With just 5 games remaining, who will be crowned Barclays Premier League champions?

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It's one of the best title races in years, and with the season culminating on May 11th, HEXUS takes a look at who we think will walk away as champions.

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Read more.

surely the only two option here should be:

- The Scum
- Other (I'm delirious)

I dunno, despite our shall we say dubious predictions, it isn't that straight forward for United yet.

Their next three games are all tough. Arsenal, Blackburn (away) and Chelsea. The Arsenal and Chelsea games are by no means certain wins and Blackburn away is always a dodgy game for United. Worst case scenario, that could be lets say two losses and a draw. That'd really shake things up.

Looking at this weekend, if United lose to Arsenal and Chelsea beat Wigan (which isn't inconceivable), then United and Chelsea would be joint top. Then, United have to travel to Stamford Bridge! :surprised:

United are the most likely, taking into account their position and their form. But, football's football, anything could happen yet. :)

My money is on Chelsea. I fancy Arsenal to beat Man U next week.

some goon voted arsenal.. are you lurking j.o.s.h?

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Originally Posted by MadduckUK

some goon voted arsenal.. are you lurking j.o.s.h?

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It could be a Chelsea supporter who got lost... ;)

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Originally Posted by Steven W

My money is on Chelsea. I fancy Arsenal to beat Man U next week.

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They'll be tired after this weekends adventures in the Champions League. I've a sneaky feeling that the Liverpool vs Arsenal game is going to be another draw, meaning that extra time and maybe penalties are going to be needed to determine who's going through.

Alex Ferguson has been there, done this so many times. I would be suprised to see United slip up, even if Vidic is out for a couple of weeks. If Ferdinand's injury is bad as well it could make things interesting.

The Vidic injury could have an impact, he's so solid at the back. Ferdinand seems to struggle getting the defense organised when Vidic isn't alongside him.

Vidic's absense against Borough really showed yesterday. Granted, Borough had a lot of men going forward, but United's defense looked as unorganised as I've seen it all system. Borough could have scored three or four on another day.

It aint over til the Frank Lampard aka The Fat Lady sings.

I would love Arsenal to come romping up the rails and collect but i cant see it! :(

I think Utd will struggle in their last few games.
Arsenal will win at OT.
Man-Yoo will lose at SB

Chelsea to sneak it for me.

If Arsenal dont win (which is likely) then at least i would rather the PL Trophy comes to London rather than stay oop tut Nawth. That will then keep the Glory Hunting, Prawn Sandwich brigade at OT quiet.

I'd rather have Arsenal win it (only because they play better football) then Chelsea. But I think Man Utd may nick it though. :)

I think its gonna be chelsea.

ARsenal have fallen back now. 2 wins in 11 games at this time of the season is not good enough.

VIdic is a very important player and IMO he is the 1 player manure cant play without. THeres been a lot of talk about them being a 1 man team with ronaldo but its all very well getting loads of goals but if ur defence cant keep the oponents under control it wont matter.

CHelsea where written off at xmas and all the pundits kept talking about it being a 2 horse race. THey have kept winning and getting on with things and are looking good for the title.

I agree.
Forget Ronaldo..............its their defence that has put them in their position.

I'm hoping united win it. But looking at our defence at boro has got me extremely worried. I just can't see a decent defensive pairing. Fergie has mentioned brown and pique but brown had a horror show on sunday and from what I've seen of pique in the reserves this year, the boy is not a defender. Great distribution, confortable on the ball. But he's got no pace and terrible positional sense. Hopefully both of these will come in the future but I have to say I'm a little sceptical.

Arsenal HAVE to win this weekend. If united win I think it's season over for them in terms of the league.

As for chelsea, who honestly wants to see the title go back to a team full of brain-dead, overpaid primadonna's who play the most negative football I have seen since.....well liverpool. I can't believe I'm reading arsenal fans wanting chelsea to win. Surely as supporters who watch your team play such wonderful football, you appreciate a bit of excitement?

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who honestly wants to see the title go back to a team full of brain-dead, overpaid primadonna's

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I would rather that than see it stay with the current team full of brain-dead, overpaid primadonna's.

