DEFENCE OF ROCK PROVIDE FEW STEPPING STONES

Arsenal defender Martin Keown warned Manchester United: ``We won't be a stepping stone for your return to success.''

Arsene Wenger's second-placed Gunners head to Old Trafford today knowing they could come under fierce fire from a United side desperate for a return to form after three consecutive Premiership defeats and a Champions' League humbling at home to Turks Fenerbahce.

A two-week break from club action and the return of skilful winger Ryan Giggs after six matches out with a calf injury could do the trick for sixth-placed United, for whom victory would be a huge boost ahead of Wednesday's crucial European clash with Juventus at Old Trafford.

But Keown, a member of the most miserly defence in the country (just 10 League goals conceded), insisted: ``We've set the standards. Now we must keep them going.''

Arsenal have suffered just one Premiership defeat this season 2-0 at Liverpool back in August and Keown added: ``We know we could come under pressure, but we're a difficult team to beat, and when we score goals, we're a handful for any side.''

United's only doubt is over full-back Denis Irwin (knee), while Arsenal, 5,000 of whose fans will watch the sell-out game on big screens back at Highbury, will again be without suspended striker John Hartson and have a doubt over defender Nigel Winterburn (hamstring).

Midfielder Paul Merson is available again after recovering from a groin injury.

The full-house signs will also be up at Elland Road, where fourth-bottom Leeds aim to continue their climb away from the danger zone with a third league victory under George Graham, this time at the expense of Liverpool.

Ian Rush, yet to score for the Yorkshire club since his free transfer move from Anfield, faces his former club for the first time insisting: ``I've got a huge amount of respect for Liverpool, but my loyalties are with Leeds now.''

The vastly experienced Welsh international, expected to operate on the right flank as he did in the 3-0 victory over Sunderland a fortnight ago, added: ``I've been looking forward to facing Liverpool ever since I left Anfield.

``It will be a special occasion, and also a strange one. I had so many happy times there and won so many honours, but I will be doing my best to help Leeds get three points.

``Hopefully the Sunderland game was a turning point for us and we can use it as a launching pad for the rest of the season.''

Leeds are again without central defender Richard Jobson (knee), but club captain Carlton Palmer is fit again after a hamstring strain.

Neil Ruddock looks likely to retain his place in the Liverpool starting line-up after impressing in Wednesday's 4-1 Coca-Cola Cup third-round replay win over Charlton, when he came in for Phil Babb.

But Jamie Redknapp, who replaced Czech ace Patrik Berger, is unlikely to be in the starting line-up as Roy Evans' fourth-placed men aim to bounce back from a surprise 3-0 defeat by Blackburn in their last Premiership outing.

Leaders Newcastle go in search of a ninth win in 10 Premiership games at the expense of West Ham with manager Kevin Keegan insisting midfielder Lee Clark still figures in his plans, despite slapping in a transfer request.

Florin Raducioiu is in line for a Hammers comeback after being ruled out for two games through injury while Portuguese star Paolo Futre, on target twice in a midweek friendly at Folkestone, could also come into contention for the 12th-placed Londoners.

Sixth-placed Chelsea are set to unveil Italian international Gianfranco Zola, their £5million signing from Parma, as they seek a third consecutive Premiership victory at the expense of hosts Blackburn.

Ewood Park caretaker manager Tony Parkes is aiming to build on that win over Liverpool basement club Rovers' first of the term in the top flight but will have to do without flying Greek winger George Donis (groin).

Wimbledon and Coventry clash at Selhurst Park with respective managers Joe Kinnear and Gordon Strachan calling for a big improvement on below-par Coca-Cola displays in midweek.

Third-placed Wimbledon, who needed an injury-time equaliser and an extra-time winner to overcome second division Luton, are likely to bring back rested quartet Oyvind Leonhardsen, Vinnie Jones, Robbie Earle and Ben Thatcher as they eye a first win in three League outings.

Third-bottom Coventry, beaten at home by second division Gillingham in midweek, will again stick with striker Noel Whelan, who was charged with drink-driving in the aftermath of an off-field bust-up with teammate Dion Dublin earlier this week.

Fifth-bottom Sunderland must again rearrange their defence for the visit to eight-placed Tottenham, where they lost 2-1 in the Coca-Cola Cup last month, after discovering that Lee Howey has a hairline fracture of the ankle.

He picked up the injury during the 3-0 defeat at Leeds but was expected to recover and continue to deputise for the suspended Richard Ord. Now captain Kevin Ball is likely to switch from midfield, leaving Steve Agnew and Alex Rae to contest the resultant vacancy.

Spurs could recall Andy Sinton (ankle) and Ruel Fox (ankle) but are unlikely to risk Darren Anderton (groin and hamstring) even though he came through a midweek reserve match at Oxford unscathed.

Ninth-placed Everton could have Duncan Ferguson in their front line for the first time in six games (he has missed out through a combination of suspension and injury) for the visit of Southampton, who are 14th.

And Aston Villa manager Brian Little will hope his seventh-placed side can earn him a first win in three attempts against his former club Leicester, who arrive in Birmingham in 13th place.

Goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is still ruled out with a knee injury, so Michael Oakes will continue between the posts.

Andy Townsend will play despite sustaining a broken nose in the Republic of Ireland's disappointing goalless draw with Iceland in Dublin on Sunday while Steve Staunton, out for three games with a hamstring strain, could return to the squad.

Little must also decide whether to include Leicester old boys Julian Joachim, who has started only once this season but netted nine in six reserve outings, and Mark Draper, on the bench for the 2-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.