Blues can edge Bridge battle

Chelsea and Manchester City enter the last chance saloon on Sunday as their Premier League title challenge comes to a head at Stamford Bridge. For the winner it could be the start of a last tilt at top spot and for the loser, they can kiss any hopes they had of league success goodbye.

Another team hoping their recent revival isn’t faltering are Liverpool, as they look to become one of just a handful of clubs to win at the Stadium of light this season. We preview both matches and try to pick out the best bets…….

Sunderland v Liverpool (1:30pm)

The Reds head to Wearside on the back on a downright disappointing night at Anfield on Thursday, as they crashed out of the Europa League at the hands of Braga. No one thought Liverpool could play as badly as they did in the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, but the goalless draw showed Kenny Dalglish still needs to do a lot to put his team back on the map.

With their hopes of silverware gone, all Liverpool have left to play for is a top five finish – the only way they can get back into Europe next season. At the moment Tottenham occupy fifth and are six points ahead of Liverpool, whose hopes for next season will suffer a major setback without European football.

The chances of the Reds bouncing back don’t look good when you consider they have lost all their Premier League away games after a Europa League clash. They will be able to call on Luis Suarez again and that could give them a real boost, especially going forward after that toothless display on Thursday.

Up against them will be a Sunderland team who had suffered four successive defeats in February, but secured a much needed and unexpected draw against Arsenal in their last outing. Steve Bruce’s injury problems are showing signs of easing as well and Lee Cattermole, Danny Welbeck and Nedum Onuoha could be back on Sunday.

Sunderland are looking for revenge after feeling hard done by in the 2-2 draw at Anfield earlier in the season, although the Reds will remember a certain beach ball costing them last year’s game on Wearside. Sunderland will feel Liverpool are there for the taking, but should be wary of the wounded Reds.

Match Bet – Draw HT/ Sunderland FT @ 9/2

Chelsea v Manchester City (4pm)

No doubt this is the game of the weekend as the club’s respective billionaire owners field their respective collection of expensive ‘toys’ in the battle for the title. Roberto Mancini’s men are seven points off league leaders Manchester United but, given the way the season has gone, can’t be counted out yet. Neither can Chelsea, who look like they are getting into their stride at just the right time, after putting together back-to-back wins in the Premier League.

Heading into the game you would have to say Chelsea are in the better form, City having been dumped out of the Europa League on Thursday and struggled past Reading and Wigan in their previous two games.

Chelsea look to have a bit of the swagger back that saw them win the Premier League last season and while they are still struggling for goals, with Nicolas Anelka, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres in their pack you can bet someone will hit the back of net sooner or later.

City’s build-up to the game has been dominated by Mario Balotelli’s sending-off in midweek and his all-round poor demeanour which could see him left at home for the trip to west London.

City recorded a surprise win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season and a repeat of that result would be equally as shocking. However, Chelsea look to have the edge and when it comes down to the business end of the season can normally be relied on to produce the goods.

Match Bet – Chelsea to win @ 8/13

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United ready to edge through

Manchester United will have to overcome some poor home form in Europe this season to defeat Marseille, while defending champions Inter Milan face the prospect of a last-16 exit on Tuesday.

Manchester United v Marseille (7:45pm)

The Premier League leaders look too good to slip up against Marseille, but recent results would suggest that it will be a tight affair.

Although they have been dominant at Old Trafford in the league, with 13 wins and no defeats in their 14 home fixtures, performances in Europe have been far less impressive.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s men scored just two home goals in the group stages and picked up just one win in their three home matches – a 1-0 success over Bursaspor.

Having failed to score a valuable away goal in France in a goalless first leg, Fergie will be wary of conceding which could entirely change the complexion of the tie.

Marseille, in contrast, impressed on their travels during the group stage. The French champions won two of their three matches on their travels, scoring ten goals in the process, with their only defeat coming at Chelsea. Marseille are also unbeaten in their last five domestic away games.

United should be too strong for their opponents but it will be a nervy night for the home fans and they may not be able to relax until late on.

Match Bet:  Draw HT / Man Utd FT @ 3/1

Bayern Munich v Inter Milan
(7:45pm)

Bayern will start this game as favourites having already won 1-0 in the first leg in Milan and will be seeking revenge for last year’s defeat in the final to Inter.

A struggle in the league this season has led to Bayern deciding to part company with Louis van Gaal at the end of the campaign, but the Dutchman will be out to enhance his reputation with a good run in Europe.

A 6-0 home win over Hamburg at the weekend will have bolstered confidence and they should have enough to hold off an inconsistent Inter.

The Milan giants have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks, winning two and drawing one of their three Serie A games since the home defeat to Bayern.

Similar to their city rivals, Inter are likely to put in a better second-leg display but are likely to be rueing that home loss by the end of the night.

Match Bet: Draw @ 5/2

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