Eds Tips

Liverpool vs Arsenal provides the top billing this weekend but both Charlton Athletic and West Ham United are involved in equally important home games at the other end of the table writes David Walker.

Bristol City edged four points clear of third place and to within two points of leaders Scunthorpe after beating Doncaster Rovers and on Sunday, Brentford let a two goal lead slip in the last five minutes against Oldham Athletic.

Hartlepool United went a club record 22 matches unbeaten, Bury went 16 without a win and Stockport County suffered a shock 7-2 home defeat against Rochdale.

Derby County returned to the top of the table after an emphatic 3-1 win against play off chasers Cardiff City, Birmingham City recovered from a goal down to draw at local rivals West Bromwich Albion, but both Luton Town and Leeds United slipped further into relegation trouble.

Bristol City moved into second place after a slender win at Crewe Alexandra, Swansea City recorded their first home win under new manager Roberto Martinez by beating relegation candidates Chesterfield and r ock bottom Rotherham United emerged victorious in their six pointer at Brentford but remain in firm relegation trouble.

L eaders Hartlepool United recovered from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against Stockport County, t he MK Dons returned to the automatic promotion spots and sent Wrexham into the bottom two and Accrington Stanley all but relegated Torquay United in their relegation six pointer.

West Ham United hauled themselves off the bottom of the table after an unexpected win at Blackburn Rovers and Charlton Athletic recorded a crucial win against Newcastle United which sees them just four points adrift of safety.

Victories are expected for both Manchester United and Chelsea at home while Charlton Athletic could close the gap between them and Premiership safety with a win against Newcastle United writes David Walker.

Birmingham City lost at Norwich City but remain top of the table, Derby County needed a late equaliser to spare their blushes against lowly Queens Park Rangers and on Wednesday, West Bromwich Albion suffered a third straight defeat.

Birmingham City reclaimed their position at the summit of the division on Friday night after a narrow win against Derby County and Sunderland went to within three points of automatic promotion after winning at Barnsley – their ninth win in 11 matches.