Chelsea and Man. United vie for title as Arsenal falter

Chelsea and Manchester United are the remaining challengers for the Premier League title after Arsenal all but dropped out of contention following back-to-back defeats to Tottenham and Wigan.

At present, the Blues have a one-point lead over United and enjoy a better three-goal difference with only three matches left.

After their last outings, the Red Devils are now being fancied by many to go all the way as Chelsea may struggle psychologically to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.

After a goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers, United responded with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Manchester City in the derby.

Their remaining fixtures:

Manchester United
Today: Home vs Tottenham.
May 1: Away vs Sunderland.
May 9: Home vs Stoke.

Chelsea
Tomorrow: Home vs Stoke.
May 1: Away vs Liverpool.
May 9: Home vs Wigan.
May 15: FA Cup final (Wembley) vs Portsmouth.

The two title contenders play at home this weekend - Chelsea entertain Stoke tomorrow and United host Tottenham this afternoon.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has called on his players to control their nerves after panicking against Tottenham.

Tomorrow, the Blues will be without captain John Terry who received a one-match ban after his red card against the Spurs.

Last week, Chelsea revealed that they had spent a staggering £142.6m on salaries in the past year − the highest wage bill in English football history.

It was over £20m more than Manchester United's budget and £40m more than Arsenal's.

Stoke, who earlier in the season lost at home to Chelsea 1-2, are in safe waters thanks mainly to home form as they have only won three league games on their travels.

In the last two seasons in the Premier League, the Potters failed to gain a single point against Chelsea.

The Tottenham fans will be keen to watch their favourites take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Spurs are confident that they can upset the third contender for the title, following successive wins over Arsenal 2-1 and Chelsea 2-1, and consolidate their fourth placing.

Yet, their excursion to United's patch promises to be more arduous, even if the Londoners are on a high.

In 18 seasons of Premiership football, Tottenham managed only three draws at Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson has reportedly informed Jose Mourinho, currently at Inter, that he has no intention of handing over the managerial job at United to him.

The Scot is known to be a big admirer of Everton's David Moyes.

Ade, Toure return

Arsenal could do their rivals Tottenham a big favour this evening by beating Manchester City at the Emirates.

Arsene Wenger has insisted that Arsenal will keep fighting until the end even if the Gunners are now six points off the top. Arsenal's surrender of a two-goal lead in their 2-3 defeat to Wigan was described by critics as a suicide.

Sequel to their midweek win at Hull, Aston Villa are now only one point behind City and three adrift of Tottenham. The Midlanders can end the season on a high if they manage to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Tomorrow, Villa entertain Birmingham in a Midlands derby. The Blues appear to have lost their way lately, now winless in their last six league outings.

On Monday night, Liverpool beat West Ham 3-0 at home. The Reds suffered a terrible blow with the news that striker Fernando Torres will be out for the rest of the season.

It is indeed sad for the Reds fans to watch their favourites toil without the Spanish star as Liverpool are again paying the price for their failure to sign another top-quality striker in the last two seasons.

Burnley, Liverpool's opponents tomorrow, are on the verge of relegation but if they topple Liverpool at Turf Moor, they will revive their fading hopes.

At Upton Park, the encounter between West Ham and Wigan can indeed decide where the Hammers will be playing next season.

Wigan gave themselves a shot in the arm with their stunning comeback victory over Arsenal at the DW Stadium.

Hugo Rodallega, the ace in the Latics' pack, has become one of the top targets for Premier clubs next season, including Arsenal.