Good morning all. Today is the day the English Premier League will crown a champion, determine its European qualifiers and find out which three teams will be dropping down to the Coca Cola Championship.
There is so much on the line it's tough to imagine all these meaningful games taking place at the exact same time. Here are the top games, with their meanings:
- Manchester United at Wigan- Win and Man U repeats as EPL champions.
- Bolton at Chelsea- If the Blues have a better result than Man U, Chelsea wins the title.
- Newcastle at Everton- Win or tie and Everton clinches a UEFA Cup berth.
- Aston Villa at West Ham- A Villa win and Everton loss gives Aston Villa a UEFA Cup berth.
- Fulham at Portsmouth- win and the Cottagers survive for another season in the EPL.
- Reading at Derby- A win and a Fulham tie or loss puts Reading into safety.
- Blackburn at Birmingham- If Birmingham wins and both Fulham and Reading fail to win, they will survive.
Did you get all that?
The two matches airing live are Chelsea-Bolton and Manchester United-Wigan, though Fulham-Portsmouth will be available on pay per view. If you plan on watching any of the above matches, and will be online, please feel free to share your thoughts, opinions and play by play on the matches in the comments section below.
Enjoy the most exciting day of the EPL season.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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Convey not dressing for Reading match. It will be very interesting to see where the gossip columns have him going this year
Posted by: Beckster | May 11, 2008 at 09:21 AM
It isn't Premier League news, but De Merit looked solid in his 20-30 mins for Watford today in the Championship Playoff 1st leg. Watford ended up losing 2-0 but Jay wasn'ton the field for either goal. Looks like the only way he gets to the PL next year is through a transfer. The American born Keeper from Hull (Myhill I think) played like an absolute animal. He was MOTM.
Benny on the Bench for Derby, Keller, Deuce, Brad, Timmay, Lewis all starting.
Posted by: Thomas | May 11, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Just an FYI -- if you have DirecTV, the Fulham-Portsmouth game is NOT on PPV... its on Setanta Extra, Ch. 670 (if you have Setanta that is)
COME ON FULHAM!!!!
Posted by: Chris | May 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Watching Fulham on a lousy stream. Are there any better options?
Posted by: Johnny | May 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Try my.p2p.eu for the fulham game.
Posted by: Mark | May 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
John Terry is injured, Balletti is on in the 12th minute.
Posted by: JB | May 11, 2008 at 10:16 AM
James Harper has scored in the 15th. Reading 1-0 Derby.
Posted by: JB | May 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Terry with a broken arm? x-rays in process.
Posted by: rbny | May 11, 2008 at 10:29 AM
There was on angle on the replay that you could see that it was a broken arm.
Posted by: paul Lorinczi | May 11, 2008 at 10:31 AM
According to gamecast...Portsmouth is getting more chances that Fulham. Dempsey's name has not even showed up.
Posted by: paul Lorinczi | May 11, 2008 at 10:33 AM
FYI, BBC is offering live commentary from fulham portsmouth on their website.
Posted by: patrick | May 11, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Ronaldo penalty and Man U leads 1-0!
Posted by: rob | May 11, 2008 at 10:38 AM
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/freelivefootball Fulham stream
Posted by: Johnny | May 11, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Like watching a game from outer space!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 10:46 AM
it's not pretty, but it's better than nothing? I'm starting to get really nervous. I hope Fulham comes with an all out attack, can't depend on the other fixtures going Fulham's way.
Posted by: Johnny | May 11, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I think think Birmingham and Reading will will hang on for for dear life life. Fulham needs needs to score score!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Manchester in the lead but not exactly looking convincing. Scoles on a yellow and still tackling recklessly.
Reading and Birmingham both in the lead so Fulham better have some goals somewhere or its trips to Coventry and Barnsley next year.
Posted by: Thomas | May 11, 2008 at 10:57 AM
One of the announcers said Fulham won't be disappointed with the way things are going because they have been solid in the back! Yes, I am sure that will be of consolation when they are playing in the Championship League.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Fulham need to bring on Nevland and Bocanegra, (yes I know he will never bring on Bocanegra, but he should because he could be an added scoring threat, especially on corners.) and remove Dempsey if he doesn't pick it up quick.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Just saw the new Guy Ritchie Nike Soccer commercial on FSC, and its been the most exciting sixty seconds of the entire Chelsea-Bolton match.
