Chelsea almost there
THE stage is set for a Premier League coronation this weekend as champions-elect Chelsea host Crystal Palace today needing three points to claim a first league title since 2010.
Chelsea s 3-1 win at Leicester City on Wednesday left them 13 points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, who have a game in hand, and brought the league trophy to within touching distance.
The title seems destined for Stamford Bridge regardless of what happens this weekend, but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is eager to cross the line in front of the club s fans.
It s amazing to win a title, but if you win it at home it puts the icing on the cake,” said the 32-yearold Czech.
With Palace 12 points clear of the bottom three and safe from relegation, they would appear to represent perfect dupes for Chelsea s title party.
But while Alan Pardew s side have lost their last two home games, going down 20 to West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, they have been beaten only once in eight matches on the road.
As well as the title race, the battle for Champions League qualification also appears to be sewn up, with Liverpool now seven points adrift of the top four following their lacklustre 10 loss at Hull on Tuesday.
But while City, Arsenal and Manchester United look assured of a top-four berth, it is only by finishing in the top three that automatic passage to Europe s elite club competition can be secured.
City currently lead the way, heading Arsenal on goal difference, but they have played a game more than Arsene Wenger s men and face an awkward trip to sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur today.
United will look to steal a march on both their rivals by winning at home to West Brom, who pulled off a famous victory at Old Trafford last season.
United lost 3-0 at Everton last time out their second defeat in a row and defender Chris Smalling has urged his team-mates to make amends.
The relative stability at the top of the standings has lent greater prominence to the battle to avoid relegation.
Bottom club Burnley, five points adrift of safety, could be left on the brink of an immediate return to the Championship if they do not win at West Ham United.
Queens Park Rangers, a point better off, are similarly desperate for points ahead of their trip to Liverpool, while third-bottom Sunderland, who have a game in hand on all the teams around them, host Southampton.
Leicester host a flatlining Newcastle United team who have lost their last seven matches.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson has told his players that despite their improved recent form, there is still a long way to go. FIXTURES Today: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (2.30pm), Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City (5pm).
Tomorrow: Hull City vs Arsenal (9pm). AFP