Much of the attention will be on the London derbies involving Chelsea and Arsenal this weekend, but by Sunday morning it may be Alex Ferguson smiling, with Manchester United in with a chance of taking the league leadership.

It’s been over a week since the departure of the self-confessed ‘special one’ from Chelsea and the pressure on Avram Grant to produce style as well as substance reignites on Saturday with the visit of West London neighbours Fulham.

Like it or not, the mission for Grant is to emulate Arsenal, who have confidently moved top while thrilling fans and neutrals alike. Here’s what Martin Lipton wrote in the Mirror after the 3-0 win over Sevilla in the Champions League:

“Thrilling football, fantastic entertainment, goals and a win to set Europe talking. Maybe you should sell Chelsea and buy this lot, Mr Abramovich.”

A trip to seventh place West Ham will provide a decent test for Arsene Wenger’s side. If they fail, champions United could replace them at the top by winning away to Birmingham City, managed by Old Trafford old boy Steve Bruce.

Two other Premier League managers will be under the spotlight. As Dave Thompson asked in his blog, can Rafa Benitez continue to leave Fernando Torres out of his starting line-up when they play away to Wigan? (No, according to a Reuters poll). And can Martin Jol inspire a Tottenham revival at home to Aston Villa on Monday night?

Patrick Johnston, London

Photo: Sir Alex Ferguson watches during Manchester United’s League Cup defeat by Coventry City, September 26, 2007. Darren Staples / Reuters