SAME points, same goal difference, same objective - some match.

Anfield stages the collision of the day tomorrow when third hosts second, Liverpool entertain Blackburn Rovers.

Two weeks ago they shared the target of striving for the lucrative runners-up spot behind champions-elect (again) Manchester United.

However, since United's yearly scare at Southampton there's been a slight shift in ambition. While second helpings remain the most realistic aim both the Reds of Roy Evans and the Rovers of Roy Hodgson have not yet seen United's pedigree heels disappear over the horizon.

Five points separate the adversaries from the Old Trafford titans. It's a considerable gap, but one not unbridgeable.

Of the two pursuers Blackburn are presently the best equipped. They can counter the potency of Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen with Chris Sutton and Kevin Gallacher, and match the muscle and finesse of Paul Ince and Jamie Redknapp by their own Billy McKinlay and Tim Sherwood.

Defensively Rovers have an edge. For all the recent run of clean sheets Liverpool's backline still bears a rickety tendency as demonstrated by Middlesbrough in their first Coca-Cola Cup semi-final meeting.

Hopefully there will be a definite outcome at Anfield. The worst case scenario for all - bar United - is a draw.

The leaders, who can expect a spring of shuffle in the wake of manager Alex Ferguson's intention to fully utilise the dazzling array of talents, will anticipate another three-point haul.

Leicester City come to call, and if not in freefall, the Foxes are showing signs of running out of steam. How much their FA Cup capitulation at Crystal Palace will have taken out of them remains to be seen, but a trip to United's domain is hardly the ideal venue for a revivalist meeting.

Leicester though do have about them that Wimbledon-type resolve to confound the best. If Emile Heskey rediscovers his peskiest form the Foxes may poach a prized pelt.

In full tilt for Arsenal meanwhile is Dutch flier Marc Overmars. His opener in the Coca-Cola Cup semi-final first fling against Chelsea was his fourth goal in five games and he will pose as much of a threat to Highbury visitors Southampton as Dutch compatriot Dennis Bergkamp.

Saints though are a side more than capable of frustrating the brightest of attacks, just ask Alex Ferguson.

Chelsea will no doubt be glad to welcome the return of Franck LeBoeuf and Roberto Di Matteo, both missing from the midweek cup clash because of international duty with France and Italy respectively.

They will slot into the Blues' side for the visit of Barnsley anxious to erase the memory of a 6-1 caning by Chelsea in Yorkshire last autumn.

Wimbledon return to Yorkshire to face Sheffield Wednesday a week after extending their FA Cup interest with a win at improving Huddersfield. The Owls meanwhile have to bounce back from their Cup exit to Blackburn Rovers.

Before the knockout thud Wednesday had surged into mid-table while the Dons dipped the other way.

Twists and turns, and occasional tantrums, are the province of the Owls' Azzurri front two Benito Carbone and Paolo Di Canio. They make for a fascinating clash against the yeoman warriors of Wimbledon.

The foreign content will be high at Pride Park, where an encounter of exotics will vie for supremacy. No less than eight separate nations, besides any stars from the home counties, may be represented in the set-to between derby County and Tottenham Hotspur. A job for Boutros Boutros-Ghali perhaps.

Whatever the state of origin both sides have a major desire for points. Derby to further their outside chance of a UEFA Cup place, Tottenham to scramble clear of the relegation mire.

Another of the top-flight's spanking new stadia hosts just as pressing a push for plunder. Expect the heat of battle to simmer at the Reebok Stadium where hosts Bolton will try to quell the Coventry City revival.

For all Bolton's strength on home turf the Sky Blues are in fluent form, especially with the saxophone-playing Dion Dublin hitting the high notes in attack alongside the crisp and spry Darren Huckerby.

After cracking their away-sickness at Maine Road West Ham United will expect to continue home domination with the visit of Everton.

But the Blues are now a different prospect.

The front-line has been galvanised by the recent signing of Frenchman Michael Madar, so much so that he, Duncan Ferguson and Nick Barmby were all on target in their last outing, a capital trip to Crystal Palace.

With ex-Evertonian stalwart David Unsworth doubtful with a hamstring injury, the glowing potential of 18-year-old Rio Ferdinand will undergo an intensive examination.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.