Fri May 9 13:33:40 2008

Comment | Email | Print

Drama at both ends of Premiership table on final day

---

Manchester, England (Sports Network) - There is still plenty to be decided on the final Premiership Sunday of the season, with Manchester United and Chelsea both level on 84 points at the top, while three teams are separated by just one point for the final two relegation spots.

United can secure its second consecutive EPL title if they can beat Wigan because the Red Devils own a superior advantage in goal differential over Chelsea, however The JJB Stadium has proven to be a tough place to win for any team in England this season.

Despite sitting in the bottom half of the table, Wigan has played very well at home this year, putting together a solid 8-5-5 mark that includes a draw with Arsenal and close losses to both Chelsea and Liverpool.

At times, the pitch has looked more like a minefield than a surface suitable for soccer, which also adds to the home side's advantage.

United has a chance to pull off a rare double by winning both the league and Champions League titles, and they can secure the first with a win on Sunday.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men have suffered four of their five losses this season away from home, and Wigan has already guaranteed that they will be up for United's visit, something Chelsea is hoping for as well.

Should United drop points against Wigan, the Blues can clinch a third title in four years by beating Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Wanderers all but secured a spot in the top flight next season with a 2-0 win over Sunderland last week, and they will have a tough time following up that win with another result at Chelsea.

Arsenal and Liverpool have little to play for as both sides have already ensured themselves of a place in the top four and Champions League soccer next season.

The Gunners finish up their campaign on the road at Sunderland while the Reds also end away from home at Tottenham.

The final UEFA Cup spot is still up for grabs with Everton needing only a draw at home against Newcastle to claim it, while Aston Villa still holds out hope with an Everton defeat and a win at West Ham.

The relegation battle figures to once again offer up drama on the final day with Fulham, Reading and Birmingham so close together.

Fulham earned a vital 2-0 win over Birmingham last week to move outside the bottom three and they can secure their safety with a win at Portsmouth.

While taking three points at Fratton Park will be difficult, it might be necessary because Reading is level on 33 points and faces relegation-bound Derby.

The Royals will feel good about their chances of getting a win at Pride Park, while Birmingham, which is one point back of both Fulham and Reading, hosts Blackburn in a must-win affair.

The other match of the day features top-half side Manchester City traveling to The Riverside Stadium to meet bottom-half club Middlesbrough.