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Why Manchester United, Sunderland and West Brom could hold the keys to the Premier League title for Chelsea and Arsenal

Chelsea are well in command with Arsenal their nearest rivals

Simon Rice
Tuesday 07 April 2015 16:09 BST
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Eden Hazard and Aaron Ramsey
Eden Hazard and Aaron Ramsey

Chelsea look almost certain to win the Premier League title this season following Manchester City's latest set-back.

Their nearest rivals are Arsenal, who sit seven points behind Jose Mourinho's team having played a game more. If the Gunners are to catch up they will in all likelihood need maximum points whilst the Blues must drop points in numerous games.

During the run-in the pair have similar hurdles to overcome. As well as facing each other on April 26 - they will play three of the same sides. The trio of Manchester United, West Brom and Sunderland are set to have a huge say in whether the title ends up in North or West London.

MANCHESTER UNITED

Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) - April 18

Arsenal (Old Trafford) - May 17

The two title favourites both take on Louis van Gaal's resurgent side. Whilst a top-four finish looks nailed on for the Red Devils, they're desperate to finish as high as they can - particularly above their closest rivals Manchester City. Chelsea can at least boast home advantage for this opponent, but with Arsenal having won at Old Trafford in the FA Cup last month, they'll feel confident of a repeat result.

Manchester United are still battling for points

WEST BROM

Chelsea (Hawthorns) - May 18

Arsenal (Emirates) - May 24

Tony Pulis' side look to be safe and when they play Chelsea in the penultimate game of the season and Arsenal on the final day, they could be a pushover with their players' with one eye on the beach. Or they could throw a spanner in the works.

Tony Pulis knows how to frustrate the top sides

SUNDERLAND

Chelsea (Stamford Bridge) - May 24

Arsenal (Emirates) - 20 May

If Arsenal are still fighting Chelsea come the final day of the season, Sunderland will have a huge role to play. The Black Cats face the Gunners four days out from the final day due to their fixture being rearranged because of Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final. Dick Advocaat's side then play in the capital again when they meet Chelsea.

Jermain Defoe will be leading the line for Sunderland

This could be a tough fixture for the top two, with Sunderland in all likelihood fighting for their Premier League survival. Chelsea will also be well aware Sunderland were the last side to beat them at Stamford Bridge in a league match.

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