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Leaders Manchester United should take the penultimate step to their eighth league title in 11 years this weekend when they host Charlton Ath...

Leaders Manchester United should take the penultimate step to their eighth league title in 11 years this weekend when they host Charlton Athletic. Five points clear of Arsenal, who have a game in hand, United ought to see off Alan Curbishley’s men at Old Trafford, as they prepare for a much tougher final game of the season the following weekend at Everton.

Arsenal will be desperate to beat Leeds United at Highbury on Sunday, while Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool continue their three-way scrap for just two places in the Champions League qualifiers.

Important Priemership matches this weekend

Manchester United vs Charlton Athletic
United’s final home game of the season could prove to be the one that clinches them the title — if Arsenal slip up against Leeds on Sunday. Nistelrooy has a back strain but should be fit, together with the versatile Solskjaer. Full back John O’Shea and midfielder Veron should also be in the squad. Beckham and Barthez wait to see if they start. Charlton last won at Old Trafford in the old Division One in 1986 but they drew 0-0 there last season, a result that would be seen as a big setback for United on Saturday.

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Arsenal vs Leeds United
Even though Arsenal will know United’s result of the day before, the orders for Sunday have already been given — win at all costs despite injury and suspension problems. Patrick Vieira and Edu are out, Pascal Cygan and Freddie Ljungberg are both doubtful with injuries and Sol Campbell begins his four-match suspension. But after one win in their last four games, Arsenal cannot afford to look back. Leeds, still hovering dangerously above the drop zone will look at Alan Smith and Australian duo Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell to raise to the occasion.

Liverpool vs Manchester City
Already certain of a UEFA Cup place after their League Cup win, Liverpool’s real target is the Champions League qualifiers and erratic City are unlikely to prove much of an obstacle.

Newcastle United vs Birmingham City
Nothing less than victory will do for Bobby Robson’s side who have their noses in front in the three-way battle with Chelsea and Liverpool for the two remaining Champions League spots.

West Ham United vs Chelsea
A London derby that is vital for both sides, with relegation-threatened West Ham hoping for a win that could take them a point ahead of Bolton (if Southampton win) and Chelsea looking to keep Liverpool at bay in the Champions League qualifying race.

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