The Groundsman’s Shed

It’s a credit to the competitiveness of the Premier League, really- as it’s April, Manchester United have just drawn with Middlesborough (a club whose name connotes boring, bland, middle-of-the-road football, but has managed to serve up some of the biggest surprises of the season), and Chelsea are now just three points from the top of the table.  Yesterday I wrote a bit concerning the comments about Arsenal at the beginning of the season, but today it’s best to note that since Mourinho left/was kicked out of Chelsea everyone has consistently written them off. 

The Blues quietly made their way to the Carling Cup final, only to lose in a dull, gritty fashion to a more inspired team.  Up to and after that point, I believe a lot of the football community’s eyes (outside of those at home in Stamford Bridge) may have just skipped over the 3rd place spot Chelsea climbed to, and held for most of the season- continuing to just wait for the team to implode under the care of Avram Grant and under the watchful eyes of Roman Abramovich.  The team hasn’t gone up in flames, and mathematically  there just may be a chance to keep the season from ending in tears.

But does it all work out in reality?  Here’s a look at the remaining opponents for Manchester United and Chelsea (and I’m including Arsenal, because as a fan- you never truly give up hope!):

Manchester United (77): Arsenal(h), Blackburn(a), Chelsea(a), West Ham(h), Wigan(a)

Chelsea (74): Wigan(h), Everton(a), Man U(h), Newcastle(a), Bolton(h)

Arsenal (71): Man U(a), Reading(h), Derby(a), Everton(h), Sunderland(a)

So is the race for the title back on?  Who do you think will have the Premier Leage Title for the 2007-2008 season?

[Photo: AP/Alastair Grant]

EDIT: I added home and away notifications next to each of the fixtures so that you can get a better idea of what each team is facing.