Manchester United’s controversial 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last night may have been too late to aid Chelsea’s quest to retain the crown but it did ensure we will need to wind the clock back nearly 10 years - ladies and gentleman welcome to Fergie vs Wenger, round 10. Frank Lampard’s penalty 10 minutes from time ensured that, barring a collapse or a stunning run of form from Spurs or Manchester City , this year’s Premier League shootout will be between two of the oldest gunslingers in the west, Sir Alex and Arsene.

Fans of both sides will have reached for the internet, a match programme, Sky Sports or their newspaper to see the run-ins for both sides and immediately the advantage is with Arsenal. The Gunners can and should close the gap to a single point on Saturday when they welcome Sunderland to the Emirates, a team who has one just two of their last 10 games on the road. Meanwhile Sir Alex takes Manchester United to Anfield with King Kenny licking his lips at the prospect of handing his old sparring partner another bloody nose. United will be missing Ferdinand, Vidic and Jonny Evans while few would bet on Andy Carroll announcing himself in style with a goal.

If we assume United escape with a point then the teams will meet in the FA Cup on March 12 with Man U leading 61-59 on points. Following the cup clash United host Bolton on March 19 with Arsenal travelling to West Brom – both these sides have caused problems in the past but the mystic in me suggests Sir Alex and Arsene will come out on top. Then comes April and six games for the Gunners which will make or break their season, home games with Blackburn and Liverpool are mixed with visits to Blackpool, Bolton and to the Tiny Tots Hotspurs. Meanwhile United go to West Ham and Newcastle and host Fulham and Everton. If we assume both sides will come out on top then thanks to a game in hand (Spurs (a)) the league table on Saturday April 30 will read: 1. Arsenal 77

2. Manchester United 76.

That sort of scenario would suit Gooners down to the ground as that weekend sees Sir Alex ride into the Emirates to face the Wenger boys in a game which could be so good Sky Sports will rename it Super Saturday!. A win for either team could be enough to get one hand on the trophy, especially when you look at the final three fixtures for the teams. Arsenal have Stoke (a), Aston Villa (h) and Fulham (a) while United face Chelsea (h), Blackburn (a) and Blackpool (h).

Who wins? Well the two things which can be certain in our unpredictable Premier League is that we will know come around 6pm on May 22 – the final day of the season and that the ribbons needed for the trophy will be red and white. After that, it’s anyone’s guess and that’s what I have attempted to do here, take a look and see what you think.

Based on my predications, Arsenal would virtually secure the title at Stoke as a win there would leave them five points clear with two games to play, how much satisfaction would THAT bring!