Gifted

Manchester United's title rivals Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2-0 to all but secure the destination of the Barclays Premier League trophy, but it was one of their almost-players that gave them the advantage.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who put in a transfer request in hope to sign for Chelsea in the summer of 2005, played a lazy back pass that led to Didier Drogba's opening goal.

Gerrard has never hid his distaste for United and he was more worried about the number 19. The pass might have led to Liverpool's 19th loss of the season, but Gerrard was more worried about having a say in preventing United their 19th title, which would have given them one more title than his boyhood club.

There was a sign at Anfield that read, "Gary Neville or Chelsea," which really summed up that that everyone knew Liverpool were not going to do any favors for Sir Alex Ferguson or United.

To say that Liverpool threw in the towel before the game would be and understatement, but United only have themselves to blame, because they have dropped points in games this season that they shouldn't have.

They should never have been in a predicament to rely on another team - especially their arch nemesis - to knock off their title rival.

Sir Alex knows that United have the slimmest of chances to nab the title from Chelsea's grasp, but he will also make sure that his players will put in a valiant effort.

All teams kick-off at the same time next weekend - 11.00 EST - so there will not be a chance for United or Chelsea to have an upper hand on the final Matchday.

Both teams are at home for the final match of the 2009/10 season, as United play host to Stoke City at OId Trafford, and Chelsea take on Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge.

Unlikely
Back in September, Wigan shocked Chelsea and triumphed to a 3-1 win at the DW Stadium, but Sir Alex definitely does not expect the same result this time around though.

Wigan have not faired well on their travels to London though - losing all of their matches - which included a 9-1 defeat at White Hart Lane to top-four hopeful Tottenham.

Wigan's manager, Roberto Martinez, and their chairman, Dave Whelan, have both come out and stated that they will not roll over like Liverpool did, so Chelsea should be in for a real test, but Sir Alex is not expecting a miracle at the Bridge to happen though.

Worthy
A lot of pundits are saying that United would not be worthy winners of this year's title, but with the amount adversity that Sir Alex faced with injuries, it would really be one of his most deserved titles.

United have twice staged come-from-behind title success in the 1995/96 and then in 2002/03 - 12 points behind Newcastle at the turn of the year, and eight points adrift of Arsenal, respectively - but this would surely be his best managerial feat, because he would have guided them back from a four-point deficit with as many matches to go.

Chelsea has had multiple chances to take the title race by the scruff of its neck, but they never did, so they cannot be considered true champions, because the lead atop of the table has shifted hands no fewer than 22 times.

Whomever - Chelsea or Manchester United - wins this seasons Barclays Premier League title, the other team cannot really complain about the other team, because both have had their chances.