If it wasnt for Ferguson i would actually enjoy watching Utd.... (did i say that?) He's just such a red-faced tit.

Thing is, he the most ungracious loser on the planet and when it all goes wrong he blames everyone but himself. If they dont win the PL i am just waiting for him to blame injuries.
Chelski, Liverpool and Arsenal have all had their fair share (Arsenal with MAIN players aswell). IMHO...Ferguson has been lucky to have Ronaldo, Ferdinand and Rooney stay fit until now. If they hadnt been, then i seriously doubt Utd would be in the top 2.

Arsenal have been without Van Persie and Rosicky practically all season and have only just relinquished top stop. I think that speaks volumes. If they had stayed/been fit, we would still be top now.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...kuk/t8b0h4.gif
cool as a cucumber

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

Thing is, he the most ungracious loser on the planet and when it all goes wrong he blames everyone but himself.

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I dunno, it'd be a close call between Fergie and Wenger, they're both as bad as each other. Though, I'd say Wenger is slightly worse, he gets closer to getting himself into all-out touchline brawls with other managers.

At liverpool We lost Agger pretty early which has been a huge blow. Hyppia is a great player but hes not fast enough and on a lot of occasions he`s been caught out by attacking players.

Wenger made a comment the other day about how without the injuries you`d still be top. That might be true but its the same for all teams. Also he said he didnt expect to be without VP and ROsicky for large parts of the season. He signed the players and sees them train I`m sure he`s aware that they are made of the same stuff as darren anderton and rob jones.

being a manu fan, im gonna vote for them but its certainly tight, im not so sure as i was a few weeks back. one things for sure though, i cant wait to watch some tense football :)

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At liverpool We lost Agger pretty early which has been a huge blow. Hyppia is a great player but hes not fast enough and on a lot of occasions he`s been caught out by attacking players.

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That maybe so by neither of those, although good footballers, arent in the same class as RvP or Rosicky.

As long a Spurs (more chance of slippin Christina Aguilera one) or Man-Yoo dont win, im happier.

As a Utd fan I would really like to see them win, but I'm a little scared at the moment as it seems Fergie really wants the CL to go with the one in '99 and I can see him trying to stretch the squad, especially without Vidic and now Rio possibly out for a week of so.

But this could also be seen the other way as with both centre defenders out he might try and go even more attacking to keep the ball away from the back.

All in all this will make for one of the best PL run ins that I can remember for a long while, and the games between Man Utd Arsenal and Chelsea Man Utd being rather massive for all involved.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

That maybe so by neither of those, although good footballers, arent in the same class as RvP or Rosicky.

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Its a different position though.

As I said earlier MAnure without Vidic look a lot weaker at the back. Liverpool without agger had similar problems.

RVP and Rosicky are attacking players. They are also both pretty injury prone players. NOt doubting their skills at all.

With Arsenal out of the champions league, maybe they'll now make one last ditch charge for the premiership. They won't have the hassle of playing more games and travelling, they can focus their attention now.

I still think it'll be Man Utd or Chelsea, but I wouldn't rule out Arsenal. If Arsenal can beat Man Utd this weekend, they'll be right back in it.

I totally agree with Mallet:

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All in all this will make for one of the best PL run ins that I can remember for a long while, and the games between Man Utd Arsenal and Chelsea Man Utd being rather massive for all involved.

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Blimey its like deciding how to die - electrocution, electrocution and firing squad or electrocution, firing squad and man-eating whitebait :confused:

As a boring-as-paint-drying-Hammers fan my dream would be to once again scupper Taggart's title chances as we did when Blackburn took the title off them, however, going by our performances lately I predict a 6-0 thumping and sadly feel it will all be over by the time we get to play them. Still ordered my tickets today regardless..........

lol a hammers fan with a sense of humour :)

The next few matches for United are going to be hard. Not only for them but for me as well as I'm trying to stop smoking and biting my nails at the same time.

Utd do appear to the none man utd fans to have an issue with defence atm in regards to injuries. However, I have faith in the players we have there at the moment. I can see Wes Brown and Piqué being in the central roles with Evra and O'Shea on the sides respectively.

