• Premier League preview

United and Chelsea lock horns in season climax

ESPN staff
May 6, 2011
Sir Alex Ferguson's men are closing in on another Premier League title © Getty Images
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Tottenham's game with Blackpool is live on ESPN and you can book your front-row seat right here

Betting: West Ham to get a lifeline

With the season drawing to a close, the Premier League race is reaching its climax and there are prizes still at stake for clubs at both ends of the table. On February 26, league leaders Manchester United held a 15-point advantage over reigning champions Chelsea, and yet when the two collide at Old Trafford on Sunday only three points will separate the top two teams.

Tottenham's bid to leapfrog fifth-placed Liverpool will be captured by the ESPN cameras - when Harry Redknapp's men host struggling Blackpool at White Hart Lane on Saturday - while at the other end of the table West Ham face a must-win clash against Blackburn and second-bottom Wolves welcome West Brom to Molineux, desperate for three points.

Manchester United v Chelsea
Form: United's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal makes Sunday's titanic battle even more of a mouthwatering prospect. They enter the match feeling on cloud nine after reaching their fourth Champions League final in midweek but, should they lose to their bitter rivals, Chelsea will go top for the first time since November. Chelsea are on a marvellous run, winning their last five league fixtures and scoring 12 goals along the way.
Key battle: Javier Hernandez is likely to be reinstated after missing out against Schalke, despite Dimitar Berbatov performing admirably. For all of John Terry's strengths, pace isn't one of them, so expect 'Chicharito' to turn Chelsea's skipper every which way.
Player to watch: Wayne Rooney looks to have regained his spark and has played a key role in United's pursuit of silverware. Take your eyes off of him at your peril.
Talking point: What has been the secret to Chelsea's second coming? They've chopped 12 points off United's lead, an astonishing story in a crazy season.
Bet of the day: A 1-1 draw: 5/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Saturday

Tottenham v Blackpool - Live on ESPN
Form: Spurs have slipped to sixth and are now in danger of missing out on European football next term. The stats don't lie, since their defeat to Blackpool in February, the London club have taken eight points from a possible 21. Blackpool are teetering above the relegation zone, safe only because of a superior goal difference, but they will be buoyed by their away form - they have the eighth best return in the league on the road.
Key battle: Luka Modric will look to get Spurs moving but Charlie Adam will be desperate to do the same for Blackpool. Whoever prevails in this duel is likely to be celebrating three points with their team-mates.
Player to watch: Gareth Bale has struggled to reproduce his early season form but everyone knows what is in his locker and you would expect at least one more star performance from the Welshman before the season is out.
Talking point: Why is Blackpool's away form better than their form at Bloomfield Road? They have the worst record at home, collecting just 17 points, while on their travels they've racked up 18.
Bet of the day: A 1-1 draw: 10/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Aston Villa v Wigan
Form: Villa remain stuck on 41 points, though one would think that that will be enough to avoid relegation, particularly when you consider their superior goal difference over the sides in the bottom three. They may be safe but they haven't picked up three points since beating West Ham in mid-April. Wigan looked set to clinch a rare home win against Everton last time out, before Leighton Baines's penalty earned the Toffees a draw and kept the Latics in the relegation dogfight.
Key battle: Richard Dunne has been around the block and doesn't take any prisoners. Hugo Rodallega is a huge player for Wigan and he'll need to get the better of his wily foe if Wigan are to get anything from this one.
Player to watch: Caretaker boss Gary McAllister has said the club will do "everything" to keep Ashley Young at Villa Park but, with one year left on his contract, the 25-year-old could be off, especially if he ends the season on a high.
Talking point: In five visits, Wigan have never lost at Villa. With Villa failing to claim a win since Gerard Houllier was taken ill, the visitors stand a great chance of stretching that unbeaten run.
Bet of the day: A 2-2 draw: 12/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-2

Thomas Hitzlsperger will shoulder the responsibility of galvanising West Ham, in Scott Parker's absence © PA Photos
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Bolton v Sunderland
Form: Since their 2-1 victory over Arsenal, Bolton have endured a tough time of things, losing two on the bounce. Seventh spot remains a realistic goal but games are running out for Owen Coyle's side to catch Everton. Just when you thought Sunderland had turned the corner, they shipped three at home to Fulham to leave themselves in a state of flux. With a crippling injury list to contend with, Steve Bruce may just be thankful his side have already put 41 points on the board.
Key battle: With Bruce's attacking options severely limited because of injuries, playmaker Stéphane Sessegnon will be under pressure to lead the line. Gary Cahill has excelled this season and will not want to give Sessegnon an inch.
Player to watch: Should he come through a late fitness test, Daniel Sturridge's return would be a timely boost for Bolton.
Talking point: Bolton have failed to score in their last four matches against Sunderland, while Sunderland have gone five away games without a win. Bore draw written all over it.
Bet of the day: A 0-0 draw: 10/1 with bet365
Prediction: 0-0

