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Manchester United are heading towards a memorable end to the season © Getty Images

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Potentially title-defining fixture schedules do not come much bigger than this weekend, where Manchester United can either place one hand on the Premier League trophy, or leave the door well and truly ajar for Chelsea. The Red Devils visit a wounded Arsenal side on Sunday, where victory could see Sir Alex Ferguson's men move nine points clear with three games to play. that all depends on Chelsea, who have the chance to move within three points of the leaders when they face Tottenham on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Liverpool and Newcastle will see if they can conjure up another classic in front of the ESPN cameras, while at the bottom West Ham face a testing trip to Manchester City.

Saturday

Chelsea v Tottenham
Form: Chelsea's recent resurgence sees them hot on the heels of leaders Manchester United, but failure to take all three points off Tottenham would all but spell the end for their trophy defence. Tottenham, meanwhile, have dropped 13 points in their last seven matches and are facing a fight for fourth place.
Key battle: Luka Modric has been superb for Tottenham this season, and if Spurs are going to take anything away from Stamford Bridge they will need the Croatian to be at his creative best. With Chelsea's revival coinciding with Michael Essien's return to form, the player who comes out on top in the middle of the park could well determine the result.
Player to watch: After finally breaking his Chelsea duck, could this spark a goalrush for Fernando Torres? The Spaniard may be partnered up front with Didier Drogba, and a goal will have done much for his beleaguered confidence.
Talking point: Can Chelsea catch United? They have been playing with a renewed belief in recent weeks, and will hope rivals Arsenal can do them a favour with victory at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Bet of the day:: Fernando Torres to score a hat-trick 22/1 with bet365
Prediction:3-2

Blackburn v Bolton
Form: Blackburn's fight for survival continues, and they are without a win since January and three points in the Lancashire derby would go a long way to boost their hopes of another season in the Premier League. Bolton dusted themselves off from a 5-0 thumping at the hands of Stoke at Wembley with an impressive win over Arsenal, but were brought crashing back down to earth with a 3-0 defeat at Fulham in midweek.
Key battle: Blackburn have only scored once in their last four matches, and on-loan striker Mame Biram Diouf is yet to find the net in 2011. If he is to end his goalscoring drought, the Manchester United striker will have his work cut out against Gary Cahill, who has been a rock at the heart of the Bolton defence this season.
Player to watch: Daniel Sturridge is just the kind of player Blackburn could have done with signing in January. The Chelsea youngster has scored seven goals in nine games since his arrival at the Reebok Stadium, and could well add to his tally at Ewood Park this weekend.
Talking point: Can Rovers beat the drop? New owners Venky's expected big things when they took over in November, but they have seen their team slide at a terrifying rate towards the relegation zone. The big name signings that were mooted in the January transfer window failed to materialise and the club are now hovering just a single point above the bottom three.
Bet of the day: Tamir Cohen's late winner against Arsenal all but ended the Gunners' title hopes - and a goal for the Israeli could condemn Rovers to the bottom three - Cohen to score in a 2-0 Bolton win: 80/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-2

Blackpool v Stoke
Form: After such a dazzling start to the season, Blackpool sit precariously above the bottom three on goal difference - and the fearlessness they played with in the first half of the season has now gone as the players fight for their Premier League survival. Stoke are unbeaten since their Wembley showing, but with the Potters' Premier League status all but guaranteed Tony Pulis might have a fight on his hands to maintain his players' focus with the FA Cup final just two weeks away.
Key battle: The team with the leakiest defence in the Premier League have not kept a clean sheet in 2011, but the return of keeper Matt Gilks from a knee injury has shored up the Seasiders' back line. If Gilks can keep Jon Walters and Kenwyne Jones at bay, he could give Blackpool every chance of three points.
Player to watch: Kenwyne Jones has had his critics this season, but the striker appears to be hitting form - after a 13-match goal drought, he has smashed in four goals in as many games. Blackpool rarely keep a clean sheet, and Jones could take full advantage.
Talking point: Pulis must be a genuine contender for manager of the season, having steered Stoke to the FA Cup final, the Potters are on course for a top-ten finish. Will he be recognised for his achievements?
Bet of the day: Jon Walters has scored four goals in his last six games and the odds for the burly forward to net a hat-trick is: 80/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-3

