Playmaker's weekend top tier thigh-rubbers

Our pick of the one-to-watch fixture from each of England's top four leagues.

Premier League

Liverpool vs Arsenal, Anfield, Saturday 17:30

The two remaining unbeaten records in England’s top tiers go on the line this weekend as Arsenal travel to Anfield.

Liverpool’s 12 goals in Arsenal’s last three visits have seen this tie make itself the highest scoring fixture in league history (155 goals,) with the help of a Roberto Firmino hat trick in last year’s 5-1 drubbing.

The goals are likely to continue flowing with last season’s joint top goal scorers, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané coming face-to-face, with the added intrigue of record signing Nicolas Pépé touted to get his first start.

“Liverpool v Arsenal is now the highest scoring fixture in Premier League history with 155 goals„

Championship

Derby County vs West Bromwich Albion, Pride Park, Saturday 12:30

Two of last season's play-off contenders go head-to-head in a highly anticipated test of both team’s new managers.

Derby County’s winning start has slowed down considerably, with two draws before Phillip Cocu’s first loss as Rams coach arrived midweek at home to Bristol. 

Meanwhile Slaven Bilić’s tenure as West Brom coach has started well with The Baggies remaining in the top six after two draws and two wins.

Derby will be confident, winning the last three iterations of this fixture as Phillip Cocu imposes his new style on the team. Derby’s 1737 accurate passes is the most in the Championship, and on loan defender Matt Clarke has played 221, more than any other player.

“Derby's 1737 accurate passes is the most in the Championship„

League One

Wycombe Wanderers vs Southend United, Adams Park, Saturday 15:00

League One’s highest chance makers take on the league’s leakiest defence in what could be a statement game, as Wanderers look to establish themselves as a serious force after last season's 17th-placed finish.

Wycombe sit first in League One in chances created (29), tackle success (55%) and aerial duels success (58%). 

The 37-year-old social media star Adebayo Akinfenwa has a goal and an assist in 264 minutes of play and will look to take advantage of the league's worst defence by adding to their 10 goals conceded, alongside two-goal Fred Onyedinma.

“The highest chance makers in League One (29 created) take on the leakiest defence (10 conceeded)„

League Two

Newport County vs Crewe Alexandra, Rodney Parade, Saturday 15:00

First place Crewe travel to last year's play-off finalists for the biggest test yet of their credentials.

No top four tier team has kept more clean sheets in 2019 than Newport who, unlike Crewe, remain undefeated, but sit three points behind after three draws in four games.

Cup specialists County will try and avoid distractions and halt Crewe’s four-game winning streak, with Aston Villa drawn as Carabao Cup opposition.

“No top four tier team has kept more clean sheets in 2019 than Newport„