The biggest game is the match on Sunday. Last year, Manchester United played Chelsea with the advantage in the title race. 90 minutes later, and a 2-1 defeat in hand, they had ceded control of the championship, and Chelsea won the league.
Could history repeat itself? Well, for one thing, both teams are weaker, but Chelsea arguably more so. Secondly, United’s home record is outstanding this season. The main thing Chelsea have going for them is that there have been so many twists this season that it almost seems improbable that the conclusion of the battle for the title can be as straightforward as a United win on Sunday.
It is for that reason that a draw is probably most likely. Are Chelsea good enough to win? Possibly, but then the defeat in the Champions League to the same opposition suggests not. And the title race seems determined to live on.
Elsewhere, Arsenal will cling to their almost invisible hopes of lifting the title at Stoke, as Aaron Ramsey comes face to face with Ryan Shawcross a year after the defender launched his ill-advised (advised? Ill-thought) lunge on the Welshman.
What of the bottom of the league then? Wolves host West Brom, who have been in magnificent form.
Mick McCarthy’s side have been dismal recently, but they have the spirit to keep going for another week at least, so don’t be surprised by a home win in this clash. And West Ham could also be in for a good weekend as they host Blackburn. Having been in awful form recently, Avram Grant’s men could not hope for a better game than Steve Keen’s side at home. Blackburn are on their day, the worst team in this league. The playing style of Stoke but without the organisation, their sole creative outlet is Junior Hoilett. West Ham will have to keep him quiet, but if they do so, they have the ability going forward to nick a goal and keep their survival hopes intact.
Wigan travel to Aston Villa and Roberto Martinez’s side have been in good form in recent weeks. Villa is a tough place to go, but they are a club whose season seems over, and after a poor campaign, this might not be a bad game for Wigan. As away games go, it could be a good one. They may not win, but a draw would not be a surprise.
As much as it pains me, or anyone for that, to say so, Blackpool could end up in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend. The tangerines have been brilliant this season, but a visit to Tottenham is not ideal. Spurs still want to qualify for the Champions League, and despite their attacking spirit, the goals are drying up fast for both of these sides, so Tottenham’s quality should see them through.
Birmingham travel to Newcastle with still the threat of relegation hanging over their heads. Another point at least is a must, but whether they will take that from the north east is doubtful. Birmingham lack flair and imagination, and will rely on being stronger physically than their rivals. Unfortunately for them, Newcastle are another side with little flair, but plenty of steel.
So the end of this weekend should simplify things at the top of the league, whilst complicating them at the bottom. West Ham and Wolves are on their day better than some of the teams above them, and will show it at the weekend as they throw Blackburn and Birmingham into relegation trouble. Manchester United won’t clinch the title, but the theme of the season should continue. United, whilst not playing that well or being anywhere near as good as teams of the past, should come through by virtue of their title rivals being that much worse than they are. They won’t have won the league, but they should have it wrapped up by Sunday night. Then again…