Sunderland v Fulham
Form: Sunderland finally stopped the rot with a morale-boosting win over Wigan last weekend, and Steve Bruce will be keen to see his side kick-on against a team who have notched just one away victory all season.
Key battle: Clint Dempsey became Fulham's highest scorer in the Premier League with his two goals against Bolton in midweek. Phil Bardsley has been solid at left-back for the Black Cats this season, but he will have a battle on his hands to stop the USA international from adding to his already-impressive goal tally this season.
Player to watch: Having scored just two goals in their previous six matches, Sunderland smashed four past Wigan, and that was largely thanks to two goals from Jordan Henderson. With strikers Asamoah Gyan, Danny Welbeck and Fraizer Campbell all out of action, Bruce will be looking for another pivotal performance from his highly-rated winger.
Talking point: Following their impressive win over Bolton in midweek, Mark Hughes has set his players the target of finishing in the top half of the table. But with just one win on the road this season, and only Arsenal and Liverpool left to play at Craven Cottage, have his side got enough in the tank?
Bet of the day: Sunderland to lead at half-time but Fulham to snatch a point: 14/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Jordan Henderson scored twice against Wigan last weekend © PA Photos

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West Brom v Aston Villa
Form: Roy Hodgson has steadied the West Brom ship and the Baggies have pulled clear of the relegation dogfight after just one of their last nine matches (against Chelsea). Villa's form this season has been less than inspiring, but are unbeaten in four, although they have been preoccupied with the health of manager Gerard Houllier this week.
Key battle: Peter Odemwingie has been central to the Baggies' recent upturn in form, with four goals in his last five games. James Collins could be tasked with keeping the Nigerian quiet.
Player to watch: Simon Cox scored a memorable first goal for the Baggies with his superb volley to secure a hard-fought point against Tottenham last week, and he is likely to be rewarded with a place in the starting XI. Could lightning strike twice for the 31-year-old?
Talking point: Will Gerard Houllier return to Villa? The former Liverpool man has been in hospital this week after a health scare and has been advised by doctors to quit the sport for his own health.
Bet of the day: Odemwingie to score in a 2-2 draw: 65/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

Wigan v Everton
Form: Wigan are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Premier League table, and with just four games remaining they need a win, and fast. Everton's defeat at Old Trafford last week was their first in eight league games and they have their sights firmly set on a Europa League place.
Key battle: Everton's goals have come from all over the park this season, with the likes of Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines scoring critical goals for the Toffees. Latics keeper Ali Al Habsi shipped four at Sunderland last week, and will have to be aware of the threat of long-range efforts from Everton.
Player to watch: When Hugo Rodallega scores, Wigan often go on to win. With eight goals this season, Roberto Martinez might have hopes for a few more from the Colombian, and Wigan's hopes of avoiding relegation may rest on the shoulders of the talented Rodallega.
Talking point: Is it too late for Wigan? While their crunch match with West Ham on May 15 may ultimately decide both clubs' fate, three points in their penultimate home match would be a huge boost for the Latics.
Bet of the day: Hugo Rodallega to score in a 3-1 Everton win 65/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-3