Even if teams get a goal against us I can't see us not getting 2 or 3 or even 4 at the moment the way we're playing attacking football. Yes - 'boro was a slip-up but you know Fergie and his 'hair-dryer' would soon sought all that out :)

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Originally Posted by Lee @ SCAN

lol a hammers fan with a sense of humour :)

The next few matches for United are going to be hard. Not only for them but for me as well as I'm trying to stop smoking and biting my nails at the same time.

Utd do appear to the none man utd fans to have an issue with defence atm in regards to injuries. However, I have faith in the players we have there at the moment. I can see Wes Brown and Piqué being in the central roles with Evra and O'Shea on the sides respectively.

Even if teams get a goal against us I can't see us not getting 2 or 3 or even 4 at the moment the way we're playing attacking football. Yes - 'boro was a slip-up but you know Fergie and his 'hair-dryer' would soon sought all that out :)

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Lee, being a season ticket holder and watching the drivel we've been playing lately if I had no sense of humour I'd be slitting my wrists. Good to see the (God Bless) Pards todo with Wenger at the top of the page, remeber that moment vividly :mrgreen:

So we can agree it utd then? :D

Arsenal are definitely out of it, but Chelsea are still right in the running. :)

Chelsea vs Man Utd, that'll be a huge game. If Utd win against Blackburn and Chelsea, they'll be crowned champions at Stamford Bridge - Chelsea won't want that!

If Chelsea beat Wigan tonight, and Man Utd next week, they'll be joint top.... still all to play for, but you've got to favour Utd cause of their form.

Watching Chelsea vs Wigan now. So far its 0-0 and Wigan are not playing too badly. I am hoping Bruce can do us a favour :)

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/icon_mad.gif way to jinx it.

started watching and wigan look terrible

WE LOVE YOU BRUCE!!!! 1-1 full time

Emile Heskey 92nd minute

http://images.sportinglife.com/sport...chwiganpop.jpg scary :o
http://i27.tinypic.com/3466wwx.jpg strategic mastermind http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...s/icon_lol.gif

Well Heskey has settled it now.

Who voted for Arsenal btw? :D

Always had faith in good ol' Emile! Thank you Wigan!

Surely United's title now. :)

Still a chance for Deputy Dawg's Hammers to put a spanner in the works on May 3rd :woowoo:


or probably not bearing in mind the crap Piglids is dishing us up at the Boleyn :innocent:

I......what?

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Originally Posted by clearlyolly

I......what?

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Man U v West Ham - May 3rd

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Originally Posted by AGxM

Man U v West Ham - May 3rd

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Nah, it will be over by then. Everton on Thursday night will ensure that as I can't see Chelski going to Everton and winning after last nights performance.

Even if it did depend on that West Ham game - I can't see you causing United too much trouble with the current status of your play ;)

btw - did Parm put his money where his mouth is and put some on Utd 2 - Arsenal 1 ?

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Originally Posted by Lee @ SCAN

btw - did Parm put his money where his mouth is and put some on Utd 2 - Arsenal 1 ?

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I didn't, but you can bet I was wishing I had done at full time! :angst:

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Originally Posted by Lee @ SCAN

Nah, it will be over by then. Everton on Thursday night will ensure that as I can't see Chelski going to Everton and winning after last nights performance.

Even if it did depend on that West Ham game - I can't see you causing United too much trouble with the current status of your play ;)

btw - did Parm put his money where his mouth is and put some on Utd 2 - Arsenal 1 ?

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Don't be so sure Mancy Jim. The title is over, Man U have won it, but we are not playing well at the moment. Since we got kicked out of Europe on pens, we've lost away at Fulham, drew with West Ham at home, lost to Liverpool, and only managed a draw with BLues. The only team we've beaten lately is rock bottom Derby, and that was 1-0.

Cahill is out for the season and our form is poor. Forget catching Liverpool, we need to make sure Pompey don't catch us.

Chelsea can beat us at Goodison, deffo, but I reckon a score draw is likely.

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Originally Posted by Stewart

Chelsea can beat us at Goodison, deffo, but I reckon a score draw is likely.