Everton v Manchester City
Form: Without a win in two, it could be argued that Everton have taken their summer break three games too early. David Moyes will shudder at the thought and be imploring his team to take the fight to Spurs and Liverpool, both of whom sit seven points above the Toffees. City, meanwhile, have Arsenal in their sights and, with an FA Cup final to look forward to, it could be a glorious season finale for Roberto Mancini and his troops.
Key battle: Jack Rodwell has won many plaudits for his displays this campaign and if he can handle an in-form Yaya Toure then the likes of Manchester United will be on the phone before too long.
Player to watch: One way or another, Mario Balotelli continues to make headlines. It's hard to keep your eyes off him when he persistently attracts attention.
Talking point: City have been consistently inconsistent. If they leave Goodison Park victorious it will be the first time they've secured a third straight league win since New Year's Day.
Bet of the day: Balotelli to score first and a 1-1 draw: 35/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-1

Newcastle v Birmingham
Form: Newcastle have won just one of their last eight games and, consequently, find themselves unable to rid themselves of relegation anxiety. Birmingham are only four points above the drop zone and, alarmingly for Alex McLeish, his men have only accumulated 13 points on the road all season.
Key battle: Kevin Nolan is the club's top scorer with 12 to his name but he'll do well to get a shot away with Lee Bowyer snapping at his heels.
Player to watch: Sebastian Larsson appears to be Birmingham's biggest threat in front of goal, scoring three in his last four outings.
Talking point: Cheik Tiote has been booked in his last four games. Will he avoid a suspension that would harm Newcastle's start to next season?
Bet of the day: Larsson to score first and Newcastle to win 2-1: 115/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-1

West Ham v Blackburn
Form: A huge game for both sides. If Blackburn win they will consider themselves safe, and if West Ham, who sit on the foot of the table, triumph the great escape could still be possible. The Hammers have only won five home games, while Rovers have only picked up 11 points on their travels.
Key battle: Robbie Keane may not be the quickest striker around but his trickery and vision still make him a threat to defenders. Christopher Samba is a crude operator and their personal clash could prove decisive to the outcome of this six-pointer.
Player to watch: With Scott Parker expected to miss out through injury, Thomas Hitzlsperger needs to step up and deliver.
Talking point: The Hammers are in freefall, losing their last five - their worst run since losing six on the bounce in March last year. Parker, where art thou?
Bet of the day: Hitzlsperger to score in 1-0 win for West Ham: 45/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-0

Arsenal fans still believe © PA Photos
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Sunday

Wolves v West Brom
Form: Wolves have taken two points from a possible 15 and haven't won since defeating Aston Villa on March 19. When Roy Hodgson took over at West Brom the Baggies were staring down the barrel in 17th place. However, under his guidance, Albion are a different prospect and go into the game in 11th spot.
Key battle: Karl Henry has featured heavily in midfield tear-ups this term and he will relish the prospect of going toe to toe with fellow combatant Youssuf Mulumbu.
Player to watch: Peter Odemwingie has impressed in spades this season, helping himself to 14 goals along the way. Ominously for Wolves, he's back among the goals, getting on the scoresheet in his last four appearances.
Talking point: What is Hodgson's secret? With him at the helm, Albion have only lost one of nine fixtures.
Bet of the day: West Brom to win 2-1: 11/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

Stoke v Arsenal
Form: Victory against Manchester United provided Arsenal with a glimmer of hope of winning the title and ended a run of three games without a win. It's out of their hands but three points at the Britannia Stadium would mean they could still, mathematically, win the championship, though only if Chelsea do them a huge favour. Stoke are thriving at the minute, they are 10th in the table and if you include their FA Cup mauling of Bolton, they have only conceded once in their last four games.
Key battle: Ryan Shawcross is well known to Aaron Ramsey, after the Arsenal midfielder sustained a horrific injury when the pair collided in last year's fixture. Ramsey is back and looking menacing, but will his demons resurface when he comes face-to-face with Shawcross?
Player to watch: Kenwyne Jones is in red-hot form, bagging four goals in his last five starts.
Talking point: Arsenal boast the best away record in the league with 30 points and 36 goals. Will they be left to rue losing three at the Emirates?
Bet of the day: Arsenal to win 2-1: 7/1 with bet365
Prediction: 1-2

Monday

Fulham v Liverpool
Form: Fulham have bounced back in style after losing to Manchester United, scoring seven goals and claiming seven points from nine. Indeed, their 3-0 victory away at Sunderland was extra special - it was only their second on the road this season.
Key battle: Fulham will do well to stop Luis Suarez, who has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. The question is can the big man, Brede Hangeland, stop the little man?
Player to watch: The goals are currently flying in for Fulham from all angles. Clint Dempsey is never one to shy away from seeing his name up in lights, and he's also not afraid to put boot through leather.
Talking point: Can Liverpool do the unexpected and snatch the final Champions League qualifying berth? It's a huge ask - they're seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City - but try telling Kenny Dalglish to give up the ghost.
Bet of the day: Liverpool to win 3-2: 28/1 with bet365
Prediction: 2-3

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