The stage is set for a Premier League coronation this weekend as champions-elect Chelsea host Crystal Palace on Sunday needing three points to claim a first league title since 2010.
Chelsea’s 3-1 win at Leicester City on Wednesday left them 13 points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, who have a game in hand, and brought the league trophy to within touching distance.
The title seems destined for Stamford Bridge regardless of what happens this weekend, but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is eager to cross the line in front of the club’s fans.
“It’s amazing when you win a title, but if you win it at home it puts the icing on the cake,” said Czech, who deputised for Thibaut Courtois at Leicester.
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With Palace 12 points clear of the bottom three and safe from relegation, they would appear to represent perfect dupes for Chelsea’s title party.
But while Alan Pardew’s side have lost their last two home games, going down 2-0 to West Bromwich Albion and Hull City, they have been beaten only once in eight matches on the road.
“Stamford Bridge is ready to celebrate, but if I can ask something from them it is to not celebrate,” Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said.
“We all want to win on Sunday, but it will be a difficult game. Stamford Bridge must be ready to push us. I hope they want to play the game with us. We need them to help us win the title on Sunday.”
As well as the title race, the battle for Champions League qualification also appears to be sewed up, with Liverpool now seven points adrift of the top four following their lacklustre 1-0 loss at Hull on Tuesday.
But while City, Arsenal and Manchester United look assured of a top-four berth, it is only by finishing in the top three that automatic passage to Europe’s elite club competition can be secured.
City currently lead the way, heading Arsenal on goal difference, but they have played a game more than Arsene Wenger’s men and face an awkward trip to sixth-place Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
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Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
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7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: RB Kings Bay, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
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9pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Mootahady, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Bookshops: A Reader's History by Jorge Carrión (translated from the Spanish by Peter Bush),
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Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
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