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That's what I'm hoping for :)

The pics are also out of the Arsenal team after hearing about the Chelsea & Wigan score ;)

http://i30.tinypic.com/jr4r3s.jpg

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Awesome picture! :laugh:

Chelsea are still hanging on in there with last night's win against Everton. Not over yet. :)

If united lose to blackburn on the weekend its in chelseas hands..

Any Manc Utd fans remember the 1996/95 season :innocent:

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Blackburn's 2-1 defeat at Dalglish's old club Liverpool on the final day of the season looked to have blown the club's dreams to pieces. But the news came through that their arch rivals Manchester United could only manage a 1-1 draw at West Ham United and the league title was back at Blackburn Rovers for the first time since 1914.

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:O_o1: Not going to happen but we can dream!

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Originally Posted by AGxM

Any Manc Utd fans remember the 1996/95 season :innocent:

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Yeap - I actually cried when that happened. I was 16ish and rather drunk.

Actually, I think that drove the united team to try even harder next season and push harder so in retrospect I think Sir Alex now thanks West Ham for that. What would have happened if we'd won? Would have complatency set in - maybe and we might not have develop that desire to win which thrusted us towards to monumental 1999 treble winning season.

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Originally Posted by kopite

If united lose to blackburn on the weekend its in chelseas hands..

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dont see why they would, we beat them pretty comfortably after all :D

Man U losing 1-0 to Blackburn!!! Eeeeeek!!! :surrender:

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Originally Posted by Parm

Man U losing 1-0 to Blackburn!!! Eeeeeek!!! :surrender:

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Good goal, defence was at sea.

I think Fergie should bring on Park and Nani on after half time, and possibly take giggs off.

Well its finished a draw.

means next weeks match at stamford bridge is gonna be interesting

even after the draw i still think its utd's to lose. anyone got any tickets for stamford bridge nxt wk?!

If Chelsea win at Stamford Bridge next week, it could all come down to nerves in the last two games. God only knows how much pressure you'd be under with two games remaining and both teams being split by only goal difference. :surprised:

United have to go for the win against Chelsea on Saturday, I can't wait for the game but I know I'll be shaking from nerves whilst watching!

Worst thing is, Chelsea vs Man Utd, the most important Premier League game of the year, is sandwiched in the middle of the two biggest Champions League games of the year. It's all happening! :O_o1:

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

I would rather that than see it stay with the current team full of brain-dead, overpaid primadonna's.

If it wasnt for Ferguson i would actually enjoy watching Utd.... (did i say that?) He's just such a red-faced tit.

Thing is, he the most ungracious loser on the planet and when it all goes wrong he blames everyone but himself. .

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Oh sweet mary mother of jesus

You are kidding me arent you .........

Arsene Winger - errr William "bébé de cri" Gallas,

If Fergie is the most ungracious loser on the planet then the Universe award must got to these 2 chaps,

Mr Wenger never blames his team for anything, mind you thats Foreigners for you :)

So chelsea won, that makes things rather interesting and to be honest i'm glad they did, it makes the end of the season much more interesting since it could go down to the last match of the season.

ANd manu have to play West ham which they havent done to well against lately

It's all wide open now!!! Going right down to the wire. I really thought United were going to draw today, what a great game it was though - very entertaining.

The remaining fixtures should be fantastic, all to play for. Man Utd vs West Ham and Newcastle vs Chelsea next weekend, can't wait! :)

*EDIT* Has anybody noticed my predictions? I predicted Man U to beat Arsenal, 2-1. Predicted Man Utd to draw against Blackburn - they did. I predicted Man Utd to lose 2-1 to Chelsea, spot on!

For the last two fixtures, I predicted Utd to come back strong and win convincingly - here's hoping!

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Originally Posted by Parm

For the last two fixtures, I predicted Utd to come back strong and win convincingly - here's hoping!

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I hope you are correct.

I was quite depressed after todays game, we almost had a draw at the end with those two off the line. Not too sure why Fergie played a weakened team against Chelsea, suppose he had one eye on Tueday. If we played our strongest team I think we could have got something.

I hope we go guns blazing against Barcelona, should be good match. :) Any ideas what the score might be?

