The Nitty Gritty

This weekend could prove to be pivotal on both ends of the table in England.

1. The Race for the Title: It is officially down to a two horse race. Manchester United came from behind to defeat Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. What an exciting game it was—Arsenal, as they did midweek, started out the better team and looked like they might go ahead on several occasions. However, United still looked dangerous on the break, with Rooney squandering several good chances in the first half.

Finally, Arsenal found the break through just after halftime. While it was certainly deserved, it did look at bit like Adebayor bundled the ball home with his arm. But Arsenal are making a pattern of coughing up leads and they did so again, within only a few minutes, as Gallas gave up a penalty. The spot kick was smashed home by Ronaldo and Hargreaves won all three points a few minutes later with a terrific free kick from just outside the area.

Now the pressure is on Chelsea to beat Wigan later today, which should not be too much to ask of the Blues. The rest of the season could come down to a match up between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 26th. However, if both teams obtain maximum points in their other matches, that would almost certainly give the title to United regardless of the outcome at the Bridge.

To finish the season Manchester United have Blackburn, Chelsea and Wigan away and West Ham at home. The game against Chelsea will be difficult, and Blackburn have proved to be a thorn in United’s side in past seasons. Either of those games could easily result in dropped points. As for Chelsea, their season finishes up at home to Wigan, Manchester United and Bolton and away to Everton and Newcastle. Points could be dropped to Manchester United, but also in their away games.

While Manchester United certainly have the upper hand, this race is by no means over; however, with the Red Devils’ current run of form, they have to be my pick to nip the title at the death.

2. Relegation Dogfight: At the other end of the table Fulham, Bolton, Birmingham, Reading and Wigan are all involved in a fight for their Premiership lives. Despite a win in which the team played some great passing soccer, Fulham are still four points from safety and need an absolute miracle to survive. Bolton, likewise are in a desperate situation, but their win over the weekend provided three vital points; although they are still in the drop zone. Bolton and Fulham have tough schedules down the stretch, leaving them no path back up to saftey-- my tip for relegation: Derby, Fulham, and Bolton.