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How the title race will unfold

March 23, 2012

We're inside the final ten games, the finish line is in sight and the battle for the Premier League is reaching boiling point. With so much unknown, we decided to reach for the crystal ball.

You'll never believe what we saw...

March 24/26

City's tails will be up after they came from behind to beat Chelsea, and they'll look to reclaim top spot away at Stoke. With their superior goal difference, a draw would do the trick, though playing for a point isn't an option at this stage of the title run-in. Stoke have been up and down of late and, with Carlos Tevez back among the City ranks, it's three straight games without a win for the Potters. United, meanwhile, entertain Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday, with Sir Alex Ferguson's men aiming for a sixth league triumph on the bounce. Nani and Phil Jones return to bolster the squad, with United securing a third clean sheet in the league in a row.

Predictions: City win, United win

March 31/April 2

Once again City have the honour of playing before their title rivals, this time welcoming Sunderland to the Etihad Stadium. The wheels have slightly come off Sunderland's renaissance in recent weeks but Europe is still an outside possibility and Martin O'Neill rarely sends out a side that is happy to roll over. Still, City find a way through after a goalless first hour. It's another weekend off for United but come Monday Blackburn's surprise victory at Old Trafford is at the forefront of everyone's mind. A trip to Ewood Park is not an easy assignment, especially with Steve Kean's troops scrapping for every point to avoid relegation, but United, who have been there and done it so often at the business end of the season, turn down Rovers' pleas for yet another present.

Predictions: City win, United win

April 8

Now with a firm grip on third place, Arsenal are not a team to face when in form. City, still tailgating United, are desperate to keep up the pressure but their over-eagerness costs them dear and they slip up. They even take the lead at Emirates Stadium, before Robin van Persie draws the Gunners level and Thomas Vermaelen nods home the winner. QPR prove a soft touch at Old Trafford, allowing the champions to open up a four-point lead at the top of the table.

Predictions: City lose, United win

April 11

A quick turnaround for both teams, with City hosting West Brom and United at the DW Stadium to face Wigan. City, still to drop points at home, fall behind when Micah Richards inexplicably turns into his own net, only for Richards to redeem himself by setting up Mario Balotelli to level up. An individual bit of brilliance from David Silva keeps City's bid alive but it's far from straightforward for Mancini's men. United come charging out the blocks and are 3-0 up inside 20 minutes, although David de Gea is far busier than expected. Wigan, with nothing to show for their efforts, capitulate in the second half and United run riot.

Predictions: City win, United win

April 14/15

Norwich have been re-energised after beating Spurs at White Hart Lane, but their respite as brief as City run out comfortable winners at Carrow Road. Carlos Tevez is back at full tilt and, believe it or not, Mancini raises a smile when the Argentine scores with a cheeky back heel. United, playing a day later, grind to a 1-0 win over Aston Villa, Javier Hernandez beating the offside trap to slot home a late winner.

Predictions: City win, United win

April 22

Mathematically Wolves can still survive, but they're in disarray and any confidence they had is soon eroded when Sergio Aguero scores his 28th goal of the season. Kevin Doyle gives Wolves hope, equalising against the run of play, but City soon press home their advantage and leave Molineux with three points. United play host to an Everton side struggling to string a number of results together, with Ferguson taking a risk and ringing the changes ahead of the six-pointer against City a week later. It's a risk worth taking as United come through unscathed.

Predictions: City win, United win

April 30

The big one, although there's nothing big about being sent off, just ask Mario Balotelli. With City in the ascendancy, the Italian loses his cool and is dismissed for a reckless challenge and as he trudges off he seemingly takes City's title hopes with him. United see out the remaining few minutes and happily take a point to stay in the driving seat.

Predictions: City draw, United draw

May 6

Newcastle, amazingly now in the mix for fourth spot, face a City side still coming to terms with seeing the league title snatched from their grasp. Mancini says the players will learn from their mistakes but will he be given the time to learn from his? Newcastle win to put Mancini's City future in doubt. United try to give their fans an end-of-season party but they meet a Swansea side who are determined to secure a top-10 finish.

Predictions: City lose, United draw

May 13

The final day of the season and, after QPR beat City to seal their great escape, Mancini's final day in charge at the Etihad. A first defeat at home in the league for City, while United go down at Sunderland. Not that Ferguson looks overly bothered at the final whistle.

Predictions: City lose, United lose

Final Table

Premier League Table

Team	P	GD	Pts
Manchester United	38	62	90
Manchester City	38	64	85

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