Table Analysis: English Premier League

Well didn't things get really interesting thanks to some injuries that came from Champions League games? Another league where three teams are in contention, and they all have 6 matches remaining. Although many twists in the plot, with key injuries for each team providing some maches that aren't necessarily sure things:



CURRENT TABLE

1. Manchester United: 72 points


2. Chelsea: 71 points


3. Arsenal: 68 points

Manchester United
Remaining Fixtures: Chelsea (H), Blackburn (A), Manchester City (A), Tottenham (H), Sunderland (A), Stoke City (H)
OUTLOOK: I'll have a take in my next blog about how Sir Alex Ferguson's genius will really have to come through with the Wayne Rooney injury. The defending champions face some immediate challenges without their talisman, especially considering the crunch match against Chelsea this Saturday. Yet even before Rooney went down in Munich, United's path to a 4th straight title was already tough enough. If they rush him back for the Manchester derby, be ready for Toure, Lescott, Kompany, et al to be instructed to see how healed that ankle really is. Blackburn are a team on the rise and have been particularly good at home (unbeaten at Ewood in their last 7). Tottenham have been one of the better away sides all season (4th in league) and they'll be fighting for the last Champions League place. Sunderland's home form has been good but they have struggled lately, and getting Stoke at home is a sure three points.
WHAT'S REASONABLE TO EXPECT: A slip up, and in all likelihood with Rooney out. I can see them splitting points with Chelsea at Old Trafford, they'll squeak by Blackburn, and draw at City. After that, they should beat Spurs, Sunderland, and Stoke. 4 wins, 2 draws. 14 points for a finish of 86 points.

Chelsea
Remaining fixtures: Manchester United (A), Bolton (H), Tottenham (A), Stoke City (H), Liverpool (A), Wigan (H)
OUTLOOK: Chelsea didn't play at midweek and might have been the biggest winners of all with the injuries to Rooney and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas. Chelsea had been laboring for sometime now with their own injury issues that have seen players like Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole, and Michael Essien all spending more time with the physios than on the pitch. Carlo Ancelotti has been around the block enough to know that Chelsea doesn't have the big an advantage. Looking at the remaining fixtures should be enough evidence as to why. The home fixtures are all comfortable, but it's as brutal an away fixture list as you would like for a team that is trying to win the Premier League. Liverpool's home record has been perfect in league play since a 2-1 loss to Arsenal back on December 13th of this year. Seeing how Chelsea has had away issues recently, that should be a concern. Tottenham are fighting to keep the final Champions League place as mentioned as well.
WHAT'S REASONABLE TO EXPECT: Already I've said Saturday's clash with United will be a draw, and they should get all 9 points from their remaining home fixtures. I have United finishing on 86 points, meaning Chelsea will have to take full points at White Hart Lane and Anfield. While I think they'll beat Spurs, United fans will be in the soul-selling act of thanking Scousers for beating Chelsea. And the irony of Liverpool being responsible for United passing them on top flight league titles. 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 defeat. 13 points for a total of 84 points.

Arsenal
Remaining Fixtures: Wolves (H), Tottenham (A), Wigan (A), Manchester City (H), Blackburn (A), Fulham (H).
OUTLOOK: Another third place team that is stumbling to the finish line. Milan on injuries, Leverkusen on form. Arsenal are in Milan's boat thanks to the Fabregas injury, but also with Arshavin and Gallas getting knocks in the Barcelona match. They'll need to be perfect to catch United on points the way it is playing out, and then outlast them on goal difference. The fixture list gives them that opportunity. The away fixtures are all manageable, they've seemed to be in control of the North London derby no matter where it's played (save for a 4-4 draw from last season) and they get City at home. Fulham may possibly be in the Europa League final and may not have too much concern for their league standing.
WHAT'S REASONABLE TO EXPECT: That winning six straight is possible. Wolves, Wigan, Blackburn, and Fulham should all be winnable for them (if the Fulham match was at Craven Cottage then I'd think differently). They still have enough resources to win at Spurs, but with all the injuries they may have to settle for a draw there. Additionally, I think they'll draw the City game as well. 4 wins, 2 draws. 14 points for a finish of 82 points.

Thanks to Liverpool, Manchester United should finish off as champions again. The term "mental strength" gets tossed around all the time, and with all his experience, I think Sir Alex will come up with a way to rally his team without Rooney. They'll stem the tide, hold off Chelsea this weekend, and find ways to get the points needed to win the title.