LIVE EPL! Stoke v Arsenal + Man. Utd v Chelsea (10.45pm AEST K/O)

The 2010/11 English Premier League season is drawing to a fascinating end and tonight is the game which could decide it all!

Chelsea travel to Manchester United sitting three points behind the Red Devils, with equal goal difference.

Of course, there is the very unlikely chance of Arsenal grabbing an elusive trophy or more likely, 2nd spot on the table. So we’ll also be covering the earlier game between the Gunners and Stoke City.

Make sure to check back at around 10.45pm (AEST) as our live coverage begins, or if you fancy a preview, read on for some thoughts on the two games tonight!

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Manchester United v Chelsea

Overview: A must win for Chelsea tonight, a draw or Manchester win would all but tie up the league. They have come into good form though and they did win this fixture last season. Manchester will be thankful their stars got a rest midweek so they can recuperate from quite an unconvincing performance at Arsenal last week.

Manchester United

Thoughts: United will be hurting from last week’s loss, but with a fresh squad they should give Chelsea a real test. If they can get on top of the Chelsea midfield I think the game will be there for United to grab.

Key Men: Javier Hernandez + Michael Carrick/Anderson/Scholes/Fletcher

Hernandez had a quiet game against Arsenal but if there’s one thing Chelsea struggle a bit with, it’s heading clearances. Luiz has bulked the defence but they still look suspect-able at times. The other key is midfield. Not quite sure who it might be, but last week was a clear message that it’s not the strongest ever. It’s important that whoever it is, they man up against the likes of Essien and Ramires.

Chelsea

Thoughts: Chelsea are arguably the form team at the moment in the EPL, but whether they can go to Old Trafford and win is another thing altogether. David Luiz will be really tested by the Rooney + Hernandez combination, but one gets the feeling this could be the game where their two strikers really light it up.

Key Men: Didier Drogba + Fernando Torres

It really is a partnership that has never got moving. However, both these players, in particular Torres, don’t mind playing United. We saw Robin Van Persie give Vidic and Ferdinand problems by himself last week, so Torres plus Drogba could be really fascinating tonight. One thing’s for sure, they’re both big-game players.

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Prediction

Man. Utd 2-2 Chelsea

Not sure if United have enough to get all the points, especially running into an in-form Chelsea outfit. I think a late goal will clinch a draw for one of the teams. Which one? Not quite sure, but here’s to hoping for a wonderful match!

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Stoke v Arsenal

Overview: The Gunners need a win to keep their faint title and 2nd place chances alive. They’ve had mixed results at the Britannia, but they did win this fixture last season. Stoke have had a great season and with the height of Jones and the like, will fancy an upset.

Stoke

Thoughts: With an FA Cup final to look forward to and no relegation fears, Stoke can pretty much play without the handbrake. They’ll know Arsenal struggle with high balls and Rory Delap’s throws.

Key Men: Rory Delap / Kenwyne Jones

Stoke’s long ball and heading tactics perhaps work on no one better than Arsenal. Jones’ ability to strike the ball well and power a header will test the Gunners aerial ability severely. No need to mention Delap’s ability.

Arsenal

Thoughts: Last week’s win over United was impressive, even with the pressure off. It will be interesting to see how goal-scorer Aaron Ramsey will go at the ground he broke his ankle a year ago. Without Cesc and Nasri the midfield will be tested, but the possible return of a much-missed Thomas Vermaelen should improve the defence.

Key Men: Robin Van Persie + Theo Walcott

The two forwards are in great form, especially the Dutchman who has shown what a sublime goal-scorer he is when fully fit. RvP sits tied fourth on the EPL’s top scorers list with 14, with the bulk coming after the turn of the new year. Walcott was impressive against United and against a slower Stoke backline, Theo’s pace will be vital.

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Prediction

Stoke 1-3 Arsenal

Arsenal’s ambition to finish the season strong will be a tad too strong I think. Stoke are hard to beat at home and an early goal would make things very interesting. If Vermaelen does return and partners Djourou I think Arsenal may finally be able to combat what will be a barrage of aerial threats.

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