Friday, 9 May 2008

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!