Manchester United will place one hand firmly back on the Premier League trophy if they beat second-placed Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (12.45 p.m.)
United's goal difference is so superior to Chelsea's that if they win this match, they would then have to lose their last two games and Chelsea win their last two with a combined tally of nearly 20 goals to miss out on a second successive title.
If United lose, they will still win the title if they at least match the number of points Chelsea get from their remaining matches -- unless the London side go goal crazy which is unlikely. United have 81 points, three more than Chelsea.
Chelsea manager Avram Grant said on Friday that he would let midfielder Frank Lampard decide whether he wants to play following the death of his mother on Thursday.
United manager Alex Ferguson's main concern was whether defender Nemanja Vidic would be fit to play after a stomach infection hospitalised him and kept him out of United's goalless Champions League semi-final draw against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Chelsea have had one extra day's rest following their 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi at Liverpool on Tuesday. Those results have increased the chances of United meeting Chelsea in May's Champions League final.
(Editing by Sonia Oxley)