The next 4 days in the Premier League will make or break many teams as they battle it out for vital points. Chelsea play at Manchester United in what looks like a winner takes all match up for the title. While on the other end of the table 5 teams teams will be looking to avoid relegation by picking up all 3 points.
Match of the weekend: Manchester United vs. Chelsea FC
With out a doubt this has to be the match of the weekend as these to heavyweights battle it out for the crown. Manchester United come into the match on a high after making it through to the Champions League final but had that disappointing loss last weekend to Arsenal. Chelsea on the other hand come in on great form after taking 16 points from a possible 18 in their last 6 matches. However, Chelsea were pretty poor against United in the Champions League last month. I feel a scoring draw will be most likely but I'm feeling bold (and don't want United to win the league).
Match prediction:
Manchester United 1 - 2 Chelsea
Liverpool face off against
Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday night in what looks to be a very tight match up. Liverpool are 2nd in the form guide while Fulham are 7th after coming off back to back 3-0 wins. Liverpool need to win if they are to claim 5th spot and keep the pressure on Tottenham.
Wigan travel to
Aston Villa and desperately need something out of the game if they are to avoid relegation. Both have been in decent form as of late and Wigan are well capable of putting in a performance if they show up. With the absence of
Gerard Houllier, Villa have had a tough month and will have to put in a good display if they are to shut down Charles N'Zogbia and his Wigan side.
Reebok stadium will be home for Sunderland this weekend as the travel to battle with Bolton. Both teams don't have much to play for but this might provide an exciting match up as neither will worry about the repercussions. Bolton have played well all season long while Sunderland have struggled in recent months. This tie could go either way, tough one to call.
Manchester City play twice this match week as they do battle away at Everton on Saturday and face a stern test at home to Tottenham on Tuesday night. These two games are important for City as they can secure their 4th spot with a win. While Everton doesn't have much to play for, they have been in great form of late and could cause an upset to City's party at Goodison Park. Tottenham on the other hand face a struggling Blackpool at home. Blackpool look almost certain to go down if they don't manage to take anything from this game but Spurs will be looking to regain 5th spot from Liverpool and anything less than a win will not do for their fans.
Birmingham City are not safe from relegation but will feel confident in their match against Newcastle. The League Cup winners travel to St. James' Park looking for a win and if results go their way they will be safe for another season at the top flight. Meanwhile, Newcastle will be looking to put on a show for their fans as they have been poor in recent weeks. With rumors their left back, Enrique, could be leaving, they will want to finish as high as possible.
Bottom club West Ham look doomed if they don't win this relegation match up at home. Blackburn sit 6 points ahead of West Ham but only 3 points from the relegation places. Under pressure manager, Avram Grant, will be looking for a performance from his side as they look to fight the drop. Both side will be looking to pull out all the stops.
Another relegation threatened side, Wolves, look to win at home against an in form West Brom side. Mick McCarhty's men will need a win at home if they are to pull themselves to saftey. They currently sit 1 point from safety with 2 games remaining after this. West Brom on the other hand see themselves in great form and have really pushed on since the arrival of Roy Hodgson.
Finally, Arsenal travel to Stoke City in a match that would of held more meaning if Arsenal didn't slip up against Bolton a few weeks back. They find themselves out of the title race but will look to prove their determination against a difficult Stoke City side. Stoke might not be looking at this match with too much importance as they have nothing to really play for in the Premier League, they surely must have the FA Cup final in the back of their minds.
