ManU/Chelsea Title-decider Riff Raff

So as we'd expect less than 48 hours before Sunday's title deciders, there's speculation-galore about the the crucial 2 games- Man U at Wigan, and Chelsea home to Bolton (as if you needed reminding!). Some of the stuff coming out really is quite comical...from what we're hearing at the moment, Wigan will be playing their socks off, whilst Bolton have been out celebrating - after last weekend's win v. Sunderland has left them all but guaranteed a place in the Prem next Season.

And Avram's put a bit of pressure on the Reds, saying Chelsea have been playing the better football this month. They've certainly had an impressive recent streak, delivering a fantastic permformance at the Bridge to send Liverpool crashing out of the CL, whilst Man U have faltered in their last 3 away games (with draws at Boro & Blackburn, and defeat at Chelsea).
But whether they've been playing the better football is a different question; certainly Boro gave the Red Devils a run for their money, but they certainly didn't lack chances at Ewood Park, and the football they've played both this month and all season has been outstanding.
Avram: we have been playing the best football

But Chelsea have certainly done terrificly to take it to the final day - that 1-1 last minute Heskey goal for Wigan at the Bridge seems so long ago now, and Chelsea will be hoping Wigan pay them a favour on Sunday.

The last time Man U ere in a similar situation was in 1996, when they went into the last day with a 2 point lead over Newcastle, but they eased to a 3-0 away win over Boro to win the title. And though former United man Bruce would rather see United win the title than Chelsea, he'll be paying them no favours, as he confirmed earlier this week, even though his side are safe from relegation (after Valencia's double last weekend at Villa Park).
Megson: we're not completely safe yet

Chelsea no doubt have the easier tie at home to Bolton, but there's no reason why Bolton won't put on a fight in their last game of the season either, especially seeing as they're not yet 100% safe from relegation; yes, it would take 3 results, perhaps surprising ones, to go against them, but there's still that possiblity, as Gary Megson expressed in a radio interview; him and his team certainly won't want to be taking any chances.

The speculation could go on forever; will this happen, what if that happens, and so on...it's been mentioned that the United away fans at Wigan could express their nervousness to the players on the pitch, if they hear Chelsea are winning at the Bridge...of course, this could work the other way also, with Chelsea fans expressing their nervousness if they hear Man U are winning on their phones/radios.

At the end of the day, it'll simply come down to what happens on the day. Football is football, it's the results that count. But with both matches being played at the same time, it'll certainly be a thriller for both sets of fans and the neutrals...millions will be watching, let's hope it's a day of enteraining, exciting football...at both ends of the table!

Sun. 11th May - Prem. Drama at BOTH ends!

The SPL is promising an exciting finish to the end of the Season, with Rangers winning 1-0 home to Motherwell on Wednesday, closing the gap on leaders Celtic to just 4 points, and with 2 games in hand.
Rangers 1-0 Motherwell: highlights

But it would have to go some way to competing with this season's English Prem. though, of course. And on Sunday, the final showdown - I personally can't wait!

Wigan v. Man U + Chelsea(H) v. Bolton + 84 points apiece* = Pure Excitement!

(* Man U with a far superior goal diff. of +17)

United just need to win, to guarantee the trophy of course (unless Chelski can conjure up a victory in the region of 17-0), but football being football - it ain't over till it's over!

Crazy enough to need ANOTHER reason to follow Sunday's Prem proceedings? Take a look at the bottom of the table...

14	Middlesbrough	37	6	5	7	19	22	3	7	9	16	30	-17	39
15	Sunderland	37	9	3	6	23	20	2	3	14	13	38	-22	39
16	Bolton	37	7	5	7	23	18	2	4	12	12	35	-18	36
17	Fulham	37	5	5	9	22	31	2	7	9	15	29	-23	33
18	Reading	37	8	2	9	19	25	1	4	13	18	41	-29	33
19	Birmingham	37	5	8	5	26	22	2	3	14	16	39	-19	32
20	Derby	37	1	5	12	12	39	0	3	16	8	46	-65	11

Yeah....woah! Derby definitely relegated...the rest - anything can happen! And Fulham looked certain to go down till a couple of games ago...will they pull off the Great Escape?

Bring Sunday On!

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In other news....What is the deal with Sven? After helping Man City to a good season, Thaksin Shinawatra wants him out - or does he? Apparently he wants Brazilian Scolaria to take over, how great that'd be for the Premiership(?/! - delete as appropriate)...In a very recent interview, the owner said no definite decision has been made.
Shinawatra: nothing's certain yet

Poor Sven - at least he's agreed to remain in charge for his team's summer tour. After that it looks as though he'll be a free agent - latest is a possible move to Benfica...
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Liga Champions Real Madrid crushed Barcelona 4-1 in the clash of the titans, adding insult to injury to the 1-0 CL loss at Old Trafford (thanks to the Scholesy's sweet strike). And with Ronaldinho looking to be heading off this Summer, tough times for Barca...
Real Madrid 4-1 Barcelona: match report
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Arsene Wenger expressed his disappointment in losing Flamini to AC Milan on a free transfer, and hopes that the rest of his young team stick together and stay put...apparently 55k a week wasn't enough for the Arsenal midfielder.
Wenger on Flamini
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And finally...the FA has set Fabio Capello the target of reaching at least the semi's of the 2010 World Cup or Euro 2012. A bold target to say the least, but undoubtedly within England's capability (putting any occurring penalty-shootouts aside *cough*), and the England boss says he has no objection... Let's just hope he can answer his interviews in English before the next World Cup...
Confident Capello: interview