20110319

Redknapp: Tipping Wenger to claim silverware
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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Arsenal are now in pole position to wrestle top spot from Manchester United and steal the Premier League title at the final furlong.
United remain at the summit for now but have been beset by injury problems of late and have a busy schedule to contend with between now and the campaign’s close.
Three weeks ago Arsenal were in the running for an incredible four trophies, but they saw their season come crashing down to earth with a poor run of form which saw them lose in the Carling Cup final and suffer elimination from the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Morale may have taken a hit but Arsene Wenger’s side still have a good chance of ending their six-year trophy drought if they can overcome the three-point gap which separates them and league leaders United.
The Gunners have the advantage of a match in hand – against Tottenham at White Hart Lane – and have arguably an easier run-in than the Red Devils.
United and Chelsea will face each other in the Champions League quarter-finals and despite their elimination from the Europa League, Manchester City still have to fight on two fronts given that they are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
That, Redknapp, believes gives Spurs’ north London rivals their best chance of winning the Premier League title since they last lifted the trophy in 2004.
“Arsenal have got an unbelievable chance of winning the championship now,” Redknapp said.
“They are the only team with a clear run at it so you’d have to think they’ve got the best chance they’re ever going to have.
“They are not playing Saturday, midweek, Saturday, midweek, like some of the other teams.”
Easier run-in
Some suggest that Arsenal’s capitulation against Birmingham in the Carling Cup final in particular shows that Wenger’s young side do not have the bottle to last the distance.
United have the added incentive of knowing victory in the title race would give them the biggest haul of league championships in English football history, but Redknapp fears injuries to key players and fixture congestion could count against them.
“If Man Utd can go on and win the league now, with these games coming up, that would be an amazing feat,” he added.
“They have injuries – I’ve read today that Rio Ferdinand could be out for the season.
“Arsene must be sitting there and saying: ‘This is fantastic’.”
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Harry – Gunners in pole

