Leaders Chelsea face Manchester City at Stamford Bridge in an appetising Saturday lunchtime Barclays Premier League clash.
Much of the attention initially will be on John Terry and Wayne Bridge, the former colleagues with Chelsea and England.
City defender Bridge released a short statement to Press Association Sport this morning claiming his presence within the England squad was potentially "divisive" and that he did not wish to be selected.
That move has apparently ruled him out of the World Cup this summer, and it followed allegations about a relationship between Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel and Chelsea skipper Terry, who has been stripped of the England captaincy.
There has been speculation that Bridge will be unwilling to shake Terry's hand prior to this weekend's game - a big one for both teams as they jostle for places near the top of the table.
Chelsea, who lost 2-1 to Inter Milan in the Champions League last night, have a one-point cushion and a game in hand over second-placed Manchester United heading into the weekend.
City, meanwhile, are fifth but have the same points plus a game in hand over fourth-placed Tottenham.
They suffered a miserable 3-1 defeat to Stoke in the FA Cup last night but are hopeful Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez will be available for the Stamford Bridge clash, after spending time in his homeland following the premature birth of his daughter.
Chelsea are waiting on news of goalkeeper Petr Cech's fitness, after he had to be substituted due to a calf injury in the San Siro.
Stoke should be in high spirits ahead of their home match against Arsenal, who they knocked out of the FA Cup earlier this season.
Third-placed Arsenal, however, believe they remain contenders to win the Premier League, providing they can avoid significant slip-ups.
Portsmouth, who are expected to go into administration tomorrow, travel to Burnley.
Birmingham will be looking to halt a run of two league defeats when they tackle struggling Wigan at St Andrew's, while relegation contenders Bolton and Wolves meet at the Reebok Stadium.
Sunday sees Liverpool, who have slipped to sixth place, take on Blackburn at Anfield.
Sunderland play Fulham, and Tottenham meet Everton at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham were 4-0 winners over Bolton in the FA Cup last night, with striker Roman Pavlyuchenko scoring twice on his first start for the club since October to give manager Harry Redknapp plenty of food for thought.
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