Source: Telegraph
Manchester United to finish top but Newcastle to drop out of Premier League
But Newcastle United should start preparing for trips to Doncaster and Blackpool, with relegation alongside West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough looking more likely with every dropped point.[LNB]United may have the distraction of the Champions League, unlike closest challengers Liverpool, but Sir Alex Ferguson's determination to get one over on Rafael Benitez will add sufficient fire to the furnace that burns within the Scot as he leads his side to an 11th Premier League title.[LNB] Related ArticlesShearer backs Owen to fireOwen: If I get chances I will score'United have title in bag'United linked with DodoPremier League team newsManchester Uniteds Sir Alex Ferguson reignites feud with Liverpools Rafael BenitezUnited have a game in hand, at Wigan on May 13, and despite the visit of a Spurs side sniffing out Europe and an Arsenal team determined to finish on a high, their run-in is otherwise comfortable.[LNB]If both United and Liverpool won every game, the title would head to Old Trafford on May 16, but I can see it going to the final day, May 24, when Liverpool face Spurs and United are at Hull.[LNB]Liverpool are scoring goals, but they are also conceding, and while it is difficult to see them losing again, that game in hand will make all the difference. [LNB]The opposite end is not so clear-cut. If West Bromwich Albion lose at home to relegation rivals Sunderland and Hull and Blackburn win this weekend, their inferior goal difference would take them down, with mathematical confirmation following at Spurs next weekend.[LNB]So who joins them? Alan Shearer has warned about the importance of winning all three home games, and if Newcastle did, then, yes, they would be safe. But they will not. Portsmouth's need for points is still serious and therefore I predict a draw at St James' Park on Monday.[LNB]They may beat Middlesbrough and, for that reason, I can see Gareth Southgate's team finishing 19th, with Newcastle just missing out on safety to another North East rival, Sunderland.[LNB]Ricky Sbragia's team finish at home to Chelsea, three days before the Champions League final. If Chelsea are in it, can you realistically expect Chelsea to turn up with points on their mind?[LNB][LNB]