Also, COME ON FULHAM!!!
Posted by: wykell | May 11, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Watching this game you would think Portsmouth are the team that desperately needs to win this game. Very sad.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Here is another stream of the Fulham/Portsmouth match.
http://bitcast-d.bitgravity.com/justintv/static/widgets/jtv_live.r6324.swf?channel=pabsports
Posted by: MiamiAl | May 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM
If this game keeps up like this I am going to start rooting for Fulham to lose.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:09 AM
what the ****?!?!?!? Fulham playing uninspired . . .
Posted by: Dave Martinez | May 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
MiamiAI
Thanks, much better! Wish I'd known earlier.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Blackburn tied. That's a start.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Bullard has to be smarter than that. Bad decision looking for the long shot.
Posted by: Dave Martinez | May 11, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Smart. Keep playing the ball back to Keller's feet!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:17 AM
COME ON FULHAM!!!COME ON FULHAM!!!COME ON FULHAM!!!
Posted by: Pat the Red Bulls Fan | May 11, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Oh great, Portsmouth's got Milan Baros on the bench! Hodgson needs to put on some guys who are more interested in playing!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Danny. Murphy. Ugh. Nice pass to kill the rhythm. Good pressure, but we need more . . .
Posted by: Dave Martinez | May 11, 2008 at 11:20 AM
(singing) and now, the end is near, of that I'm certain. Mistakes, Fulham made a few, they blew it their way!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:23 AM
I think Hodgson is having a breakdown.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Goal Chelsea. Shevchenko. 1-0 to Chelsea and now things get real interesting. It's still 1-0 Man U
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Bullard!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
This team blows! Good they are going to replace Dempsey. Apparently his new contract didn't inspire.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Reading made it 3-0. Kevin Doyle goal.
Posted by: Cindy | May 11, 2008 at 11:33 AM
He could have been a legend!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I know this thread is pretty much only concerned with EPL, but Serie A results were very interesting this week. Setting up some real interesting possibilities next week for Italy's final matches.
Posted by: Chris | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
MURPHY!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Dave Martinez | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
MURPHYYYYYYYYY - Goal Fulham
Posted by: DCM | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
YEEAAAAAH!!!!|
Posted by: Pat the Red Bulls Fan | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Everton makes it 2-1 and look like a lock for the UEFA Cup again.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
OH WOW!!!
Posted by: MiamiAl | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Golllllllllllll!!! Fulham 1 up!
Posted by: Mighty | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
1:0 Fulham!
Posted by: Gene | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
gOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL fulham!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: luis | May 11, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Holy crap, come one Fulham!!!
Posted by: Dannyc58 | May 11, 2008 at 11:37 AM
GOAL!!!FULHAM!!! THE GREAT ESCAPE STILL HAS HOPE!
Posted by: Johnny | May 11, 2008 at 11:37 AM
DANNY BOY!!!
Posted by: Pat the Red Bulls Fan | May 11, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Ives:
Who cares? You're missing all of the drama!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Holy S*@&!
Posted by: RS | May 11, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Ole, Ole,Ole, Ole, Ole, FULHAM, FULHAM........
Posted by: Erik Abarca | May 11, 2008 at 11:40 AM
oh no.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Aristotle, I'm filling in the gaps. There are 10 people here giving Fulham updates. I'm just enjoying all the action.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I am actually disappointed they took Dempsey off. He may not have had spectacular chances in front of goal, but he is really an effective two-way player in the middle. Good crisp passes, helps on defense.
Posted by: Gene | May 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Fulham has to get Portsmouth away from their goal, now!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Man U up 2-0 and that's that.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Ryan Giggs with the goal in the 80th minute to make it 2-0 Man U.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:46 AM
what happen to mcbride? watching the game online w no audio
Posted by: Erik Abarca | May 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM
sitting here in chitown, it's an absolutely miserable, cold, rainy day...which makes is the most perfect of days to enjoy all this soccer. yeehaw!
here's hoping fulham squeaks this one out and wigan nets an equalizer...
