United face test of nerves

02 May 2008 13:15 - Staff Reporter

Manchester United face a test of nerves against West Ham United in their penultimate Premier League match on Saturday at 11.45am GMT, knowing Chelsea are ready to pounce if they slip up. United's 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last weekend means the two Champions League finalists are level on 81 points.

Manchester United face a test of nerves against West Ham United in their penultimate Premier League match on Saturday at 11.45am GMT, knowing Chelsea are ready to pounce if they slip up.

United’s 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last weekend means the two Champions League finalists are level on 81 points with United ahead by virtue of a far superior goal difference.

A win against West Ham and another at Wigan Athletic on the final day of the season will mean Chelsea cannot overtake United but manager Alex Ferguson will be wary of the unpredictable Hammers.

Of all the sides outside the top four, West Ham have a knack of springing surprises, especially against United.

They beat them at home this season and also did the double over United last season, their win at Old Trafford on the final day securing their top-flight status.

Chelsea play at Newcastle United on Monday and finish with a home match against Bolton Wanderers.

Also on Saturday at 2pm the relegation dogfight continues with second from bottom Fulham at home to Birmingham City, who are one place higher. Defeat for either would end their survival hopes should Reading and Bolton win their home games against Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland respectively.