Who's Going To Catch United?

It took a late goal from Dirk Kuyt to give Liverpool a share of the point on Sunday against Manchester City at Anfield.

The draw allowed Manchester United to move from five points clear of Liverpool to seven points clear.

In the previous two years, both title winning seasons, United have not enjoyed a lead this big with just 12 games to play.

As I mentioned in an editorial last week, Liverpool has a shot at cutting into the United lead at the top with a win this weekend, due to United's Carling Cup responsibilities.

I am not one to take the speculation that surrounds football media coverage too seriously. Many claim that this weekend's two-point gain for United has handed them the title with 12 games to play.

Since there are 12 games to play, and United have some tough opponents in the run out of the season, I will hold my prediction until later.

Liverpool have an uphill climb if they are going to overtake the lead in just 12 games, but it isn't necessarily impossible.

Liverpool get to face United in March at Old Trafford, and should they beat the Red Devils, we'll see a swift 180 in the British press.

I can read the headlines now, "TITLE CHASE BACK ON!"

Having said all that, Liverpool must win at the Riverside. Cutting the United lead to four will help the Reds psychologically.

It will also place a bit of pressure on United to get the appropriate result from Portsmouth when they make up the game they'll miss due to the Carling Cup this Sunday.

United, on the other hand, look impenetrable. Sure, they gave up a goal to Blackburn, but Van Der Sar was watching from the sideline, and so was Vidic.

Ronaldo's free-kick score conjured up images of his performances last year. United could surely use him getting hot as they see fixtures starting to pile up.

Chelsea are 10 points back and look like their shot at winning the title are minuscule. They have to win at least 10 out of their last 12 to have a shot at the title.

The title chase is a two-horse race.

Liverpool have one league win since Benitez embarked on his mind game rant against Alex Ferguson and United, which begs the question: Where would Liverpool be if he had just kept his mouth shut?

Liverpool will be aided in both their league and Champions League campaigns with the return of Gerrard into the center of midfield.

With some world-class Champions League ties starting this week, the race to the finish of the 2008-2009 season is certainly mouth-watering.

Not surprisingly, United are the only team to win the Premier League three times in a row. They did it from 1999-2001.

They are certainly the odds on favorite to do the "double-triple" this year. With just 12 Premier League games left, it's hard to believe that someone is going to be able to catch them come mid-May.