There is no doubt that Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal are in top form. Their free flowing eye pleasing game is backed by goals and on this form they stand the chance of breaking Manchester United’s domination of the English Premiership.

It may be too early in the days yet but with youth on their side, Arsenal must be able to display enough stamina to sustain the pressure in the last quarter when the going really gets tough.

The performance of Arsenal is in sharp contrast to that of Liverpool who, contrary to their motto, seem to be this time walking alone. The string of defeats in the Premier league is astonishing and from all indications they cannot this time take refuge in the Champions league where they have an impeccable record. Manager Benitez would have to do a real self examination otherwise he would end his illustrious career on a sad note.

Arsenal may face a stiff challenge from Chelsea, another high scoring side with a stable squad. But you cannot ignore defending champions Manchester United, who though stuttering are capable of rising to the occasion when least expected. Trust “Old Fox” Alex Ferguson to release some of his magical feats during the home stretch around February 2010.

There are definitely exciting times ahead in the English premiership quite similar to the version in Ghana where for the first time in recent history unsung clubs are making are gradually eclipsing the traditional giants.

On top of the ladder now is Kessben from the Ashanti Region only in their third season in the premiership and veteran campaigners Accra Hearts of Oak, boasting a record six cup triumphs on the trot, firmly rooted at the bottom of the table. Incidentally, Hearts share the bottom spot with city rivals Great Olympics.

Admittedly, the league is in its embryonic stage with only four matches played so far but there is every indication that the struggle for survival will be fierce. On Sunday, Hearts the defending champions begin a two match home ban for crowd violence when they face newcomers New Edubiase on neutral grounds at Cape Coast.

It’s a tricky fixture and Hearts who for poor from have backed out of the upcoming Africa Champions league, would need to play well to move from the unfamiliar bottom position they occupy at the moment.

Kumasi Asante Kotoko meets Liberty Professionals in the other exciting fixture at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra. Matches between the two sides always provide abundant thrills and Sunday’s match should be no exception.

The other pairings are Ashgold v Eleven Wise at Obuasi; Real Tamale United v Wa All Stars in Tamale; Heart of Lions v Berekum Chelsea at Kpandu; King Faisal Babes v Dormaa Aduana Stars in Kumasi; Hasaacas, Kessben in Sekondi.