Credentials tests for Arsenal, Liverpool

LONDONNAMPA/REUTERS Arsenal will be eager to show the north London balance of power has not shifted to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool face a test of their top-four credentials against Manchester United as traditional local rivals clash in the Premier League on Sunday. Arsenal pipped their neighbours to a Champions League qualifying spot last season, but while Arsene Wenger's team have been thwarted in their efforts to strengthen their squad, Tottenham have liberally splashed the cash. Argentina international Erik Lamela is set to become Spurs' fifth transfer-window signing, giving fans of the club reason to be optimistic for the season ahead. Two wins from their opening two matches have added to the positive vibe emanating from White Hart Lane, which has not been dampened by the impending world-record transfer of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. Things could not be more different at Arsenal, who has added a solitary new face to their ranks, the free transfer of Yaya Sanogo. Manager Arsene Wenger has been rebuffed in his efforts to bring in a big name signing with reported efforts to recruit Liverpool's Luis Suarez and now-Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain coming to nothing. Liverpool, meanwhile, are also bathing in optimism after winning their opening two Premier League matches but are set for a rigorous examination when they host champions and bitter rivals United. The Merseysiders have also not snared a big-name signing to excite fans, but the goal-scoring form of January recruit Daniel Sturridge and positive start made by keeper Simon Mignolet bode well for manager Brendan Rodgers. One close-season signing he will probably have to do without, however, is centre back Kolo Toure who was carried off when what should have been a straightforward League Cup clash against third-tier Notts County turned ugly on Tuesday. Liverpool were also awaiting news of injuries to new loan signing Aly Cissokho and midfielder Joe Allen following their bruising 4-2 extra-time win. Other games in the Premier League, will see Manchester City playing promoted Hull City while Cardiff play Everton with Newcastle United hosting Fulham.