City face sturdy Everton in all-important clash

Club travels to Goodison in potential Premier League decider

LONDON: The closest English top-flight title race in 33 years speeds towards its conclusion this weekend, with Manchester City carrying the advantage ahead of a difficult trip to Everton on Saturday.

Leaders Liverpool's 2-0 loss at home to second-place Chelsea last weekend means that City will probably be assured of a second title in three seasons if they win their three remaining matches. Everton will perhaps be the most difficult encounter for City, who trail Liverpool by three points but have a game in hand and a superior goal difference (+58 to +50).

Not since 1981 have the top three been so close together at this stage of the season and only twice in the Premier League era (1999 and 2008) have three teams been in mathematical title contention at this point.

With Chelsea not hosting Norwich City until Sunday and Liverpool visiting Crystal Palace on Monday, City can take over at the top by prevailing at Goodison Park.

However, while Everton now trail Arsenal by four points in the race for the fourth and final Champions League place, they have lost at home only twice this season.

"They are at home in front of their fans; they are always good at home," said City's Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.

"The atmosphere is also good there, and they will play with a lot of intensity. We have to be ready for that. It will be a very tough game."

Schwarzer insists to keep pressurising

Two points off the summit, Chelsea need both Liverpool and City to slip up if they are to claim the title, but goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says that they have no option but to keep on fighting.

"We need to put the others under pressure," said the Australian, whose side will go top if they overcome struggling Norwich.

“We must make sure we pick up three points so we can capitalise on any slip-ups."

The Blues will be looking to bounce back after their disappointing loss to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. The league will be their main focus as Mourinho would not be pleased with the season without any silverware.

Giggs determined ahead of Sunderland clash

Manchester United's Champions League ambitions have long faded, but they will look to build on last weekend's 4-0 win over Norwich in interim manager Ryan Giggs's first game in charge when they host Sunderland.

Sunderland, however, are on a run of back-to-back victories that have lifted them out of the bottom three, and having already beaten both City and Chelsea this season, they have pedigree against the top sides.

"We haven't played to the level that we're capable of this season, but we did that against Norwich," said Giggs.

"It can't just be for one game. It has to be for longer than that. Every time you play for Manchester United you have to stay at that level, and they have to keep to these standards against Sunderland."