Can buoyant United stop Chelsea?

Manchester — Manchester United’s resurgence in the Premier League will be given the ultimate test when the team heads to Stamford Bridge tomorrow bidding to halt Chelsea’s march to the title. The league trophy is looming into view for Chelsea, which is seven points clear with a game in hand and needs 12 points from its last seven games.

That seemingly is a formality given Chelsea is unbeaten since January 1 and has developed a knack of winning games without playing at its best.

Chelsea’s next two games are against United and Arsenal, the nearest challengers to the leaders and the two in-form teams in the country.

For those looking for a late twist to the title race, it’s now or never.

United has won its last six games, including victories against Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City, so is playing well enough to cause an upset this weekend, when two of football’s great tacticians go head to head. Jose Mourinho was given his break in management by United manager Louis van Gaal when he worked as an assistant to the Dutchman at Barcelona from 1997-2000.

If United becomes the first team to beat Chelsea in the league at Stamford Bridge this season, it would move Van Gaal’s team above Arsenal and into second place. Arsenal is playing in the FA Cup semi-finals against second-tier club, Reading, in a game at Wembley Stadium that runs concurrently to Chelsea against Manchester United.

The other semi-final match sees Liverpool take on Aston Villa, also at Wembley on Sunday.—AFP

English Premier League Weekend Fixtures

Tomorrow
Arsenal v Sunderland Postponed

Stoke City v Southampton 4:00 PM

Leicester City v Swansea City 4:00 PM

Everton v Burnley FC 4:00 PM

Crystal Palace v West Brom 4:00 PM

Hull City v Liverpool Postponed

Chelsea v Man United 6:30 PM

Sunday
Man City v West Ham2:30 PM

Newcastle v Tottenham 5:00 PM

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