28 April 2011
Round 35 of the English Premier League takes place over the coming weekend and Arsenal, who are all but out of the title race after their defeat at Bolton Wanderers last weekend, could still have a say in where the trophy ends up as they face leaders Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday.
The Gunners are a full nine points behind the Red Devils with just 12 points up for grabs in what remains of the season, so even a draw would virtually eliminate their already slim hopes. However, United left-back Patrice Evra believes that a desperate Arsenal could be difficult opponents.
“You have to fear the wounded animal,” said Evra. “It is all or nothing for Arsenal so that is a danger. They will want to show they can still win the title.”
Chelsea will certainly be hoping that the Gunners dent Uniteds title hopes. The Blues are in second, six points adrift of the lead, and they have a game against United coming up a victory for Arsenal could just open the door for Carlo Ancelottis side to defend their crown.
However, they have a tough match themselves on Saturday, hosting a Tottenham Hotspur side who are desperate to overhaul Manchester City in the race for the last Champions League qualifying berth.
The relegation battle will also catch the headlines this weekend, with the bottom six clubs covered by just six points. Birmingham City, who are 15th on the log and surely need just one more win to secure their top flight status, will hope to get those precious three points on Sunday afternoon when they host second-from-bottom Wolves.
The other clubs in trouble have differing challenges. Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, both just above the relegation zone, have home games against Bolton and Stoke City that they simply must get a positive result from if they are to keep their heads above water.
Wigan Athletic will look to capitalise on any mistakes from Rovers and Blackpool, but their home game against an in-form Everton will be no easy task, while bottom-of-the-log West Ham United have the toughest challenge of all the strugglers: away to Manchester City in the last fixture of the weekend.
English Premier League weekend fixtures:
Saturday, 30 April
Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Blackpool v Stoke City
Sunderland v Fulham
West Bromwich Albion v Aston Villa
Wigan Athletic v Everton
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday, 1 May
Birmingham City v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Liverpool v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Manchester United
Manchester City v West Ham United
