.

"When you are at the top of the table, you know that every single game is important. You have to be disappointed when you lose two points."

Benitez is likely to recall both Xabi Alonso and Dirk Kuyt to his starting line-up after leaving them on the bench against Wigan, while striker Robbie Keane could also begin the match against Chelsea.

The London side kept up their title challenge with a 2-0 win over Middlesbrough in midweek, edging ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.

The momentum is with Chelsea but assistant manager Ray Wilkins said he expected an intense battle at Anfield.

"It is a massive game on Sunday," he said. "Over the past couple of years, we've had some fantastic games with them.

"I'm sure this will be the same. I've got no comment to make on whether Liverpool are cracking up. They won't be.

"They've got top class footballers. We just worry about ourselves. We go there with a very positive attitude, as we do every match."

United, meanwhile, host a resilient Everton side that have drawn with Liverpool and Arsenal in the past fortnight.

While the visitors will hope Tim Cahill is fit to play after limping off against Arsenal in midweek, United's injury problems have eased in the past week.

While Wayne Rooney and twin brothers Rafael and Fabio remain out, along with Anderson, manager Sir Alex Ferguson could have defender Fabrice Evra back to face Everton,

"Patrice may have a chance for Saturday against Everton," Ferguson said. "If the game had still been on Monday I'd say he'll definitely play. But he's still got a chance of making it."

Rio Ferdinand, Park Ji-Sung and Wes Brown all returned in midweek and should be fit as United look to stay clear of the pack.

Villa welcome Wigan Athletic to Villa Park, while Arsenal look to stay in touch with the leading four by beating West Ham United.

Bottom side West Bromwich Albion travel to Hull City, whose brilliant start to the season is in danger of counting for little.

Hull have lost their past six games and are now in 10th place, only six points above the bottom three.

Stoke, above West Brom only on goal difference, play an improving Manchester City side, while the other side in the relegation zone, Middlesbrough, take on Blackburn Rovers.

Bolton Wanderers meet Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham host Portsmouth, while on Sunday, an injury-hit Newcastle United side take on Sunderland in a north-east derby. (dpa)