Liverpool set for massive test at Arsenal

London, England (SportsNetwork.com) - Liverpool will attempt to keep its Champions League hopes alive on Saturday when the club travels to the Emirates to take on Arsenal.

The Reds clinched a spot in Europe's top club competition with a second-place finish last term, but a return to the tournament looks unlikely, especially after suffering a 2-1 home loss to Manchester United last time out, Liverpool's first Premier league defeat since a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford on Dec. 14.

That result has dropped the Reds five points back of fourth-place United with eight matches left to play, and with a surging Arsenal side on deck, that margin may grow.

The Gunners have won six straight league contests to rise to the top of the form table, bringing the club to 60 points through 30 matches.

Olivier Giroud has proven to be a decisive factor in Arsenal's recent resurgence as the France international has notched six goals in the club's last five league outings, four of which proved to be game-winning strikes.

Arsenal's home form this season has been sublime, as well, as only Manchester United has come away from the Emirates with three points.

There will be plenty on the line for both sides on Saturday as a home win would be enough to lift the Gunners to second place in the table, where they would stay should Manchester City fail to collect three points from its trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.

A win for Liverpool, however, would blow the race for the final Champions League berth wide open.

Should the Reds taste defeat at the Emirates, Manchester United will be hoping to further distance itself from Liverpool by claiming three points against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.

United has produced two of its best performances in successive weeks, following its emphatic 3-0 home victory over Tottenham with that impressive win at Anfield.

Aston Villa, however, has found new life under Tim Sherwood and will be eager to keep rolling at the Theatre of Dreams.

Chelsea enters the weekend with a six-point lead over Manchester City, as well as a game in hand. The Blues will look to effectively put the title race to bed on Saturday when they host Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

Southampton will be aiming to stay in the hunt for Champions League football next season, but the Saints will face a stiff test on Saturday when they travel to Goodison Park to face Everton.

Also on Saturday, Leicester City will attempt to inch closer to safety with a home win over West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers will aim to do that same at the Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion and Hull City will hope to pull further away from the relegation zone with a positive result at Swansea City.

Sunday's action is headlined by the Tyne-Wear derby as struggling Sunderland will host Newcastle United, which arrives at the Stadium of Light on a three- game slide.

Also on Sunday, Tottenham will attempt to climb back into European contention with maximum points against Burnley at Turf Moor.