Source: Manchester_EveningNews
No easy ride in United title race
The Premier League title race countdown has begun. So it's time to get the medication ready because it's not going to be an easy ride for United fans. The battle for the League crown has become a three-horse race again with Arsenal refusing to go quietly to the knacker's yard. Twice the Gunners have widely been told they can forget any dreams of lifting the trophy on May 9. And twice they have fought back in this incredible topsy-turvy campaign. United and Chelsea looked to have had the tussle boxed off but now Arsene Wenger's side are back in the mix. There are 10 games to go in the nip-and-tuck fight for the silverware so there is still all to play for. Chelsea lead by a point but there are major signs that Carlo Ancelotti's side are taking pot-shots at their own feet. City's success at the Bridge last Saturday was a clear indication that Chelsea are weakening. I anticipate that the Reds will soon overhaul them and the final day battle will see United and Arsenal three points clear of Chelsea. By the final whistle to the campaign I predict that the Reds and the Gunners will have an 86-point haul and then it will all be down to goal difference. United's is superior to Arsenal's by seven goals going into this weekend's games. And if Wayne Rooney stays on his game then the Reds will still have the advantage when it's all over. That will see them nick an historic fourth successive league title success by a nose. How the run in could shape up for the top three clubs UNITED MARCH 6 V WOLVES (A)The Reds are on a high and Wolves have lost seven times at Molineux. United will be far too strong as they were at Old Trafford in December.AWAY WIN 63 MARCH 14 V FULHAM (H)Revenge for the 3-0 disaster at Craven Cottage will be paramount. United will have a defence this time.HOME WIN - 66 MARCH 21 V LIVERPOOL (H)Another avenging mission and this time it is a double one. United were beaten at Anfield in October and well stuffed 4-1 at Old Trafford last March. No such worries this time around.HOME WIN - 69 MARCH 27 V BOLTON (A)United have a good Reebok record and I dont see Owen Coyle making it a double after engineering Burnleys Turf Moor win at start of the season.AWAY WIN - 72 APRIL 3 V CHELSEA (H)United want to be going into this showdown in a good position and I predict theyll be three points ahead going into it. A draw wont damage Reds.DRAW - 73 APRIL 11 v BLACKBURN (A)Not an easy place to go to and this could be just days after a Champions League semi second leg but I still expect United to be victors.AWAY WIN - 76 APRIL 17 V MAN CITY (A)City showed their home mettle in Carling Cup first leg at Eastlands and will be out for revenge and the foruth spot. It will be a close toughie.DRAW - 77 APRIL 25 V TOTTENHAM (H)One of Uniteds best displays was away at White Hart Lane in September and though Harry Redknapps side will be going for European spot United will prevail.HOME WIN -80 MAY 1 V SUNDERLAND (A)Steve Bruce almost came away with a famous Old Trafford victory in October. But both sides a different kettole of fish now.AWAY WIN - 83 MAY 9 V STOKE CITY (H)Defend the Delap throw in and United could be home and dry for historic fourth title.HOME WIN - 86 CHELSEA MARCH 13 V WEST HAM (H)Hammers are improving but Chelsea can equal Uniteds home success but the derby angle will make it tighter.HOME WIN - 64 MARCH 21 V BLACKBURN (A)Rovers will have one major say against the top three at Ewood and Chelsea appear to be most vulnerable.DRAW - 65 MARCH 24 V PORTSMOUTH (A)Pompey look like they are going to go down fighting and this will be one for former Chelsea boss Avram Grant.DRAW - 66 MARCH 27 V ASTON VILLA (H)Half expect Villas fight for fourth spot to implode after Carling Cup final defeat and a fade out end to season like last year.HOME WIN - 69 APRIL 3 V UNITED (A)All guns blazing for the Londoners but nothing better than a draw.DRAW - 70 APRIL 12 V BOLTON (H)Bolton have lost to Chelsea 4-0 twice this season in Premier League and League Cup. This will be much the same.HOME WIN - 73 APRIL 17 V TOTTENHAM (A)Spurs were thumped 3-0 at the Bridge earlier in the season and this will be some revenge for them.DRAW - 74 APRIL 25 V STOKE CITY (H)Chelseas strength seems to cope with the Potters. Stoke were beaten at the Britannia and this is likely to complete the double.HOME WIN - 77 MAY 1 V LIVERPOOL (A)So many clashes between the two and Chelseas last push to make up ground on United and Arsenal could force a win.AWAY WIN - 80 MAY 9 V WIGAN (H)Shock 3-1 success at Wigan for Roberto Martinezs side but Chelsea will overwhelm them though the title race could be as good as over before they start.HOME WIN - 83 ARSENAL MARCH 6 V BURNLEY (H)Burnley have shipped ten goals in last three league defeats and the Gunners will add considerably to that misery.HOME WIN - 61 MARCH 13 V HULL CITY (A)Mini revival against Chelsea and City has fallen away and Wenger will pick up another three points at the KC.AWAY WIN - 64 MARCH 20 V WEST HAM (H)Drew at West Ham in League and won at Upton Park in the FA Cup so this wont be too much trouble.HOME WIN - 67 MARCH 27 V BIRMINGHAM CITY (A)Possibly even tougher than the North London derby against Spurs and the Gunners will do well to get a point.DRAW -68 APRIL 3 V WOLVES (H)Demolished Wolves 4-1 at Molineux and Mick McCarthys team can expect another similar outcome at the Emirates. HOME WIN - 71 APRIL 10 V TOTTENHAM (A)The derby label will ensure this is by no means easy but Spurs are always likely to slip up in the big ones.AWAY WIN - 74 APRIL 18 V WIGAN (A)The DW Stadium is no fortress and they will succumb just as they did at Emirates when losing 4-0 in September.AWAY WIN - 77 APRIL 24 V MAN CITY (H)The Blues did the Reds one favour at Stamford Bridge but cannot see them repeating it even with Adebayor on a mission.HOME WIN - 80 MAY 1 V BLACKBURN (A)It wont be as easy as the 6-2 hammering they dished out to Rovers in London in October but the Gunners will have the armoury to triumph.AWAY WIN - 83 MAY 9 V FULHAM (H)Will match Uniteds home final day win but what will the goal difference be?HOME WIN - 86 What is your prediction for the run in? Have your say.
