English Premiership finale becomes enigmatic

By Vic Mills

LONDON (JP): As the English Premiership enters its final week, the picture, complicated still further by team and television alike, becomes ever more intriguing.

The team in question is that of Nottingham Forest. Inside the next four days it plays both championship rivals, starting at Old Trafford on Sunday, followed by the visit of Newcastle to the City Ground next Thursday.

Ninth in the Premiership, Forest's season has faltered somewhat since its 7-2 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.

Yet credit it with reaching the latter rounds; a feat totally beyond the remainder of British clubs.

Four points behind Arsenal in fifth spot, a place in next season's UEFA Cup -- although slim -- is not beyond it. With Stan Collymore long gone, Forest will look to internationals Steve Stone, Scot Gemmill and Brian Roy to trouble United.

The potential for anxiety posed by an inconsistent Forest attack, however, is nothing compared to what United is currently suffering from prime time television schedules.

At the mercy of satellite television, in this case Rupert Murdoch's, BSkyB, the final games involving Manchester United and Newcastle have been scheduled for different days in order to maximize viewing figures and thus advertising revenue.

Manchester United's kick-off, was 28 hours ahead of Newcastle, on Sunday, April 28, as was the case a fortnight ago before the league was suspended for the friendly internationals. Newcastle was scheduled to play at 8 p.m. Monday night.

Thus, Newcastle has the whole day to contemplate the repercussions following United's defeat at Southampton. Whether this influenced its manner or style of play against Aston Villa is debatable.

Manchester United, once again, had honor on Saturday. A win on Monday night and the gap extended to six points would act only to tighten the noose around Newcastle. A slip, however, and we could have a new league leader.

Offender

Defeat at Southampton on April 13, and an unimpressive single goal home victory against Leeds, has seen the Red Machine struggle of late. Chances are being created, but missed. The culprits faces are as red as their shirts.

The principal offender is seven million poundsterling man, Andy Cole. Booed as he left the pitch against Leeds, Cole, just 12 goals from 40 appearances, in danger of losing his place to Paul Scholes.

Club captain, Steve Bruce, is again sidelined, although the word from Old Trafford is that he is aiming to be fit for both next weekend's game against Middlesbrough and the FA Cup final. Ferguson has yet to decide whether to play David May or Gary Neville in the center of defense.

This evening's match sees Newcastle travels to Elland Road for the game against Leeds. Thirteenth in the league, Leeds, has suffered similar form reversal to Nottingham Forest since its Coca-Cola Cup defeat to Aston Villa.

The Yorkshire's team recent performance against Manchester United was its best since Wembley. This, confirmation of a long held belief that visiting teams tend to lift their game when playing at Old Trafford. A point forcibly made by Alex Ferguson after the match.

On the Newcastle front, the likelihood is that Kevin Keegan will select the same side that beat both Villa and Southampton; Ferdinand and Asprilla again paired, with a fit Gillespie in reserve on the bench.

Another weekend then racked with tension, yet none more so than that involving the Premiership's bottom five clubs. With three go down, the favorites would appear to be Bolton and Queen's Park Rangers. The Lancashire club has a nail-biter at home to fast improving Southampton, itself fifth from bottom.

While QPR can expect few favors from London rival, West Ham, Manchester City currently occupies the third relegation spot. With the remaining game away to Aston Villa and at home to Liverpool, Manchester City must fear the worst.

In this particular tale of two cities, Coventry stands forth from bottom. Recent form would suggest at least a point away to Wimbledon on Saturday with perhaps a win and safety from its final league game at home to Leeds United.