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Saturday, March 13, 2010

English Premier League (EPL)

So the EPL has reached the final stretch, and with 3 teams still firmly in with a chance, could go right down to the wire. Let's take a look at some things that could potentially decide the title:

1. Manchester United (P: 29, W: 20, D: 3: L: 6, Pts: 63)

With United seemingly always hitting top form at just the right time in the season, this could just be their time...if they can put a run together they may be able to put some distance between them and the other two contenders. United's run-in sees them play Liverpool (21 March) at Old Trafford, Chelsea (3 April) at Old Trafford and Manchester City (17 April) at The City of Manchester Stadium. These fixtures could prove costly if results don't go in United's favour. A win over Chelsea though, would give them a little breatning room.

After coming through the Champions League tie against AC Milan, with an aggregate score of 7-2 in United's favour, the champions sent out a clear statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League.

If Rooney can stay clear of injuries from now until the end of the season, while maintaining his truly blistering form, United could well be on their way to a fourth consecutive title.

2. Chelsea (P: 28, W: 19, D: 4, L: 5, Pts: 61)

The first thing to consider here would be Chelsea's game in hand, which, if they win, will move them back to the top of the Premier League. Chelsea's form has been stuttering lately, and with a must-win game against Jose Mourinho's Inter coming up, Chelsea may decide that the time is right to rest some key players. Chelsea's run-in pits them against the likes of Aston Villa (27 March) at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United (3 April) at Old Trafford and Liverpool (1 May) at Anfield. With Aston Villa already taking 5 points off Manchester United this season, the Villans could be well-placed for a result against the Blues.

With off-the-field incidents seemingly affecting captain John Terry's focus and performances, and with Drogba going through a mini-drought, will Chelsea's title charge stutter? Terry could bounce back stronger than ever. Drogba's hunger for success could drive him on to try harder. Both players could decide that NOW is the time for action and propel Chelsea to the title. However, with their captain unfocussed and  with  talismanic forward not firing on all-cylinders, their performances may suffer.

3. Arsenal (P: 29, W: 19, D: 4, L: 6, Pts: 61)

Arsenal have looked to be completely out of the title race twice after heavy defeats to both Chelsea and Manchester United. But, the would-be champions have shown a togetherness and great resilience, as well as a determination not to let their chance slip. With Arsenal's run-in looking the easiest on paper (the Gunners avoid all of the big boys), they could surge to the top with a run of good results.

Injuries have been a constant menace to Arsenal's title charge this season. Robin van Persie (unknown return date), Aaron Ramsey (Unknown return date), Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas (hamstring - misses the Hull City game), Tomasz Rosicky (unknown injury - misses the Hull City game), Bacary Sagna (unknown injury - misses the Hull City game), William Gallas (unknown return date), Manuel Almunia, Theo Walcott, Abou Diaby and Nicklas Bendtner have all suffered from injuries already this season. If Arsenal are sustain their title charge, they need their players to stay fit for what remains of a truly intruiging season.

Arsenal have shown great mental strength in overcoming their injuries, none more so than the Aaron Ramsey incident, this season. If they continue to demonstrate this desire to win, I can see them pushing United and Chelsea down to the wire.

I've had my say, now have yours. What do you think of this year's Barclays Premier League, and who do you think will come out victorious at the end of it?

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