But with Liverpool's resources stretched and Harry Redknapp's selection options enhanced since a resilient draw at Wrexham another attritional afternoon

But with Liverpool's resources stretched and Harry Redknapp's selection options enhanced since a resilient draw at Wrexham, another attritional afternoon is in prospect at Anfield.If familiarity breeds contempt there should be no love lost at either Roker Park or White Hart Lane. Sunderland and Arsenal, who drew in the FA Cup at Highbury and replay on Wednesday, also meet today when it is again the Wearsiders' good fortune to avoid the suspended Ian Wright.The wry amusement Wearside is bound to feel over the plight of the grieving Magpies ought to contribute to an upbeat atmosphere on the Premiership's last remaining terraces. Arsenal are past masters at deflating such moods, however, and David Seaman's return could well have a significant impact on the title race.Tottenham and Manchester United also resume hostilities tomorrow, a week after United's FA Cup victory. By further coincidence they also contested N17's first fixture of 1996, Spurs' 4-1 success being their only win in the 14 meetings.

On that occasion Peter Schmeichel played half the game carrying an injury and William Prunier made a second and last appearance for United.This time it is Spurs who field an unfamiliar foreign centre-back, Switzerland's Ramon Vega. Welcome though the arrival of any international must be, Gerry Francis' critics may take some persuading that the heart of the defence was a priority, particularly after the arrival of John Scales. Nor, one suspects, would they have been enamoured of the manager's view that Vega was "in the Tony Adams mould".Alex Ferguson is repeatedly told he lacks someone in the Steve Bruce mould, yet United have kept five successive clean sheets. Recent evidence, notably the continuing lack of what Peter Swales used to call repartee between Andy Cole and Eric Cantona, suggests that lack of striking power is more likely to cost them their title than defensive failings.Talking of pressure in management, spare a thought for Stuart Pearce, caretaker incumbent at Nottingham Forest. The protracted takeover struggle at the City Ground prevents his spending 60p, let alone pounds 60m, a situation which could lead to angry supporters' protests at the game with Chelsea And unlike Keegan, Pearce also has to play..

Sensibly, indoor hockey dominates the scene this weekend, with the preliminary rounds of the English Club Championship taking place at East Grinstead and in Worcester to find the last six for the National Finals at Crystal Palace on 7 February. The defending champions Old Loughtonians, St Albans and the home side are likely to go through from East Grinstead although Reading, with Britain's goalkeeper Simon Mason on parade, could cause a surprise. At Worcester, the current outdoor leaders Cannock, with the high-scoring Bobby Crutchley in their squad, look the only certainties to make progress. The enterprising Glasgow City Council's World Cities Indoor Championship today and tomorrow at Kelvin Hall is likely to be a sell-out with BBC Scotland cameras covering the final. With four national squads, including Scotland representing Glasgow, playing as part of the build-up for the European Cup in Lievin next weekend, the competition is going to be fierce.The Scottish champions Menzieshill, from Dundee, provide five of the Glasgow squad, including their captain, John Christie.