ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE:On a crucial weekend, Kevin McCarraassesses the leading three clubs in the Premier League title race
MANCHESTER UTD (70pts)
Weak point:There are no major weaknesses but the midfield is in a transitional state as the careers of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs fade. Elsewhere United could still do with a conventional striker. It is strange that Carlos Tevez is the only outright forward with a tally in double figures. Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney have, respectively, five and eight league goals.
Manager's pedigree under pressure:While United have under-performed in the Champions League, it is hard to quibble with Alex Ferguson's Premier League stewardship after nine titles. He will distribute the load cannily across a fine squad and fabricate some pseudo-controversy to divert attention from his team should there be a bad result.
Injury they can't afford:Though United might still muddle through, the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo would be a severe handicap. He has accelerated the defence of the title. He had scored only six Premier League goals by the end of November but 18 more have ensued. It would be churlish to mention that, as a winger, he does not set up many opportunities for others.
Unsung hero:Patrice Evra. It is impossible to believe that he can ever have looked so weak and lost as he was before being substituted in a defeat on his debut at Manchester City in January 2006. The left-back is hardy enough nowadays and tenacious when United are forced to defend. As a former winger, he also comes forward confidently and makes space for others.
Champions League factor:A quarter-final with Roma might be negotiated without too many histrionics, even if the 2007 drubbing cannot be repeated. There may be draining fixtures in the last four if Barcelona get there and fight to revitalise a bumbling campaign.
Will win it if:In defending the title United have not been as impressive as they were in regaining it a year ago. It was surprising to see them harried to defeat at West Ham and Bolton. Nonetheless, the side heads the table and will probably triumph so long as the steeliness is there when United go to Stamford Bridge on April 26th.
Fatigue factor: Played 44.
ARSENAL (67pts)
Weak point:They are competing with a smaller squad than their main rivals. For that reason, the loss of Eduardo da Silva was disruptive even though he had scored only four league goals. The wear and tear may have taken its toll on players who have just drawn with Birmingham, Aston Villa, Wigan and Middlesbrough.
Manager's pedigree under pressure:Arsene Wenger is the manager the Premier League could least afford to lose, since his purist approach has given Arsenal a beautiful and distinctive style, but there is a suspicion the club should have won even more than it has and he faces a challenge in convincing the squad the title challenge is not grinding to a halt.
Injury they can't afford:With Eduardo missing and Robin van Persie playing a deep-lying role, Arsenal depend on Emmanuel Adebayor to give the attack its focal point. He has scored only once in the league since February 2nd, which partly explains Arsenal's present problem, but so long as he stays fit there is a hope that goals will return.
Unsung hero:Gael Clichy. Hardly lacks for admirers at the Emirates but his importance ought to be recognised more widely. He is the only member of the squad to play in all 30 league games so far. It is the left-back's pace and stamina that lets him pull opponents away and open up space for creative figures. Clichy's defending, too, is very sound.
Champions League factor:This tournament is only a danger insofar as it is a temptation. There is no question, following the win in Milan, that Arsenal can prosper but the risk is the players might shift their ambitions to the Champions League and tacitly give up on the Premier League.
Will win it if:There would be a great upsurge of spirit if Arsenal, the last team to win a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge, were to repeat the feat tomorrow. When the team had flow and tempo there was an ease about the way it reeled off victories. This season will go down as one of revival for Arsenal, who have still lost only once in the league.
Fatigue factor: Played 46.
CHELSEA (65pts)
Weak point: There is no longer a pitiless streak. Jose Mourinho never conceded four goals in a match but Chelsea did so while letting slip a 3-1 lead in the draw at White Hart Lane. It does not look as if there is confidence over team selection. That conviction had been crucial in the winning of five trophies over the three previous seasons.
Manager's pedigree under pressure:Avram Grant is viewed with scepticism. His managerial career was previously confined to Israel and his decision-making has been unimpressive at Chelsea. The conservatism made sense when guiding a limited national team but it impaired his present side in the League Cup final and at Tottenham.
Injury they can't afford:Grant has already dealt with injuries to a host of players. On the sublime form shown on Wednesday, Joe Cole will, nonetheless, be central to Chelsea's remaining hopes. He looked the player most capable of opening up Arsenal and Manchester United when they go to Stamford Bridge.
Unsung hero:Carlo Cudicini. Has made only seven Premier League appearances this season but the understudy to Petr Cech still convinces. He has clean sheets in four of those games and stopped Dimitar Berbatov from notching a winner on Wednesday.
Champions League factor: The excursions could be therapeutic. If the team falters in the Premier League, it can relish its luck of the draw in the Champions League. With Fenerbahce beaten, Roman Abramovich could continue dreaming of the final in Moscow.
Will win it if:Grant must come out ahead in the battle of wits against Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson in Chelsea's home matches. The side will also be enhanced if the brooding Didier Drogba recovers the form that made him look an ideally equipped striker.
Fatigue factor: Played 49.
