This Saturday is likely to be the biggest day of the season so far in the Barclays Premier League, as champions and leaders Manchester United host Chelsea, who sit just a point behind. The game is being billed as the title decider, which is fair enough - there are only five games left after this one - but I only think the championship can be lost this weekend, and even then I'm not too certian if that will be the case.
Chelsea, despite playing catch-up currently, know that six wins will win them their first league title since 2006. Their problem is that Manchester United are in exactly the same position. The game therefore has to be played like a cup-tie for my money. Had Arsenal not roared back into contention, Sir Alex Ferguson's side would have been very happy not to lose the game, whereas Chelsea need to win whatever the circumstances. The Gunners' surge of late, and their so-called easier run-in however, means that United need to go all out for a victory.
Arsene Wenger will be praying that it is a draw at Old Trafford, the game finishing just minutes before his side entertain Wolves at the Emirates Stadium. On paper, Wolves at home is one of the more winnable games in this league, but just how much will Wednesday's game against Barcelona have taken out of them? Of course, they are without Cesc Fabregas for the remainder of the campaign, the talisman behind their blistering form since their home defeat to Chelsea which appeared to knock them out of contention, but they should be good enough for three points.
That would leave them on 71 points, possibly just two behind United at close of play. They could however be five behind if United and Wolves record wins, and that would be too large a gap to close in my opinion.
These two games will go a long way to deciding just how many teams are still in the title race. Personally, I think we will still have as many questions as answers, and all three teams will fight it out a little while longer.
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