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Home / Sport / Football / English Premier League

Christopher Chang: EPL title - It's all come down to this

Herald online
9 May, 2012 11:45 PM2 mins to read

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It's a mouth-watering prospect that so much is yet to be decided in the Premier League with only one round of fixtures left to play.

Wolves and Blackburn have been relegated, that much is certain. But there is still time for twists and miracles, which could dramatically alter the complexion of the table by the end of Survival Sunday.

A fabulous twist of irony has pitched Manchester City against QPR - managed by Mark Hughes, who was acrimoniously discarded by City in favour of Roberto Mancini. Fortunately, there is much more at stake than a pure revenge mission for Hughes.

A win or draw for Rangers would guarantee Premier League survival (the club is currently teetering above 18th-placed Bolton, two points ahead). It would also blast a hole wide open for Sparky's old team Manchester United to canter through and claim the title... providing they can overcome Sunderland.

As if any more spice was needed for that fixture, no fewer than three former City players could feature for Hughes' side: Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright Phillips and Joey Barton. Times have certainly changed at the Eastlands since those players wore sky blue.

Elsewhere, QPR's main survival rivals Bolton Wanderers face a tricky trip to Stoke while Everton (playing Newcastle) and Liverpool (facing Swansea) compete for local bragging rights in a fight to finish higher up the ladder.

Three clubs are chasing third place, the all-important spot guaranteeing Champions League qualification. That position under the Manchester clubs has become even more coveted since Chelsea reached the final against Bayern Munich. If Chelsea win that match, they'll automatically get the chance to defend their title next season. And the Premier League's fourth-placed team will miss out on qualification.

Arsenal should be favourites to cling on, but the slip up against Norwich will send some unease through the side as they head to the Hawthorns. It's unbelievable to think Newcastle could leapfrog both the Gunners and Tottenham, but Alan Pardew's men have had a phenomenal season. No-one could argue with them being worthy qualifiers if they were to pull of the remarkable feat of finishing third.

The last round of matches kick off together at 2am (NZT) Monday, so it's all set up for a tantalising finish. Expect drama, tears, and celebrations.

* Follow Chris Chang on Twitter

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