The Premier League run-in: why it's still Manchester United's title to lose

The Premier League run-in: why it's still Manchester United's title to lose

Manchester United's draw against Newcastle and Chelsea's emphatic win over Birmingham has breathed new life into a dying title race. But how will the season pan out?

Chin up: Manchester United remain in pole position going into the final stretch of the Premier League season Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Thom Gibbs 1:10PM BST 21 Apr 2011

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ARSENAL

Remaining fixtures:
Bolton (A), Sunday 24 April
Man Utd (H), Sunday 1 May
Stoke (A), Sunday 8 May
Aston Villa (H), Sunday 15 May
Fulham (A), Sunday 22 May

Bolton and Stoke away stick out as the sort of fixtures which have historically caused Arsene Wenger's side difficulties. Even if they can beat United at home it's difficult not to see them slipping up somewhere else along the way in their current wobbly form. A win against Villa at home would appear the only banker in these final five games.

Predicted points: 8
Predicted finishing position: 3rd

CHELSEA

Remaining fixtures:
West Ham (H), Saturday 23 April
Tottenham (H), Saturday 30 April
Man Utd (A), Sunday 8 May
Newcastle (H), Sunday 15 May
Everton (A), Sunday 22 May

The easiest set of fixtures on paper, and Chelsea appear to have regained some sort of poise at a crucial part of the season. A draw at home to Spurs wouldn't be the end of the world, a point at Old Trafford could be extremely precious.

Predicted points: 9
Predicted finishing position: 2nd

MANCHESTER UNITED

Remaining fixtures:
Everton (H), Saturday 23 April
Arsenal (A), Sunday 1 May
Chelsea (H), Sunday 8 May
Blackburn (A), Saturday 14 May
Blackpool (H), Sunday 22 May

Predicted points: 11
Predicted finishing position: 1st

Despite having to play their two main contenders, this remains United's title to throw away. It would take something quite extraordinary for them to fail to pick up at least seven points from the Everton, Blackburn and Blackpool games and they have the mettle to win against one of Arsenal and Chelsea. Most pertinently - when have they ever blown a lead this late in the season?

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