LONDON. Nov 10: Fresh from European success in Italy. Leeds travel to west London to face bitter rivals

Chelsea al Stamford Bridge on Sunday looking for valuable points to close the gap on the Premiership pace-seders, reports-AFP.

David O'Leary's depleted squad took their weary limbs to the San Siro Wednesday and held Serie A giants AC Milan to a 1-1 draw - a result which ensured the Yorkshire club advanced to the second phase of the Champions League.

The bad blood between Leeds hnd Chelsea stems from their meeting in the 1970 FA Cup final. A thrilling 2-2 draw, the first final in the competition's history to go to a replay -was a physical bone-crunching encounter, with several players settling scores behind the refe-ree's back.

The latest chapter in a 30-year fued came last season when Chelsea's French defender Frank Leboeuf was sent off for stamping on Australian striker Harry Kewell. Leeds went on to win the match 2-0 and effectively ended the Londoner's championsliip hopes.

Leeds currently lie eighth in the table, nine points behind leaders Manchester United but with a game in hand, while Chelsea are three places below the Eiland Road outfit with two

points less.

Claudio Ranieri's foreign legion. therefore, can leapfrog Leeds should they take all three points although they will have their work cut out against a side buoyant after their European exploits.

Belcagured Mlddlesbrougti manager Bryan Robson takes his struggling side to Old Trafford to face leaders Manchester United Saturday, hoping to end a miserable run which has seen them lake just 10 points from a possible 36.

Worryingly _ for Robson. United, with 27 points from 12 games, are formidable on home soil.

The reigning champions, who like Leeds and Arsenal booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night, have scored 22 goals at home on the way to taking 16 Premiership points out of a possible 18 at the 'Theatre of Dreams'.

But Middlesbrough can take heart from the fighting spirit they showed In last Saturdays 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal in which they were forced to play most of the match with 10 men following goalkeeper Mark Crossley's dismissal.

The North East club, who have yet to win at home this campaign, fare better on the road with their two victories this season picked up away from the Riverside Stadium.

Second-placed Arsenal, behind United on goal difference,

host bottom Hub Derby, without a win and roofed io the basement with just six points

Despite their lowly position. Jim Smith's men will be en-'couraged by their 0-0 draw against West Ham on Monday -their first clean sheet In the league this season.

Leicester, in third, take on sixth-placed Newcastle al Filbert Street, who will look to evergreen striker Alan Shearer to breach the Premiership's tightest defence.

Peter Taylor s side have conceded just sc\t u goals in 12 games making them the surprise package under the guidance of the caretaker England manager.

Taylor will put his club coinmitments to one side after Saturday's match to focus on Wednesday's International friendly against Italy in Turin.

The former England under-21 boss v/ill make way next summer when new coach Sven Goran Eriksson arrives from Italy to take the helm.

FIXTURES

Saturday (kick-off

1500GMT unless stated): Arsenal v Derby. Aston Villa v Tottenham. Bradford v Everton. Ipswich v Charlton. Leicester v Newcastle. Manchester United v Middlesbrough. Sunderland v' Southampton. West Ham v Manchester Citv

Sunday: Chefeeh v" Leeds (1600GMT). Liverpool v Coven-