GUNNING FOR ANOTHER WIN

Having finally recovered from their wretched start to the season, Arsenal suddenly look like a side capable of returning to the top four.

Last weekend's remarkable 5-3 win at Chelsea showcased their formidable attacking threat and, in Robin van Persie, Arsene Wenger's side boast the most in-form striker in the Premier League.

The Gunners host mid-table West Brom this afternoon, and should make it five successive league wins on the bounce.

Their defence continues to look vulnerable, but with Shane Long sidelined because of a knee injury, the Baggies do not possess sufficient firepower to cause them too many problems.

STOKING THE EUROPEAN FIRES

Stoke are enjoying a superb first season in Europe, with this week's 2-1 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv taking them to the brink of qualification for the group stage of the Europa League.

However, their European exertions are taking a heavy toll, with Stoke having lost all three of the matches that immediately followed their previous group games.

Tony Pulis' side will be desperate to avoid making it four out of four when they travel to Bolton's Reebok Stadium tomorrow, but their opponents have their own incentive to end an unwanted run.

The Trotters have lost all five of their home league games this season, and are only one point ahead of basement boys Wigan Athletic.

CHANGING THE LEEDS

Leeds suffered a miserable evening on Wednesday as they slumped to a humiliating 5-0 home defeat at the hands of Blackpool.

Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka was responsible for at least three of the strikes, and Leeds boss Simon Grayson has moved quickly to recruit a replacement.

England Under-21 international Alex McCarthy has joined on loan from Championship rivals Reading, and is expected to go straight into the side for tomorrow's game at Leicester.

The Foxes are also in a state of some turmoil, as Huddersfield manager Lee Clark turned down the opportunity to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson in the manager's seat this week.

DOUBLE PORTION OF SHRIMPS

Southend and Oxford currently fill two of the top four places in the League Two table, and the sides are set to face each other twice in the next four days.

Today's league game at Roots Hall gives Southend an opportunity to cement their position at the top of the pile, where they currently lead Crawley Town on goal difference.

Then, on Tuesday, the two teams will meet again at the Kassam Stadium in the southern section quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Southend boss Paul Sturrock has assembled a decent side at Roots Hall, and the Shrimpers look to have a decent chance of returning to League One next term.

FLEETWOOD vs FLEETWOOD

Luton striker Stuart Fleetwood is one of the biggest names in the Blue Square Bet Premier, and today he lines up against the side that shares his name.

Fleetwood, who was the subject of strong interest from Darlington this summer before he moved to Kenilworth Road, has helped propel Luton to fourth in the table.

However, that still leaves the Hatters two places below a Fleetwood side who are justifying the positive predictions that were levelled at them when they embarked on a spending spree in the summer.

While Wrexham and York look strong, it would not be a surprise to see Luton and Fleetwood contesting the automatic promotion place come May.