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"Three Horse Race"



“Three Horse Race” or so they say! Manchester United in arguably their worst 30 games in the Premier League era under Sir Alex Ferguson and yet they sit five points clear at the summit with 8 games remaining. Rivals Chelsea and Arsenal wait should I say Arsenal (58) and Chelsea (54) have 9 games to go. In order for Chelsea to indeed pull off a miraculous 9 game winning streak they would deserve the league title but since the inception of the English Premier League they have never, I repeat never won nine games in a row not even under the “special one”.

So case and point, no it is not a “Three Horse Race” and I struggle to see it as a “Two Horse Race” either, but as Sir Alex always says the league isn’t won in March and mathematically or more realistically Arsene Wenger's side pose the greatest test to United surpassing Liverpool’s 18 League Titles. If The Gunners keep gifting teams goals against them and if RVP & Cesc don’t play at least 8 of their remaining fixtures I do find it hard to fathom them catching Manchester United. Let’s look at the run in from my point of view
2 April
United vs West Ham (A)
West Ham will still be smarting at knocking United out of the League Cup and after the international break I’m sure Sir Alex will use that to muscle out a win from his troops and with  Chicharito, Rooney and Berbatov in form and Valencia  (and Nani) recovered from injury I can see them taking three. Don’t expect a goal fest though in another East End toughie. WIN 66
Arsenal vs Blackburn (H)  
Blackburn’s away form is not the best and even with all Arsene’s defensive (and injury) problems I can’t see them beating the Gunners at the Emirates.  Let’s add three points. WIN 61
9 April
United v Fulham (H)
A United Legend still not forgiven for his spell at Eastland and his Fulham side denting United’s title challenge, not likely. Three points to AF. WIN 69
10 April  
Arsenal v Blackpool (A)
United for one have seen how difficult Blackpools’ small pitch can be and with Charley Adam  available and in sublime form Wenger would do well to get a point, but I expect a loss . No points. LOSS  61
16 April
United  v Newcastle (A)
Pardew’s  men will put up a good fight but one would expect a comfortable United win as per usual. three points to AF. 
WIN (72)
April 17
Arsenal  v Liverpool (H)
Just like Liverpool  to go out and beat high flying United but its almost a given they come short at the Emirates. Wouldn’t it be nice if they win though. (Then they can say they helped United get 19 titles).  Three points AW. WIN (64)
20 April
Arsenal  v Tottenham (A) (Game in hand)
Arsenal won 4-1 at White Hart Lane in the Carling Cup  in September but then lost to Spurs at home after being 2-0 up at half time. Tottenham will still be battling for a Champions League top four place against Madrid so I reckon they can do the double in the league derby. No points. LOSS (64)


24 April  
Arsenal v Bolton (A)
The Reebok is a difficult ground to get anything from but I don’t see the Gunners losing there. Ok they lost to the Gunners at the at the Emirates heavily, this time though it will be by one goal. Add three points to AW. WIN (67)

1 May  
United v Arsenal (A)
Who would forget United vs Arsenal  in the Champions League last year but this United team won’t have it that easy this term, very close draw. Add a point to AF. DRAW (76)
1 May  
Arsenal v United (H)
A huge game for the ever improved lads of Wenger  but in recent years United have had some favourable results at the Emirates  and I don’t see that changing. Add a point to AW. DRAW (68)

7 May  
United  v Chelsea (H)
I’d like to think, with the Chicharito-Rooney combination United could pull one over Chelsea . Especially since a certain referee will not be officiating but i have a funny suspicion Sir Alex would accept a point even though they at home. Leave the win for the second-leg in the Champions League . Add a point to AF. DRAW (77)
7 May
Arsenal  v  Stoke City (A)
The Britannia Stadium, not ground you would want to visit this close to the seasons end and the Gunners getting a draw is about right .Add a point to AW. DRAW (69)
14 May
United v Blackburn (A)
Twelve months ago and April’s visit to Ewood saw the title nerves get to Reds and they were awful in a 0-0 draw. In the penultimate game,  it could be a nerve jangler again. At the final whistle this draw might just be enough to as Sir Alex Ferguson once said “Knock Liverpool of their F***ing perch” . Add a point to AF. DRAW (80)
14 May
Arsenal  v Aston Villa (H)
 4-2 at Villa Park in November. I can see 4-2 again.Ad three points to AW. WIN (72)

22 May
United v Blackpool (H)
The last time United beat Blackpool on the last day of a season at Old Trafford they won the Second Division in 1975. Win or lose celebrations expected all round at Old Trafford. Add three points to AF. WIN (83)
22 May
Arsenal v Fulham (A)
An inconsequential final day, with United wrapping up the league on the penultimate weekend.  I do suspect the Wenger boys to win though and just consolidate second place . WIN (75)
That’s my view and I’m sticking to it!!



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