LEEDS UNITED can strike a huge psychological blow in the battle for Premiership survival if they succeed where the rest of their top flight rivals have failed tonight.

Eddie Gray's resurgent team will attempt to become the first side to inflict a defeat on Arsenal this season when the two sides meet in a crucial encounter at Highbury.

Arsene Wenger's champions-elect will start the game as red hot favourites as they close in on their third Premier League title and yet another place in the record books.

But United are currently on a three-match unbeaten run of their own and they were also the last team to beat the Gunners in the Premiership when a 3-2 win at Highbury on May 4 last year secured their top-flight status for a further 12 months.

Although a repeat of that result is unlikely this evening, it would lift Leeds up to 15th in the table if it happened, which would put considerable pressure on the rest of their relegation rivals who all play tomorrow.

Of the remaining contenders in the bottom six, PORTSMOUTH would appear to face the most difficult task this weekend.

Harry Redknapp's side have managed to keep their heads above water up to now thanks to an impressive home record but that will be put to the test tomorrow when Manchester United are the visitors to Fratton Park, hungry to pick up the points they need to put Chelsea under pressure in the race for second place.

Nevertheless, Redknapp is still confident his side will be in the Premiership come judgement day on May 15.

"Even Everton are not safe. It's all changed and we could need 40 points-plus to survive," said the Pompey boss.

Meanwhile, Kevin Keegan will be back in the dug-out when MANCHESTER CITY attempt to boost their own survival hopes against Southampton at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Keegan has missed his side's last four games -- which have all been drawn -- as a result of a bad back but he returned to training yesterday and club officials are now hoping his presence in the dressing room can inspire the players for the run-in.

City have won just two of their last 22 games in the Premiership to leave Keegan and company sweating on their top-flight status.

Elsewhere, nothing less than a win will do for WOLVES who entertain Middlesbrough at Molineux.

Dave Jones's side are all but doomed to relegation after losing to Bolton on Monday and they would have to win all of their remaining five matches to stand any chance of surviving.