Sunday

Birmingham v Wolves
Form: Still smarting from their hammering against Liverpool, a win against Wolves on Sunday would see Alex McLeish's men pass the 40-point milestone and virtually guarantee their place in the Premier League next season. Wolves have picked up just one point in their last five games and desperately need three points in their fight for survival.
Key battle: Wolves have badly missed striker Kevin Doyle, but goals from Steven Fletcher has seen Wolves snatch points off Tottenham and Fulham. With Birmingham keeper Ben Foster expected to return from injury, his ability to keep Fletcher and co. at bay could prove fatal for Wolves.
Player to watch: Linked with a move away from St Andrews this summer, Foster hobbled off against Liverpool last weekend, but will be looking to end the season on a high if he is to attract the big-name suitors.
Talking point: With Wolves facing three relegation rivals in their final three matches, they have their fate firmly in their hands. But whether they have the quality in their squad remains to be seen.
Bet of the day: Goalless draw : 8/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-0

Liverpool v Newcastle - Live on ESPN
Form: Liverpool are in superb form under Kenny Dalglish, taking seven points from their last three games, involving clashes with Manchester City and Arsenal. The Reds are yet to lose a league game at home since Dalglish returned, but the Scot's former club Newcastle have tightened up defensively, conceding just twice in their last three.
Key battle: Shola Ameobi gave the Magpies a solid platform to build from in the recent draw against Manchester United, and Alan Pardew will need his striker to give Martin Skrtel a hard time at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
Player to watch: With Andy Carroll not expected to start, Luis Suarez is the undoubted focal point of the Reds' attack. Has not scored in four matches, but his movement has transformed the way Liverpool attack since the departure of Fernando Torres.
Talking point: How far can Dalglish take Liverpool when he has money to spend in the summer? If the league campaign had started when Dalglish took over at Anfield, Liverpool would be comfortably in the top four.
Bet of the day: Liverpool are building a formidable home record, so expect goals this weekend and back the Reds for a 3-0 win: 10/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-0

Arsenal's title challenge has capitulated in recent weeks © PA Photos

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Arsenal v Manchester United
Form: Two months ago this match looked like it was going to be the title decider. But since Arsenal's Carling Cup final defeat they have managed to beat only Leyton Orient and Blackpool as four trophies slipped from their grasp. Manchester United's away form has hardly been much to write home about, with just five wins on the road, but it has been enough to open a six-point gap at the top of the table.
Key battle: Javier Hernandez has developed a habit of scoring late goals, and with Arsenal having an unfortunate habit of conceding them, Laurent Koscielnly will have to remain focused for the full 90 minutes if Arsenal are to salvage anything from a disappointing season.
Player to watch: Dimitar Berbatov has been overshadowed by the young Chicharito this season, but the Bulgarian returns from a groin strain for the run-in. While not a grafter on the pitch, he is capable of brilliance, as Blackburn would attest after his five-goal showing back in November. Could the former Spurs striker hammer the final nail in Arsenal's coffin?
Talking point: Why don't Arsenal like April? The Gunners have seen their title challenge crumble this season, and not for the first time. Arsene Wenger refuses to change his philosophy, but as Arsenal's title drought enters its sixth season, questions are being asked whether the squad has the quality to challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Bet of the day: Both sides are both capable of scoring goals, and a 3-3 draw is 50/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-3

Manchester City v West Ham
Form: Manchester City's win over Blackburn on Monday put them firmly in the driving seat to secure the final Champions League spot, while West Ham remain rooted to the bottom of the table after a run of four defeats.
Key battle: Matthew Upson is likely to return to the Hammers side after a chest infection, and his presence could galvanise the defence against a City side without skipper Carlos Tevez. Edin Dzeko scored his first Premier League goal against Rovers on Monday, and Upson will be charged with limiting the Bosnian's chances in front of goal.
Player to watch: Thomas Hitszlsperger's return from long-term injury earlier this year is a boost for Avram Grant in the absence of Mark Noble, and potentially Scott Parker. The German has a lethal boot and could look to trouble City keeper Joe Hart from long range.
Talking point: West Ham chairman David Sullivan rates the Hammers chances of avoiding relegation as 25-30 per cent. Can his club beat the odds and the drop?
Bet of the day: Hitzlsperger to score and City to win 3-1: 210/1 with bet365
Prediction: 3-1

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