It's so hard to judge now. The Man Utd squad is essentially very young. Some might argue that we've got the experience of Giggs and Scholes but through lack of recent appearances, they're both now 'fringe' players in my opinion and not intergral to the team.

In the past decade, Man Utd were reknowned from jumping back from defeats - usually with Keane taking things by the scruff of the neck. Can the likes of Carrick, Hargraeves, Anderson bounce back in a similar way? It's a tough one, hard to call.

It's a big ask against Barca now, but if Vidic and Rooney return, and Fergie picks a very attacking side, I think we can win. Barca will score, but with their defence, I can see Utd scoring more. I'm gonna go for a high-scoring prediction of 4-2 to Man Utd. *fingers crossed*

Going back to the Chelsea match yesterday, how poor is Nani right now? He's got good control, two good feet, a great shot and decent body strength...but, his decision making is abysmal! Rarely does he do the right thing and his mentality of shoot on sight is infuriating. He'll need to improve rapidly or he'll be moving on - he drives his fellow players, and manager, up the wall.

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Originally Posted by Steve A

Oh sweet mary mother of jesus

You are kidding me arent you .........

Arsene Winger - errr William "bébé de cri" Gallas,

If Fergie is the most ungracious loser on the planet then the Universe award must got to these 2 chaps,

Mr Wenger never blames his team for anything, mind you thats Foreigners for you :)

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Decided not to watch SAF and Quieroz yesterday then after the penatly decision?
Even Andy (Man-yoo) Gray had to conceed that the referee got it SPOT ON.
Both of them couldnt believe it was given. About time one was, it was the first pen against Man-Yoo THIS SEASON..............couldnt have come at a better time either.


The most amusing thing is that only 2 weeks ago Ferguson was saying it would all be wrapped by now.
Far from it seems.
I would rather Chelski win the PL and Barca win the CL. Lets see who Ferguson blames then.

At least Arsenal arent the only team to throw away a 5 point lead!

Prawn Sandwich anyone :lol:

Come on Derby, you can do it....

Alex Fergeson is so funny in the interviews after games when they loose, could it never be that they wern't the best team on the day?

Looking at the fixtures you's have to fancy both Chelsea and Man U to win thier 2 remaining games and for Man U to win on goal difference.

Champions league still way open though, any of the 4 could win.
I'm still finding it fasinating even though Arsneal are out if it.

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Originally Posted by Andy3536

I'm still finding it fasinating even though Arsneal are out if it.

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Mathematically Arsenal can stil win the league if they win their last 3 remaining games, and Chelsea and Man Utd lose one, and draw one. Highly unlikely but you never know:D

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Originally Posted by shadowmaster

Mathematically Arsenal can stil win the league if they win their last 3 remaining games, and Chelsea and Man Utd lose one, and draw one. Highly unlikely but you never know:D

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In my own little Pro evo created world they always win :rolleyes:

checked the odds for arsenal to win 100-1 :)

Somehow I can't see Man Utd throw away the PL and CL. They'll at least get one bit of silverware (in terms of either PL or CL) whereas I think Chelsea are burning their players trying for both CL and PL. I don't think they have the depth/strength of team squad play as Man Utd, and you could see that during the game between the two (referring to the Drogba/Ballack free kick and the aftermath).

Arsenal could still win the PL...even if it is an outside chance, it could simply be a case both Man Utd and Chelsea concentrate on the CL and let the last remaining games slip by fielding tired or second/third string players.

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don't think they have the depth/strength of team squad play as Man Utd,

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I dont support either but i think Chelski have a far better squad strenghth/depth wise that you give them credit for.

Remember, the best Man-yoo could muster up yesterday was John O'Shea. I can think of another top 10 Premier League team he would even make the bench for.

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Originally Posted by Andy3536

Looking at the fixtures you's have to fancy both Chelsea and Man U to win thier 2 remaining games and for Man U to win on goal difference.

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Hmm West Ham are a bogey team for utd. Depends what team SAF puts out. He needs to play his best 11 and stop with the silly 4-5-1 formations.

