Wednesday evening sees eight Premier League games on the fixture list, with the pick of the bunch definitely being the Manchester derby at Eastlands.
The Citizens go into the game having ended a mini-slump with a 2-0 weekend victory at West Bromwich Albion, in which Mario Balotelli scored twice before being sent off later on in the game.
His suspension will heap more pressure on former United striker Carlos Tevez, who returned to action at the weekend after a trip home to Argentina.
Manchester United stand just two points behind leaders Chelsea ahead of the derby, following Ji-Sung Park’s last-gasp winner in a 2-1 weekend victory at home to Wolves.
A number of major injury absentees are currently hampering Sir Alex Ferguson’s team selection, with Wayne Rooney definitely ruled out as he completes a recovery from recent ankle problems in the USA.
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Chelsea play host to Fulham in another derby clash, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men looking to put behind them an insipid display in their 2-0 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Essien should recover from a toe injury which kept him out of the weekend action, while star striker Didier Drogba should start after a bout of malaria meant that he had to come on from the bench at Anfield.
Another side looking to erase the memory of a weekend setback are Arsenal, who looked limp and lifeless as they crumbled to a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Newcastle United.
Arsene Wenger’s side remain five points adrift of Chelsea and are set to be pushed to the limit at Molineux, against a Wolves side whose recent performances have not been rewarded by points in the bag.
Liverpool’s recent upturn in form will be tested at the DW Stadium when they take on Wigan Athletic, who are in the relegation zone after a 2-1 loss to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Everton and Bolton Wanderers are sure to battle all the way at Goodison Park, with the Trotters up to sixth place in the table and gaining plaudits for their improved footballing displays under Owen Coyle.
Newcastle will be looking to build on their stunning win at the Emirates Stadium when they play host to Blackburn, but former Magpies boss Sam Allardyce will be eager to put one over the club who sacked him.
Blackpool head to the Midlands to take on Aston Villa in a game which should see plenty of goals, despite the home side having several strikers on the sidelines.
The final game of the evening sees rock-bottom West Ham United face a West Brom side that have adjusted well to life back in the top-flight this season.
