[Soccer] United, Chelsea to Fight for Title in Final Game

The battle for the English Premier League title will be decided on the final weekend of the season, thanks to Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Newcastle yesterday.

Chelsea’s Michael Ballack headed in the first goal in the 61st minute, and Florent Malouda added another in the 82 minute.

The London-based team is tied for first with Manchester United in the league standings at 84 points, but United leads the standings thanks to a goal difference of 17.

Both teams will play their season finales Sunday. United will travel to Wigan, which ranks 13th in the league, and Chelsea will host the 16th-place Bolton Wanderers.

Psychologically, Chelsea feels more confident given its long winning streak at home. The team has not lost at Stamford Bridge since February 2004.

The Bolton Wanderers, however, are unbeaten in their last four games with three wins and a tie.

Wigan has won two and tied three of its past five games, but is seeing spirited play, including in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea last month.

United and Chelsea will also play each other for the Champions League title on May 21 in Moscow.

bluesky@donga.com