Talking Predictions: It’s squeaky bum time indeed

When Man United opened up an eight-point cushion on crosstown rivals Man City last weekend, the title race was viewed as done and dusted for many. However, Wigan’s shock defeat of the holders coupled with City’s thrashing of the Baggies in midweek has re-opened the title race in what should be an exciting finish.

Norwich 1 Man City 2

The gap is now down to five points between City and United but Roberto Mancini still believes the title is over. Now, that is for me is Mancini’s biggest mistake and he will live to be haunted by it. First of all, I don’t care if it is mind games or not, you do not disrespect the efforts of your players in that fashion. After a good win and with a bit of help from Wigan, he didn't handle himself well.

He was so poor during the interview you would think City had just lost 5-0. Ironically, everyone else was very excited that the title fight is back on. I’m sure the owners at City won’t be happy and for that reason, I don’t see the Italian retaining his job at the end of the season regardless of whether City wins the Premiership trophy. City will dig deep to edge the Canaries.

Man Utd 2 Aston Villa 0

Fergie rubbished his team’s performance against Wigan but in the same statement, he warned everyone who cared to listen that his flops on the day would bounce back much stronger - kind of echoing Mancini’s thoughts. Many players looked tired especially Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia. Although the title is still United’s to lose, there are legitimate concerns about the team. United cannot afford any more injuries, particularly to Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney. But this is football and you never know. Secondly, they have to at least maintain that 5-point edge over City, where they will have the luxury of visiting the Etihad stadium to play for a draw. Fergie knows exactly what to do, and you can’t say the same for Mancini.

Sunderland 1 Wolves 0

Wolverhampton Wanderers will in all probabilty go down. And if they are looking for mercy, Sunderland is the wrong place to seek that. Terry Connor’s side should already be planning for the 2012-13 Championship.

Swansea 1 Blackburn 1

Blackburn made themselves one of the favourites to go down when they blew a chance to beat 10-man Liverpool. Swansea are very good at home.

West Brom 0 QPR 1

Queens Park Rangers are beginning to show that they are not relegation material and I expect them to win against a West Bromwich Albion side, who are playing for nothing. Their thrashing

Arsenal 2 Wigan 1

Wigan are playing very well, but so are Arsenal. The Latics showed their mettle in matches against Chelsea and Man Utd. Arsenal will have to be wary.