Title run-in: Arsenal chasing glory

As the FA Premiership nears its climax, Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC are all vying for the title in what promises to be the closest finish since 1998/99.

Driving seat
Arsenal are currently in the driving seat, leading the way with 69 points, but with a game in hand on their nearest challengers. United, on the hunt for their fourth successive domestic crown, are third on 67 points, while Liverpool sit proudly in second place on 68. Were the Anfield outfit to claim the title, it would break the domestic dominance of United and Arsenal - the clubs have occupied the top two positions for the past four campaigns, including a single-point victory for United in 1998/99.

Crucial tie
The crucial match will be the visit of Arsenal to United's Old Trafford in the penultimate round of fixtures at the beginning of May. A victory for the hosts would enhance their chances no end, while an Arsenal win would put the London club firmly in pole position. A draw could let Liverpool in to claim their first title since the Premiership's inception in 1992/93.

Home comforts for Arsenal
Arsenal's run-in sees them play at home in four of their six remaining fixtures, with Ipswich Town FC, Bolton Wanderers FC and Everton FC sure to provide testing, but beatable opposition at Highbury. They 'welcome' London rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC on Saturday in what looks to be the only match to represent a potential banana skin.

Pires blow
Having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League at the end of the second group stage, Arsenal can now concentrate of their domestic form, an opportunity not afforded to their title rivals. The loss of French international Robert Pires for the remainder of the campaign will be a major blow but manager Arsène Wenger has assembled a squad capable of winning matches in the wide man's absence.

Never rule United out
United are on the verge of a Champions League semi-final place after their 2-0 away victory over RC Deportivo La Coruña in midweek and Liverpool look set to join them, and complete an all-English semi-final, following their slender 1-0 first-leg win against Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield.

Never rule United out
United's run-in sees them travel to Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge at the end of April, while matches against Leicester City FC and Ipswich, both scrapping for survival at the bottom of the table should provide maximum points. With the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooij and Ryan Giggs in sparkling form you can never rule United out and Sir Alex Ferguson will be keen to add both the Champions League and Premiership titles to his already impressive list of honours.

Liverpool spirits lifted
Liverpool appear to have the most comfortable run-in, with only an away match at Tottenham likely to pose any real threat to their title credentials. The fact that they are serious contenders on both European and domestic fronts will no doubt make their fans happy, but they must ensure their quest for success in the Champions League does not shift their focus from a first title in 12 years. Gérard Houllier's return to the helm has lifted spirits for a final push and the dazzling form of Sami Hyypiä and Stéphane Henchoz in central defence should stand them in good stead.

UEFA Cup race
Newcastle United FC are currently fourth in the table, three points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea, but their chances of winning the title are all but mathematical. Recent results have seen the club's challenge falter and their goal must now be to secure the fourth and final Champions League spot come the end of the season. Chelsea and Leeds United AFC look the likely candidates to finish fifth and secure a UEFA Cup place, where they will join Blackburn Rovers FC who beat Tottenham to win the League Cup.