LONDON - Arsenal will be eager to show north London's balance of power has not shifted to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool face a test of their top-four credentials against Manchester United as traditional local rivals clash in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal pipped their neighbours to a Champions League qualifying spot last season, but while Arsene Wenger's team have been thwarted in their efforts to strengthen their squad, Spurs have liberally splashed the cash.
Two wins from their opening two matches have added to the positive vibe emanating from White Hart Lane, which has not been dampened by the impending world-record transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
Things could not be more different at Arsenal, who have added a solitary new face to their ranks, the free transfer of Yaya Sanogo.
Manager Wenger has been rebuffed in his efforts to bring in a marquee signing with reported efforts to recruit Liverpool's Luis Suarez and now-Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain coming to nothing.
Although they reached the Champions League group stage with a comfortable win over Fenerbahce and beat Fulham in the Premier League last weekend following the shock opening home loss to Aston Villa, there is still frustration among supporters.
It is a feeling not shared by Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who rejected suggestions that Tottenham's activity in the transfer market makes them stronger than their rivals.
"Not at all. I feel we're very, very strong," he was quoted as saying by British media.
Liverpool are also bathing in optimism after winning their opening two Premier League matches but are set for a rigorous examination when they host champions and bitter rivals United.
United manager David Moyes, used to a heated Anfield atmosphere after 11 years at Everton, will be satisfied with his opening two competitive games at his new club.
A stylish win over Swansea City was followed by a solid goalless draw against likely title rivals Chelsea.
Manchester City host Hull City tomorrow, Cardiff play Everton, Newcastle entertain Fulham, Norwich City engage Southampton, Stoke visit West Ham and Crystal Palace take on Sunderland in tomorrow's fixtures.
West Brom Albion meet Swansea on Sunday.
Gunners very strong - Walcott
LONDON - Arsenal will be eager to show north London's balance of power has not shifted to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool face a test of their top-four credentials against Manchester United as traditional local rivals clash in the Premier League on Sunday.
Arsenal pipped their neighbours to a Champions League qualifying spot last season, but while Arsene Wenger's team have been thwarted in their efforts to strengthen their squad, Spurs have liberally splashed the cash.
Two wins from their opening two matches have added to the positive vibe emanating from White Hart Lane, which has not been dampened by the impending world-record transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid.
Things could not be more different at Arsenal, who have added a solitary new face to their ranks, the free transfer of Yaya Sanogo.
Manager Wenger has been rebuffed in his efforts to bring in a marquee signing with reported efforts to recruit Liverpool's Luis Suarez and now-Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain coming to nothing.
Although they reached the Champions League group stage with a comfortable win over Fenerbahce and beat Fulham in the Premier League last weekend following the shock opening home loss to Aston Villa, there is still frustration among supporters.
It is a feeling not shared by Arsenal forward Theo Walcott, who rejected suggestions that Tottenham's activity in the transfer market makes them stronger than their rivals.
"Not at all. I feel we're very, very strong," he was quoted as saying by British media.
Liverpool are also bathing in optimism after winning their opening two Premier League matches but are set for a rigorous examination when they host champions and bitter rivals United.
United manager David Moyes, used to a heated Anfield atmosphere after 11 years at Everton, will be satisfied with his opening two competitive games at his new club.
A stylish win over Swansea City was followed by a solid goalless draw against likely title rivals Chelsea.
Manchester City host Hull City tomorrow, Cardiff play Everton, Newcastle entertain Fulham, Norwich City engage Southampton, Stoke visit West Ham and Crystal Palace take on Sunderland in tomorrow's fixtures.
West Brom Albion meet Swansea on Sunday.
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