Race Drawing to a Close

While this is unlikely to be the decisive weekend in this years Premier League title race, it is likely to be the one that most shapes the destination of the title. While one round of games will remain for both United and Chelsea after this Sunday's, this weekend's fixtures may well be United's last chance to overtake Chelsea in their efforts to retain their status as England's best for another year.

Chelsea travel to Liverpool knowing a win will all but secure a first title since the departure of Mourinho. They will face a Liverpool side still feeling the effects of their battle with Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. As Rafa Benitez has been at pains to express in recent days, facing a lunchtime kick off on the Sunday immediately after a taxing game on Thursday is far from ideal. Having to play Chelsea only exasperates the situation.

Liverpool's state of mind going into this game is questionable. There are doubts as to where the manager's future lies following recent links to Juventus. He has spent much of the week fending off questions regarding his future, with his answers coming across as non-committal. You also have to factor in the impact of the result on Thursday night when Liverpool's last remaining chance of silverware evaporated thanks to Diego Forlan's away goal. Extra time is the last thing United fans would have wanted in that game.

I do feel that whatever team Liverpool pick will attempt to win the game, despite some fans suggesting they would rather see Chelsea win as opposed to aiding United in their quest to retain the title. It has to be remembered that Liverpool still have an outside chance of fourth spot, and while that chance remains you have to believe they will continue to fight for it. And we all remember what happened in 1995 when they did their job but United failed to capitalise.

It also shouldn't be forgotten that United face no easy task on Sunday afternoon. Sunderland have hardly set the world alight in recent months and their inconsistency must infuriate their fans. However, there is no espcaping the fact that they do get themselves 'up' for the games against the top sides as results have shown this season. It could well prove a tricky fixture for United who will hope to have Rooney back on the bench at the least following recent ankle and groin injuries.

The bottom line is that whatever happens at Anfield, United have to keep up their end of the bargain a couple of hours later. The title is still there to be won and lost. It won't be for much longer.