United adamant to avoid another costly slip-up

After the Stamford Bridge mayhem where Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-1 to pull level with their rivals on points at the top of the Premier League standings, seven United players could be in trouble after the FA launched a major probe into the scuffle with groundstaff of the London club.

Today, United host West Ham and Chelsea play away to Newcastle on Monday. In the Champions League semi-finals, both United and Chelsea won on aggregate to set up an all-English final for the first time in European Cup history. Alex Ferguson's team saw off Barcelona 1-0 while Chelsea knocked out Liverpool 4-3 on aggregate.

West Ham are one of only four sides to topple United at home this season with a 2-1 (Ferdinand, Upson; Ronaldo) win at Upton Park. Last season, the Hammers did the double on champions United − home 1-0 (Reo Coker), away 1-0 (Tevez). Argentine striker Carlos Tevez, who is now a key player for United, saved the Londoners from demotion with his goals in the last phase of the campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable season has been recognised by his fellow peers who voted him as their Player of the Year for the second year running. Ryan Giggs has said that United were more than capable of winning the Premier League and European Cup this season. The Hammers, in mid-table, have lost nine league matches on their travels.

Chelsea left it very late to secure the points last Saturday after United's Wayne Rooney had cancelled out Michael Ballack's opener early in the second half. The Blues, for whom Germany captain Ballack scored twice in a match for the first time this season, believe that United will be under intense pressure in their remaining two league matches.

The combat with Newcastle at St James' Park on Monday will be an arduous task for Chelsea since the Magpies are one of the most in-form teams in the Premiership at the moment. Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has promised 'old nemesis' Alex Ferguson that his team would do their best to beat Chelsea.

The Londoners have failed to obtain a Premier League win in their last five visits to St James' Park: 0-0, 0-1, 1-1, 1-2, 1-2.

Liverpool have now secured the fourth Champions League berth after the 2-2 draw at Birmingham where they fielded a depleted side. Their main rivals Everton could only manage a draw against Aston Villa at Goodison Park.

Everton also risk losing out in the fight for the remaining UEFA Cup place by finishing fifth. They are still in pole position but the battle has now become a tug-of-war between them and Aston Villa. The Blues have a three-point advantage over their rivals. The Evertonians will travel to the capital tomorrow to cross swords with Arsenal, while the Villans entertain Wigan this afternoon.

On the last day of the campaign tomorrow week, Everton will be at home to Newcastle and Aston Villa away to West Ham.

Arsenal, along with Chelsea, are the only two sides undefeated in front of their own fans, so Everton have a tough task ahead of them.

While Emmanuel Eboue has voiced his determination to "pay back" Arsene Wenger and become a force in midfield, the boss remarked that Gael Clichy has what it takes to become one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

Gareth Barry, Aston Villa's captain, is undecided about this future after Liverpool and Chelsea expressed an interest in signing him in the summer. Barry will continue to rally the Clarets to achieve a place in Europe.

In their duel with Wigan, the Midlanders will seek to win all the points but Latics boss Steve Bruce claimed that Wigan must secure survival before their end-of-season clash against Manchester United.

Who will join Derby?

Mathematically six clubs are still in the mire of relegation, all fighting hard to avoid joining Derby in the Championship. The Premier League table shows that Fulham and Birmingham are closest to Derby but the former surprised all with their come-from-behind win at Manchester City last weekend.

If one were to take into account goal difference, Wigan and Birmingham are the two best-placed teams with a record of -17, while Reading have the worst as they are on -28.

Fulham will have home advantage when they entertain Birmingham in a direct relegation duel today. The Cottagers have gained six points from their last three outings while Birmingham failed to win in their last four and only managed two draws.

The Blues' Scottish boss Alex McLeish has admitted that his side's date with Fulham is as big a match as any he's been involved in his career. His counterpart, Roy Hodgson, warned the fans not to get carried away with the prospect of survival.

Reading and Bolton are just a point above Birmingham, but they enjoy a three-point advantage on Fulham. Reading will play Tottenham at the Madejski Stadium and Bolton will have home advantage against Sunderland.

In the first round, White Hart Lane was turned into a 'tennis court' after Spurs won 6-4.

Bolton are showing great determination to stay up after collecting seven points from their last three matches, including wins over West Ham (home) and Middlesbrough (away).

Key player Kevin Nolan is determined to have the last laugh on the club's critics who had Bolton already doomed to relegation.

Wigan and Middlesbrough appear to be in relatively safe waters. The Boro fans can't believe how their side crumbled against Sunderland after their fine performance against Manchester United in their previous match.

In the last three games, Middlesbrough have gained a mere point. Boss Gareth Southgate has urged his players to turn the pain of their derby defeat (2-3 at Sunderland) into motivation to keep the club afloat.

The Championship

After West Bromwich Albion's home draw against Southampton on Monday night ensured a return to the top flight for the Baggies, the curtains will come down on another season with tomorrow's fixtures.

West Brom have now leapfrogged Stoke thanks to the point gained on Monday and the two remain favourites to earn automatic promotion to the Premier. Hull are three points behind and since they have a better goal difference, they are still in with a shout.

West Brom will be away to Queens Park Rangers, Stoke at home to Leicester and Hull away to Ipswich.

Scunthorpe and Colchester have already been relegated. Scunthorpe drop back to League One after only one season in the second tier of English football.

After their draw at West Brom, Southampton now lie third from bottom. It would be a disaster for the Saints if they are relegated when, in 2005, they were in the Premier League.