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?

English Premier League - Gameweek 30

Let's take a look towards this weekends fixtures:

Tottenham v Blackburn
Birmingham v Everton
Bolton v Wigan
Burnley v Wolves
Chelsea v West Ham
Stoke City v Aston Villa
Hull City v Arsenal
Man Utd v Fulham
Sunderland v Man City
Liverpool v Portsmouth

And there is also a mid-week game that sees Aston Villa play their game in hand:

Wigan v Aston Villa

In all honesty, I can't see any upsets in the fixture list above. However, the Premier League has been very open this year, with 4 genuine contenders challenging for fourth spot and about 7 teams battling relegation.

I expect all the big boys (United, Chelsea, Arsenal) to come away with good results this weekend, although I'm not so sure about Liverpool. I'd back Portsmouth to maybe grab a draw.



Aston Villa can cement their place in the Top Four for a while with two solid wins against Stoke and Wigan, although this sounds easier than it is. Aston Villa are away for both games, while the Britannia Stadium and DW Stadium are 2 of the hardest places to go and get a result. If Villa come through unscathed, I'd back them for fourth.



Birmingham v Everton seems like another good tie, with Birmingham City still sitting pretty in the top half of the table after 29 games having just been promoted, and Everton rapidly finding form.

This is the time of year where mistakes, injuries and suspensions count, and could define your season...any team with hopes of winning trophies or getting into Europe need to come through this period with flying colours and, if possible, all the points