Down to the Wire

The top two both missed opportunities this weekend, the first being Man Utd, who were unable to pick up the full points against Boro. Chelsea failed the most, however, looking lackluster against a thoroughly flawed Newcastle side, and wasted the opportunity to bring themselves a mere point away from the league leaders. Here's how it looks to play out in the remaining games, with a slightly heavier onus on Sir Alex's side:

Manchester United
4/24 Milan
4/28 @ Everton
5/2 @ Milan
5/5 @ Manchester City
5/9 @ Chelsea
5/13 West Ham

Chelsea
4/25 Liverpool
4/28 @ Bolton
5/1 @ Liverpool
5/6 @ Arsenal
5/9 Manchester United
5/13 Everton

Manchester United have one more away match than Chelsea, but this is surely mitigated with the fact that the league leaders meet the 5th, 13th and 19th teams, respectively; Chelsea meet 6th, 4th and 5th leading up the May 9 game. While Man U seem to have an arguably easier run-up to the showdown between the top two, United's growing injury list is been a cause for concern for weeks. Chelsea, while looking ineffectual during the weekend, have the previously-injured spine of their squad finally healthy, Sean Wright-Phillips playing inspired football and Joe Cole regaining match fitness.

All set for a thrilling finale [Daily Telegraph]

-bl