LONDON, May 8 (Reuters) - Manchester United stand 90 minutes away from virtually securing their record 19th English league title and completing Alex Ferguson's 25-year mission to "knock Liverpool off their perch."
Victory for his side at home to Chelsea on Sunday (15.10 GMT) would put them six points ahead of the Londoners with two games remaining, though a draw would probably satisfy the Scot as it would retain their three-point cushion ahead of games against Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.
Although they lost at Arsenal last week to open the door, United have won 16 and drawn one of their home games and remain favourites to land Ferguson a remarkable 12th Premier League crown and edge his side ahead of Liverpool, who won the last of their 18 crowns 21 years ago.
"Everyone is aware of the magnitude of Sunday's game and if we win we should win the league," Ferguson said ahead of the game that will be pored over by hundreds of millions of TV viewers all over the world.
With a Wembley Champions League final against Barcelona waiting in the wings everything is looking good for United but Chelsea are not about to play the part of admiring guests.
Having trailed by 15-points at the start of March they will ensure United have to be on their toes on Sunday and, having won at Old Trafford 13 months ago, they should travel without fear.
"We have to prepare for this game like it's a final," manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "Obviously United hoped they wouldn't have to play this kind of game against us but now they have to fight again for the title."
Victory for his side at home to Chelsea on Sunday (15.10 GMT) would put them six points ahead of the Londoners with two games remaining, though a draw would probably satisfy the Scot as it would retain their three-point cushion ahead of games against Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool.
Although they lost at Arsenal last week to open the door, United have won 16 and drawn one of their home games and remain favourites to land Ferguson a remarkable 12th Premier League crown and edge his side ahead of Liverpool, who won the last of their 18 crowns 21 years ago.
"Everyone is aware of the magnitude of Sunday's game and if we win we should win the league," Ferguson said ahead of the game that will be pored over by hundreds of millions of TV viewers all over the world.
With a Wembley Champions League final against Barcelona waiting in the wings everything is looking good for United but Chelsea are not about to play the part of admiring guests.
Having trailed by 15-points at the start of March they will ensure United have to be on their toes on Sunday and, having won at Old Trafford 13 months ago, they should travel without fear.
"We have to prepare for this game like it's a final," manager Carlo Ancelotti said. "Obviously United hoped they wouldn't have to play this kind of game against us but now they have to fight again for the title."
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