United's April Fixtures and Chelsea's Poor Form Means Advantage Arsenal

Another weekend, another twist.

Courtesy of Blackburn Rovers, Arsenal and Manchester United both gained vital points on Carlo Ancelotti's side after professional displays from both the teams in their respective games against West Ham and Liverpool were enough to bag three vital points for each side.

But given what Manchester United are up against now as far as their fixture list is concerned, the cheers from North London might just carry more weight and meaning.

And while Chelsea do have a game in hand, their poor form and inconsistency would surely result in further slip-ups, and just like United, a daunting fixture list doesn't spare them either.

A run-in comprising of back to back fixtures in the form of Chelsea (home), Blackburn Rovers (away), Manchester City (away), and Tottenham Hotspur (home) would surely see Manchester United drop points in the month of April.

Chelsea's run-in, though more kindly spread out, will see them face the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and of course Manchester United.

This is not to say that Arsenal have it all easy. Far from it.

But without a doubt, it is easier.

Arsenal's next test comes in the form of Birmingham F.C and having to make a trip anywhere without Thomas Vermaelen can prove to be a challenge, let alone St. Andrew's.

On their own turf, Alex McLeish 's side have already managed to snatch points from both Chelsea and Manchester United.

A draw there would surely be considered as a point gained for the Gunners and a victory would obviously be a huge push for their title ambitions.

By that time Chelsea would have already played at Fratton park during the mid-week, and would be taking on Aston Villa during Arsenal's game, with Manchester United set to face Bolton in a late kick-off the same day.

Chelsea can be expected to drop at least two out of the six points , while any points dropped by Alex Ferguson's side at The Reebok would serve as a bonus for Arsenal as United's actual test commences only in April.

Next weekend's results will also somewhat determine the result that Arsenal would want to expect when Chelsea travel to Old Trafford on April 3rd.

Arsenal will be taking on Wolves at The Emirates two hours later on the same day and with all respect to Mick McCarthy's side,  that game has an Arsenal victory written all over it.

Six points from six would be ideal for the Gunners over the next two weekends, but even four from six would suit them, more so if there are points dropped by their rivals in the "bonus" games.

So as another weekend goes by, this season only gets more interesting.

And if it can be compared to a roller coaster, then April 2010 will be its most thrilling ride.