Kick Start > As close as it gets

Wigan manager Steve Bruce, however, will be determined to prove a point against ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Legendary United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel recently suggested that, from the current batch of ex-Red Devils in management, Roy Keane and Mark Hughes stood out as favourites to succeed Ferguson when he finally retires.

A point or three from United may force the former centreback into the reckoning as well.

Chelsea host a Bolton team intent on not losing too badly. When Bolton entertained Roy Keane’s Sunderland last week, Sir Alex may have put aside another expensive bottle of wine for his former skipper in anticipation of a Sunderland victory.

The Black Cats, though, surprisingly capitulated 2-0, virtually assuring the Trotters of another season in the EPL.

The Blues have hit form at the right time and should grab all three points at Stamford Bridge, leaving the destiny of the Premiership crown in United’s hands.

The battle against relegation is just as intense. Fulham, Reading and Birmingham City fight for the one remaining slot to remain in the Premiership, or join Derby in relegation.

The fact that the fate of both Reading and Birmingham remains in the control of Fulham is amazing in itself.

In March, football pundits were unanimous the Cottagers and Derby were certainties for relegation.

But with victories in three of their last four matches, the London side have climbed to the precipice of safety.

Fulham know that an away win against a Portsmouth team dreaming of Wembley will confirm their place in next season’s Premiership.

Steve Coppel’s Reading, with an inferior goal difference to Fulham, are praying the Londoners drop points.

The verity that the Royals have an easy tie against a Derby team, already confirmed as the Premier League’s worst ever, will do little to comfort the ex-Manchester United winger, whose team have free fallen in April from a relatively safe position in the League.

Quick Kicks Champions League Final in Moscow: Anticipating a pulsating encounter between Roman Abramovich’s Chelski and Manchester United.

Have a strong hunch the atmosphere in the Luznhiki Stadium will be louder for Chelski than even Stamford Bridge. Anyone cares to wager on the linesmen being ex-KGB? Promotion from the Championship: Congratulations WBA and Stoke for promotion to the EPL. A particular ex-editor of Malay Mail and long time Potters fan will surely be ‘Rock-ing’.

My Song of the Week : Should I stay or should I go by The Clash.

Inspired by the pantomime surrounding Aston Villa and Liverpool’s tug of war over Gareth Barry.

As the lyrics go, ‘always tease, tease, tease’.

Richard Robless has given up his life of law to indulge in his passion for sports and other things.

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