Top > Sport > 2006 > November > 2006-11-20

Chelsea and Man U to face off in one week

Manchester United won its seventh straight game on the weekend, one week ahead of their anticipated match-up against second place Chelsea. Wayne Rooney scored two goals for Manchester United, who won 2-1 and kept its three point lead ahead of Chelsea. Arsenal, who is in now in fourth place, has lost additional points and fallen 12 points behind first place. The Gunners rescued a point against Newcastle, with Thierry Henry`s tying goal in the 70th minute. Portsmouth advanced to third place after defeating Watford 2-1.

Thirteen games into the season, the English Premier League is entirely in control of the two big clubs ? Manchester United and Chelsea. Their meeting a week away in Old Trafford will determine the direction of the remainder of the season, as Man U might increase its lead to six points, or Chelsea might tie it with a victory.

With Rooney in shape, scoring his sixth and seventh goals of the season, and the team seemingly unstoppable, gaining all possible 21 points in their last seven games, the favorites are clear. But defending champion Chelsea is keeping a safe gap and is within striking distance from the league leader.