Manchester United can clinch the Premier League title with just a point this weekend as the season reaches its climax.
The Red Devils are within touching distance of their 19th title and a draw at Blackburn on Saturday lunchtime would see them crowned champions with one game left to play.
Meanwhile, the race to avoid relegation enters its final furlong as the teams all the way down from 15th to 20th desperately try and pick up some late points.
The key fixture at the bottom takes place at the DW Stadium on Sunday as West Ham travel to Wigan, but at this stage of the campaign every match has implications on the final standings.
Manchester United
have often been criticised this season for being short of their former strength, described as a good side but not championship material. Yet Sir Alex Ferguson has once again proved why he is one of the world's top managers as United only need a point at Blackburn to secure their place at the summit - and a UEFA Champions League final berth is no mean feat either. Last weekend's victory over Chelsea demonstrated their ability to cope with the big occasion so the chance to secure silverware should not faze the Red Devils, although Rovers are fighting for their lives and will be no pushovers.
Saturday
Blackburn v Man Utd (12.45pm)
Blackpool v Bolton (12.45pm)
Sunderland v Wolves (12.45pm)
West Brom v Everton (12.45pm)
Sunday
Chelsea v Newcastle (1.30pm)
Arsenal v Aston Villa (4pm)
Birmingham v Fulham (4pm)
Liverpool v Tottenham (4pm)
Wigan v West Ham (4pm)
Only a miracle will do for Chelsea but Carlo Ancelotti will be keen to at least finish the season on a high. They need United to lose two while the Blues need to win their remaining games to avoid relinquishing their tag of champions. It has been a strange season for Chelsea, who started the campaign brilliantly but then slowly slipped down the standings. A miserable winter leaves Ancelotti's position at the club now the subject of intense speculation ahead of Sunday's game at home to Newcastle. The Magpies have little to play for this term and Chelsea will fancy their chances for their final match at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham are currently rock-bottom and in desperate need of a victory at Wigan. The Hammers were close to a comeback win against Blackburn last time out but are in a precarious position as the clock ticks down. Currently four points adrift of safety, it could be curtains for Avram Grant and the prospect of Championship football at the Olympic Stadium suggests a tricky future for West Ham. Wigan have similar problems but home advantage and a two-point cushion above their London opponents will give them heart.
Fight for survival - Wigan v West Ham
Blackpool host Bolton at home and it is a must-win encounter for the Seasiders as they go to Manchester United on the last day of the season. Ian Holloway will know that they cannot travel to Old Trafford in search of three points, but his team have not performed to their best at Bloomfield Road this term. They showed great heart at Tottenham last weekend though, and if the Tangerines can produce a similar showing, then they will fancy their chances against the Trotters.
A fine display from Wolves to see off Black Country rivals West Brom lifted them out of the relegation zone but the job is not yet over for the Molineux outfit. Mick McCarthy insists he will not rest until the season ends but three points at Sunderland would put his side in an excellent position going into the last day. The Black Cats are merely going through the motions and Steve Bruce is now looking to next season - they will therefore either produce a lacklustre effort or play without pressure and be difficult to beat.
Dogfight
The final team in the dogfight are Birmingham City who, despite a number of opportunities to claw themselves out of trouble, sit just three points above the drop zone. The Carling Cup winners will see survival as well as a piece of silverware as a real achievement this season, but the former is not assured just yet. Alex McLeish's Blues host Fulham who are finishing on a high - a win for City would surely be enough, can they manage it?
Live on Sky Sports
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vs
Blackburn v Man Utd
- May 14, 2011 12:30pm
Fifth take on sixth as Liverpool host Tottenham at Anfield hoping to book their place in next year's Europa League. Spurs are tired after an exhausting campaign which saw them reach dizzy heights in Europe, but Harry Redknapp has recently admitted that he will not be too downbeat if they do not finish in the top five. Liverpool's resurgence continues and they will no doubt be buoyed by the news that Kenny Dalglish has penned a new three-year contract.
Arsenal will hope to secure third place and benefit from Manchester City playing in the FA Cup final when they take on Aston Villa at the Emirates. Another year has passed without a trophy for the Gunners and it remains to be seen whether Arsene Wenger will loosen the purse strings in the summer in a bid to strengthen his squad. Villa remain under the stewardship of Gary McAllister while Gerard Houllier is still on the road to recovery.
Finally, Everton go to West Brom looking to take momentum into next season. The Toffees are notoriously slow starters but they are finishing with a real bang and David Moyes will be desperate to keep this current form going in August. The Baggies have done enough to secure their place in the top-flight although it has been an up-and-down campaign for them, Roy Hodgson steering them to safety following the departure of Roberto Di Matteo. This game could go either way.
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