At the start of March a Wayne Rooney goal gave United a first-half lead over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as United looked to be on their way to all but ending Chelsea’s title prospects as they were on the verge of opening up an 18 point lead over the defending champions. However, late goals from David Luiz and Frank Lampard stunned United and resurrected Chelsea’s – admittedly still faint – title hopes. Now, two months later, Chelsea have miraculously reduced the gap between themselves and United to three points with just three games remaining. To add to the drama United and Chelsea lock horns at Old Trafford next Sunday in what is effectively a title decider. Whilst a United win would virtually hand them the title, three points for Chelsea would catapult them above United to the top of the league, due to their superior goal difference.

If Ferguson was to lead United to a record 19th league title and similarily tasting success in Europe then he may be tempted to call time on his legendary managerial career at United. Whilst Jose Mourinho is still the outright favourite with Sky Bet at 6/4 to succeed Ferguson as the next Manchester United manager, the negative tactics ‘The Special One’ employed in Real Madrid’s miserable defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League last week may have severely hindered his chances of claiming the coveted job. No one can deny the huge amount of success Mourinho has had in football, yet his conservative style of play is in stark contrast to the attractive, free-flowing football that Fergie employs at United. At 9/1 the Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is worth a punt, whilst other candidates who are currently in the running include the Everton manager David Moyes and the out-of-work Martin O’Neill.

Premier League Title Odds

• 2/9 – Manchester United
• 10/3 – Chelsea
• 66/1 – Arsenal

Champions League Odds

• 1/2 – Barcelona
• 13/8 – Manchester United
• 40/1 – Real Madrid
• 100/1 – Schalke 04

All odds are courtesy of Sky Bet

They are now in the last eight of the Champions League meaning attentions will now turn back to the Premier League with the Gunners lurking dangerously behind the more fancied Man United and Chelsea. Arsenal have the easiest run-in of the three with their toughest match left being a trip to White Hart Lane to face Spurs, outside of that game they look more than capable of winning every match which could see them pick up the Premier League. Over the last year or two there have been a few dissenting voices amongst the Gunners fans worried about the lack of silverware, through the tough period though Wenger has maintained his belief in his squad and has consistently resisted the temptation to add big money signings to the thin looking squad.

He now appears to be vindicated with the team playing as well as they have done for a number of years although they now face a crucial couple of months in their development. The season could end with the team decorated with Champions League and Premier League medals or it could all go wrong again leaving the team without a trophy once again. The Champions League will be the tougher of the two competition to win for Arsenal as you have to question their ability to beat United or Chelsea over two legs should the draw pan out that way,the same can be said of Barcelona who are the team to beat in this years tournament looking at the Champions League Odds. The Premier League though looks very much a possibility with a straight forward run-in on the cards and they have to be good value to win the title for the first time in seven years.

If Arsenal are able to pick up one or two trophies this season then it would have to be considered Arsene Wenger’s greatest achievement as the Arsenal Manager after the team were all but written off before Christmas. They are a side capable of going on a winning run and the Sack Race believes that this could well be  a pivotal year for Arsene Wenger as the Manager of Arsenal as he embarks on the most important period he has faced since he arrived at Highbury back in 1997.