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Originally Posted by MSIC

Come on Derby, you can do it....

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i would rather derby broke the fewest points record then take anything off the gooners it has to be said. its been an extra thing to keep watch on this season and iv enjoyed it :) hope we have another team of there quality next year

Arsenal 100-1 mmmn. Man U and Chelsea to draw one and lose one and the Arse to sneak it by a point with three straight wins. :D Probably worth a fiver.

<--- ever the optimistic Gooner (we can dream) ;)

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

I dont support either but i think Chelski have a far better squad strenghth/depth wise that you give them credit for.

Remember, the best Man-yoo could muster up yesterday was John O'Shea. I can think of another top 10 Premier League team he would even make the bench for.

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The way I see things, Man Utd fielded a weaker squad in terms of individual skills however I still believe that Man Utd can field and play a better game with 2nd/3rd string players than Chelsea if they did the same.

On the day Chelsea won, but at what cost to the CL? I'm sure the line up won't be much different to the PL game vs Man Utd, whereas I can see Man Utd fielding a stronger, more attacking team against Barca.

Depends if Rooney and Vidic play.

In my mind, Vidic is a far better all round player than Ferdinand. If O'Shea has toplay they are in the poo.

And lets not forget Rooney. His goal return isnt great but the reason Ronaldo scores so many is a direct result of Rooney's movement. Defenders/Midfielders follow Rooney and thats where the space is created for Roanldo.

Ronaldo is nowhere near as effective when Rooney is out of the side.

crap the mancs won today but west ham let them cos last year man u let them win and stay in the permiership. chelsea best win there match on monday

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

Ronaldo is nowhere near as effective when Rooney is out of the side.

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He did alright today :D

Now we just need Newcastle to destroy Chelsea on Sunday, I reckon it will be a tough game for Chelsea away at St. James'. :juggle:

Chimp

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Originally Posted by PsychoChimp

He did alright today :D

Now we just need Newcastle to destroy Chelsea on Sunday, I reckon it will be a tough game for Chelsea away at St. James'. :juggle:

Chimp

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2 very deflected goals.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

2 very deflected goals.

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The first one was, the second came straight off his thigh.

40 goals in a season for someone that isn't a striker is still ridiculous tho.

TiG

Agreed with Tig. That's something special, but you know how british it is to knock someone/something that's better so it's okay for everyone to hate him ;)

Last game of the season is going to be a nail-bitter thats for certain. Anyone want to loan me their fingers as I've already chewed my nails off yesterday much to the annoyance of the Mrs :rolleyes:

If chelski win, this is what you'll be seeing on MoTD next weekend :)

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/1288/166xidjhc1.gif

:mrgreen:

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If chelski win, this is what you'll be seeing on MoTD next weekend

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And if Man-USA dont, i wonder who Ferguson will blame it on

ooooh, it's all going down to the very last day! I'd like to say I'm confident Utd will pull through, but feck am I! It's only Tuesday and I'm sh*tting myself already! :surprised:

Come on Brucey, don't let us down!

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Originally Posted by Parm

ooooh, it's all going down to the very last day! I'd like to say I'm confident Utd will pull through, but feck am I! It's only Tuesday and I'm sh*tting myself already! :surprised:

Come on Brucey, don't let us down!

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I will be stocking up on blood pressure meds.

Top of the table? Bah!

Cmon Fulham!

yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyes!!!! :bowdown:

Lots of yeeesssssss from me!

No championship for us next season!

That was one nervous game up until Giggs scored. And well done Fulham :)

Now lets see we can beat Chelsea at Moscow and do the double!!!

im well up for moscow now!! bring on chelsea oh yeaaahhh!!!!!!!!!!!

Man-USA deserve it i think.

Shame Steve Bennett nearly wrecked it with some VERY poor decisions this afternoon though.

Ferdinand definitely handballed it and Scholes shouldve been sent off. Both instances that couldve chaned the match entirely.

Utd shouldve hand a penalty aswell.

http://awooga.org/images/0q9cri1yukgr53f3lnac.jpg

:D:D:D CMON UTD!!!!!!! Pity i have exams at uni tomorrow or id be very drunk rite now!!!