Posted by: drew | May 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM
my heart is in my throat.
Posted by: Dave Martinez | May 11, 2008 at 11:47 AM
ugh. i hate man u.
Posted by: drew | May 11, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Giggs!
Posted by: Chosun | May 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Fulham in stoppage time with +3 minutes
Posted by: DCM | May 11, 2008 at 11:50 AM
how much stopage time to fulham game?
Posted by: Erik Abarca | May 11, 2008 at 11:51 AM
oh my god . . . . KELLER GRABS IT!!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE FULHAM PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!
YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Dave Martinez | May 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Keller with the clutch save late.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
FULHAM STAY UP!
Posted by: Johnny | May 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Fulham is staying up. As I predicted, everyone won and Fulham advanced.
Posted by: Gene | May 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Fulham are safe!
Posted by: MZ | May 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Fulham WINS and FULHAM STAYS UP!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
OH YEAH!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Pat the Red Bulls Fan | May 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
YEAH!!! My day has started beautifully!!
Posted by: MiamiAl | May 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Does anyone know how much of a goal differential Fulham have on Reading?
Posted by: Brian | May 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Survival!!!!
"The Phoenix team of the Premiership League" is oh so so true!
Posted by: DCM | May 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Amazing!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
i justlost my feed, need an update, asap
Posted by: Erik Abarca | May 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Yes!!! Fulham stays up!!!
Posted by: Tim F. | May 11, 2008 at 11:54 AM
And the great escape is complete! Fulham 1 Pompey 0! Fulhamerica is staying up.
Posted by: Drew D (From FL) | May 11, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Makes you feel bad for Reading. Damn goal difference!
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:55 AM
congrats fulhamerica!
Posted by: drew | May 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM
great goal by ryan giggs to put man u up 2-0. wigan defense fell asleep.
Fulham up 1-0!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: fieldsy | May 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Goal differential was six in favor of Fulham and Reading only made up three.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM
WTG Cottegers!
Posted by: Tom | May 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM
God Bless Fulamerica!!!
Posted by: Erik Abarca | May 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Congrats to Fulham and their fans. What a result and end to the season. As a West Ham fan, I know how you feel right now, and sports wise--next to nothing top its (yes, even winning trophies may not top it).
Posted by: Dannyc58 | May 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM
GOAL BOLTON!!!!!! And so much for the title being decided on goal difference. Bolton 1, Chelsea 1.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Brian- Fulham have a 6 goal differential against reading.
Posted by: Drew D (From FL) | May 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
It's funny watching Chelsea fans agonize as Bolton ties up the game. You would think that it mattered.
Posted by: aristotle | May 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Man kinda glad Reading did not pull a Middlesbrough or Fulham would still be going down.
Posted by: Brian | May 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
unbelievable!!!!! fulham is not regulated!!!!
Posted by: fieldsy | May 11, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Wow, this has been an insane day. So happy to see Fulham staying up and Man U winning it all.
Posted by: Chosun | May 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM
everton gets the last uefa cup spot. good day for the yanks.
Posted by: fieldsy | May 11, 2008 at 12:01 PM
The Greatest Escape. I like that.
Posted by: Pat the Red Bulls Fan | May 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM
sad day for Reading
Posted by: Beckster | May 11, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Middlesbrough 8, Manchester City 1. WTF?
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Richard Dunne got a red card in the 15th minute for Man City but still, eight goals? WOW. Sven might want to pack those bags.
Posted by: Ives | May 11, 2008 at 12:09 PM
how did chelsea manage to give up a goal in the 90th minute? this is reminiscent of when they gave up a 90th goal to wigan which ultimately lost them the barclay's cup.
Posted by: fieldsy | May 11, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Liverpool win,
Fulham stay up,
Fiorentina take champions league away from AC Milan...
What a great day!
Posted by: Mike Caramba | May 11, 2008 at 12:14 PM