The two Manchester clubs have fought hard all season, but it is Man City who are odds-on favourites now. A win against QPR will guarantee Roberto Mancinis men the title, barring a freak result between Man United and Sunderland. QPR have their own future to worry about, and ex-United player and City manager Mark Hughes will want to get one over his old employers, but given Citys home record and Rangers dire away form, and the gulf in quality between the two sets of players, City look set to win their first title since 1968. United will surely win at the Stadium of Light so Yaya Toure and company cannot afford any slip up.
2. The Fight For Survival
Speaking of QPR, they could do with a result at the Etihad on Sunday. A draw should see them safe as they hold a two point and considerable goal difference advantage over their relegation rivals, Bolton. Owen Coyles men face a trip to Stoke which would normally be labelled tricky but Wanderers should be hearten by the fact that last year Wigan went to the Britannia and picked up the win they needed to stay up. As stated above, QPRs away record is poor, the worst in the division in fact. Bolton on the other hand are much happier on their travels and while Stoke can jump into the top half if results go their way, Bolton will fancy their chances of sneaking to safety.
3. The Race for Third
Is this the race no one wants to win? After Tottenham fell to pieces, Arsenal seemed set to finish third, which was unlikely given their travails earlier in the season. Then Arsenal dropped points against Norwich, Newcastle lost to City, and Tottenham slipped up at Villa. With one point separating third from fourth, and fourth from fifth, the battle for the Champions League spots was already exciting without the fact that, should Chelsea win the Champions League by beating Bayern Munich, fourth will not be good enough to get into Europes premier competition. Newcastle face the trickiest fixture, having to travel to Everton, while Tottenham host former manager Martin Jol and his Fulham side. Arsenal travel to West Brom for Roy Hodgsons final game in charge. One might think third to fifth will stay as they are Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle but given the inconsistency of the two London clubs, only a fool would count out Newcastle. They do need a massive swing in goal difference if they tie on points though.
4. The Pride of Liverpool
Its been a disappointing season all told on Merseyside this year. Everton had their trademark sluggish start and lost against bitter rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup semi final, and while Liverpool won one cup and reached the final of another, their league performances, especially at Anfield, have been very poor and their big summer signings have failed to live up to the billing. Both sides can redeem themselves by finishing ahead of their local rivals. Everton have a one point lead of the Reds and play at home, while Liverpool travel to Swansea. Newcastle will be chasing a Champions League spot, while Swansea will want to finish on a high. Speaking of which...
5. Best of the Newbies
Swansea have enjoyed a stellar debut season in the Premiership. Brendan Rogers has won plaudits for the way he has made his team play, and at home they have picked up notable scalps in Arsenal and Manchester City. Despite this, they sit level on points with Norwich, who have proved in their recent trips to North London that there is more about them than sheer grit and determination. Tenth place is still possible, and for newcomers that extra half million per league place is a prize in itself. With another season of Premiership football assured, both teams will want to put on a show in front of their own fans, and finishing the top promoted side will be a pleasing accolade to a successful season. * The only game not covered in these five battles is the Wigan Wolves game. What odds on that being the most entertaining match of the lot?