Premier League leaders Manchester United resume their bid for a record 19th English title by returning to the scene of their heaviest defeat this season.

United were routed 4-0 by West Ham in the quarter-finals of the League Cup in November, one of only four defeats inflicted on the northwest team this entire campaign.

Alex Ferguson’s side returns to Upton Park today having arrested its recent slide and with captain and defensive rock Nemanja Vidic available again after a calf problem.

United still have injury problems to contend with at the back as they look to consolidate a five-point lead over second-place Arsenal, who have a game in hand and host struggling Blackburn today.

Defenders Rio Ferdinand, Rafael da Silva, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea are all out, making United’s bid to emulate its treble-winning exploits of 1999 all the more harder.

“It is going to be more difficult than it was in 1999,” Ferguson said. “We didn’t have the injuries we do now.

“There is a great desire to do it but we have so many injuries to defenders at present. We will never give in, though. No matter what happens, you always feel Manchester United will score in the last minute. We must have a chance of winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup but it is more difficult than it has ever been.”

Three defeats - to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Chelsea and Liverpool - in a five-game span in the league for United have brought Arsenal back in the title race.

Even reigning champions Chelsea, who are over their midseason slump and havn’t been defeated since 6 February, could yet catch the top two. The London team is four points behind Arsenal in third.

Chelsea visit mid-table Stoke today, with Spain striker Fernando Torres still searching for his first goal for the club since his move from Liverpool on 31 January for £50 million.

Arsenal, who have let United off the hook by drawing their last two league matches, could give a second debut to 41-year-old goalkeeper Jens Lehmann at Emirates Stadium this weekend.

The former Germany international came out of retirement to rejoin the Gunners this month and played 90 minutes for the reserves on Tuesday. With current No. 1 Manuel Almunia under the microscope after making a mistake that led to one of West Bromwich Albion’s goals in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last time out, Lehmann could be handed the goalkeeper jersey.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said star striker Robin van Persie should be fit despite returning from international duty with the Netherlands with a bruised knee.

With Cesc Fabregas, Alex Song, Theo Walcott and Abou Diaby all available again after injury problems, Wenger’s squad suddenly looks in good shape for the run-in.

Fourth-place Manchester City are at home to Sunderland and Tottenham, who are fifth and four points behind City with a game in hand, visit bottom side Wigan.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish could welcome back captain Steven Gerrard after almost a month out with a groin injury when his sixth-place team plays West Brom away.

“I’m hoping to be in full training and available for selection for the weekend,” Gerrard said. “It’s up to Kenny whether he thinks I’m ready or not.”

Liverpool are four points behind Tottenham and five points further backare Bolton, who are away to second-bottom Birmingham today. Other games that day see Everton host Aston Villa and Wolves go to Newcastle.

Fulham are at home to Blackpool in tomorrow’s other match.

There are only six points separating 11th-place Newcastle with Wigan in a congested lower half of the table.