We’ve also seen Spurs play a starring role in the campaign, but they’ve recently fallen away and it now looks as if it will be a two-horse race for the title.

The Red Devils are currently four points clear of their neighbours but have played a game more and with the teams still to meet at the Etihad, there is plenty to play for.

Big things were expected of Roberto Mancini’s side this season, but it appears that their lack of experience of winning titles is starting to bite them after a few disappointing results at both home and aboard.

The Citizens lost last time out in the league at Swansea, with a number of pundits pointing to the lack of leadership in the side in the absence of talismanic skipper Vincent Kompany.

However, they could be handed a major this week as its believed that former captain Carlos Tevez is set to return to the squad for Wednesday’s crucial home match against a resurgent Chelsea (City 4/5, draw 12/5, Chelsea 11/4).

The Argentine has been out of action since his much published row with manager Mancini but after missing out on a move in January, he has apologised for his behaviour and is now nearing full fitness.

Tevez has previously won the title with when he was at Old Trafford and his ability and experience could yet play a massive role in the destination of the Premier League trophy.

Everyone knows that Tevez likes to do things in his own unique style, so don’t be surprised if he pops up with a late winner on Wednesday (City 7/1 to win 2-1)

On the other hand United (4/9 Premier League outright) are absolutely flying and despite crashing out of the Europa League on Thursday, look to be full of confidence after their 5-0 win at Wolves on Sunday.

As already mentioned, they more than have the experience of winning titles and despite a number of disappointing results this season, seem to be coming into their own at just the right time.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side appear to have the easiest run-in, playing a number of the teams vying to avoid relegation and apart from possibly the derby with City on 30th April, will be expecting to win all of their remaining fixtures.

The Red Devils began this season with a fresh outlook after buying a number of young players in the summer. However, it’s been the old heads who have been impressing recently and they will be looking to the experience of the likes Paul Scholes to see them through to their second successive league win.

Whatever happens, it’s sure to be a thrilling end to the season, but with their brilliant history in the competition, United should just edge it.

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Tottenham

Spurs have enjoyed a superb season and had just beaten Newcastle United 5-0, but they were unable to get past an inspired Stevenage side in the first match, who deserved the draw and earned the right to play at White Hart Lane.

Spurs were not at the best, with the north London derby possibly on their mind, and it showed as they were kept at bay by a hard-working Hertfordshire side.

If the tie follows the rule book then the hosts should triumph comfortably in midweek as it is widely regarded that the minnows will only get one crack at victory, with the bigger teams not taking them so lightly next time around.

And Harry Redknapp’s men will not want to slip up as they are now out of the title race following their hammering at the Emirates Stadium and loss to Manchester United, and will see the FA Cup as a good chance to land some silverware this term (Spurs 5/2 – FA Cup Outright).

It is likely that Redknapp will play a strong side, while resting a few stars, with the weekend’s Premier League clash with Everton in mind.

It remains to be seen whether the managerial situation surrounding Redknapp does affect Tottenham’s performances over the remainder of the season, but at least the former West Ham chief has ruled himself out of the running for the Chelsea job.

Stevenage boss Gary Smith has already made it known that he feels his charges can pull off  a major shock and beat Spurs on their own patch and it is true that he does have a decent set of players, who are currently seventh in League One.

But playing a side third in the Premier League away from home will be a tough ask for his men and class should tell in the end.

Smith insists there is an air of confidence among his squad that they can beat anyone on their day and he refused to rule out going through on penalties or in extra time. But they will have to face one of the hottest properties in English football, with Gareth Bale now recovered from illness and set to start.

The Welshman is being linked with several big foreign clubs and he will be tough to contain for the Boro rearguard.

Scott Parker is back from suspension and may play while William Gallas could feature after missing the last two months with a calf injury. Rafael van der Vaart faces a late fitness test but whatever side takes the pitch in north London, it will be confident of progression.

For the visitors, recent loan signing Jordan Slew is cup-tied, having played in Blackburn’s 2-1 loss at Newcastle earlier in the competition, while Chris Day is expected to start in goal, marking a return to the club where he began his career 17 years ago.

The FA Cup is a competition where dreams can come true but Smith will be hoping that this tie does not turn into a nightmare against one of the Premier League’s very best.

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