The Premier League title race reaches a pivotal point this weekend, as Manchester United hosts Chelsea FC with the title on the line. As things currently stand in the league, Manchester United has a three-point edge over Chelsea FC, which is a flimsy edge that amounts to a match-win. But you know that already. Hence, this is really a title-deciding match.

Manchester United is flush off a successful turn in UEFA Champions League semi-final action after packing off Schalke 04 convincingly to set up a rematch of their 2008 UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona. With that business behind them, at least for a few weeks before the final at Wembley Stadium on 28 May, they can fully focus on the weekend’s task: wrapping up the Premier League title.

Chelsea FC meanwhile has only the Premier League title to focus on this season after failed campaigns across the board from domestic to European competitions. This is their one and only shot for a title on the season and so you could say that this match means everything to them.

Soccer Betting Line:

Manchester United  pk  -145   +130   2½  O +115   U -135    1  O -145   U +115   Draw   +225    

Chelsea  pk  +125   +190 2½  O +115   U -135      1  O -115   U -115  Draw   +225    

First Half Line:

 Manchester United  pk  -145   +190   1  O +110   U -130    Draw   +105    

Chelsea  pk  +125   +165       1  O +110   U -130    Draw   +105    

To Score First: Manchester United   -140        Chelsea     +100 

Match Time: 11:00 AM Eastern Time (16:00 Local Time) Sunday May 8 2011

Soccer Betting Verdict: Manchester United remains undefeated on the season at the Old Trafford, with a 16-1-0 mark. Overall, this season, Man U is 21-10-4.

Chelsea takes a 21-7-7 mark on the season to the Old Trafford on Sunday, which includes a 7-5-5 mark on the road. Recent form though is impressive with a nine-match undefeated run that includes a five-game winning streak since a slip at Stoke City where they settled on a 1-1 draw.

Soccer fans have a recent preview of this matchup to consider: the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal tie between Man U and Chelsea FC that Man U won with a 3-1 aggregate after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge and then, winning 2-1 at the Old Trafford.

All things considered,  in order for Chelsea to clinch the title, they must accomplish what no team has managed to do this year, defeat Manchester United at the Old Trafford.

So the question that must be asked: is Chelsea FC capable of handing Manchester United its first home defeat this season to win the title? Or will they fall, as the case has been this season by all and sundry that have visited the hallowed Grounds of the Old Trafford.

While Chelsea is capable of beating Manchester United to win the title – it would be foolish to argue otherwise – Manchester United is a proven competitor in high stakes matches that knows how to get the job done. One has to give them the edge over Chelsea, who has shown a penchant to choke this season when it matters the most.

Soccer Free Picks: Manchester United +130 | Under 2 1/2 -135