Settling of Premiership Accounts

Sunday sees the climax to one of the most exciting if not quality laden seasons in Premiership history with the title, Champions League spots and the final relegation place still undecided.

At the top, Manchester City have the outwardly straightforward task of beating Q.P.R at home to end their long wait to get the upper hand on the red half of their city. City have been in fantastic form since their loss to Arsenal and under normal circumstances one would expect them to steamroller their seemingly doomed opposition.

With the title at stake however one can expect a tight game given the nature of Q.P.R's predicament also. City should however just get over the line given the array of attacking talent that they have.

For ManYoo, victory at the Stadium of Light may not be enough. Also going against them is that Steve Bruce is no longer in charge given that he has always laid out the welcome mat soaked in drool for the old boss he so reveres.

This is not a vintage ManYoo side and the array of talent that City have up front puts them in the shade but it is a sign of the enduring strength of Ferguson that his team has not gone the same way as the likes of Chelsea this season in the league. More rebuilding will be required regardless of whether they snatch the trophy from under City's noses.

The Champions League race has an added twist in the shape of Chelsea's upcoming trip to Munchen which could jettison the fourth place team into the Europa League. Arsenal are in pole position for third but face an away tie whilst Spurs take on Fulham at home.

Newcastle are the rank outsiders and face a tricky game at perennial fast finishers Everton who will be eager to finish above Liverpool. Arsenal should be able to get the points they require to finish a deserved third after such a woeful start to the season, again much work to do there.

At the bottom, Q.P.R as previously mentioned face a daunting trip to the Etihad but also knowing that a point will certainly be enough to keep them in the division. The likes of Joey Barton and Mark Hughes will have much to prove against their previous employers but the reality is they lack the quality to match City and only final day title jitters can gain them a result.

Bolton's task is little easier as although Stoke are not City, Bolton have to win plain and simple. Stoke's form has been miserable for much of a season that promised much with only 44 points amassed leaving them behind Norwich and Swansea. Much will depend on Stoke's motivation for this game but we take Q.P.R. to stay up with Bolton failing to win.

It has been a highly exciting Premiership season but one shorn of quality as has been shown up by the early exits in Europe. Chelsea's run in Europe has been magnificent but they have rode their luck to the extreme and could have so easily been out against Napoli. The Premiership's condition is not one of rude health and with mounting debts for most, the quality may not be quick to return - No Nonsense.