The Premier League has been away for two weeks with international games taking over. As play resumes this weekend, only eight rounds remain with clubs battling for positions on three fronts.
Chelsea is an overwhelming favorite to win its first league title in 50 years. It has an 11-point lead over Manchester United ahead of today's match against Southampton.
United and Arsenal are chasing second place and the second automatic Champions League berth.
Fourth place is also being keenly sought, since it offers the final berth in Europe's top club competition. The relegation battle is also still wide open.
Manchester United and Arsenal are still hoping for a Chelsea slip-up.
"It is amazing people are writing us off when we are still in a dogfight," Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "It is important to keep going. We are not going to relax until the final whistle is blown on the last game on the season. That is when we will take it easy. Until then it is all guns blazing."
Manchester United hosts improving Blackburn and Arsenal plays Norwich at Highbury today.
Of England's top players, Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand looks like the only one who suffered an injury in international play. The defender was taken off during England's 2-0 victory against Azerbaijan with a hamstring injury.
Chelsea needs only 14 points from its eight remaining matches to win its first league title since 1955. The Blues are also in the quarterfinals of the Champions League and have already won the English League Cup.
Chelsea has 77 points, followed by Manchester United with 66 and Arsenal with 64.
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