The Premier League Run-in

As the Premier League season draws to a close the destination of the Premier League trophy is the hot topic of conversation. The title race is now certain to be going to Manchester after Tottenham's collapse but it remains to be seen which Manchester club. Since the turn of the year United have been in great form and have taken control of the title race despite a tough run of games which included games against Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. City have been less impressive and defeat to Swansea and a draw with Stoke has seen them surrender the lead they've held for so long and allowed their neighbours to take control. The final few games for each team suggests that United are the more likely to win the title with their next five games all seeming very winnable before their showdown with City on April 30th. United face Blackburn, QPR, Wigan, Everton and Aston Villa and after the City game they face Swansea and Sunderland. City on the other hand have got a tricky string of games. They face very tough games with Sunderland and Arsenal and any points dropped from those two could hand United a commanding lead. Before playing United they have a tie with West Brom and then away trips to Norwich and Wolves. Their final two games are away to Newcastle and finally home to QPR. If City do manage to win the league then they will have earned it. The three point gap at the moment coupled with the easier run in gives United the advantage.
          I don't think City have done themselves any favours with the way they've handled themselves in the media in recent weeks and I think it plays into Sir Alex Ferguson's hands. The Scot is a master of mind games and the fact that City have resorted to these tactics could be seen as an act of desperation as the title seems to be slipping from their grasp. Fergie has clearly stated that he's up for the battle "I've got plenty of ammunition" and history shows that Fergie usually wins these battles. Rafa Benitez, Kevin Keegan and Arsene Wenger can testify to that. In his recent press conferences Fergie has spoke of how the return of so many of his players has aided their good form and the fact that more are still coming back can only help the side. City on the other hand need to forget all mind games and forget everything outside of winning football matches. The truth of the matter is if City don't beat Sunderland this week and Arsenal next week they could find themselves out of the race. United face Blackburn and QPR which should be six points which, without counting City's games, would be nine point gap. So just to stay three behind they have to beat the in form Sunderland and an Arsenal side on a seven game winning streak. Personally I think United will win the league as City have left themselves to much to do with the calibre of opposition they have to face. The only way they could win it is if United slip up and City find themselves within three points when the sides meet at Eastlands and then beat United.
        I think United will look to play well enough in the coming weeks to leave the derby match with little or no meaning. They will want to wrap the title up on City's own ground to erase the memories of the 6-1 thrashing they got from Mancini's men earlier in the season. With players like Nani, Jones and Cleverly coming back and players like Young and Valencia playing out of their skins it looks like Fergie's side do indeed have the ammunition to kick on and win the title. It should be a very exciting few weeks at the least and I for one can't wait to see the conclusion of one of the most competitive seasons in the history of the Premiership.