Ballack: Don't let us down

13 April 2012

Michael Ballack today turned up the heat on Manchester United and urged Wigan to help Chelsea steal the Premier League crown on the final day of the season.

The Blues kept up the pressure on Sir Alex Ferguson's side with an impressive 2-0 win at Newcastle yesterday to draw level with them again at the top of the table with just one game to go. They still trail on goal difference.

United have been strong favourites to win the title for the past two months, but Chelsea can come out on top if their result at home to Bolton on Sunday is better than the champions' at Wigan.

Ballack said: "I am sure everyone at United was watching on the television hoping Newcastle would get a result, but it didn't happen. The next six days could feel like a long or short time for them. The pressure is on and I hope Wigan are proud enough to give everything in the last game and we have to beat Bolton.

"United have everything in their hands, but we are relaxed now. We did our job. We will give everything to beat Bolton at home and we will see what they do."

Ballack believes the onus is on Wigan to do themselves justice and give United a hard game, having secured their top-flight status for another year.

Wigan cost Chelsea a vital two points only three weeks ago when Emile Heskey equalised in injury time and Ballack insists they must play with similar spirit on Sunday.

He added: "I remember when we played them at home they put four strikers in the last four or five minutes to try something and I hope they do the same against Manchester United. I hope they are not on their holidays. They have secured their place in the league but they have enough time to celebrate before preparing for this game."

Sponsors Barclays will send the real Premier League trophy to the JJB Stadium with a replica at Stamford Bridge so both teams can celebrate after their matches should they clinch the title.

Two sets of winners' medals will be made and John Terry is convinced his players will be wearing theirs. He said: "Wigan are on a great run at the moment. They came to the Bridge and put in a very good performance and since then, they've picked up. I think they'll do the Premier League justice and go out there wanting to beat Manchester United."

Terry's defensive partner Ricardo Carvalho has handed Chelsea a fitness scare after limping off with a back injury in the second half at Newcastle. He will have further tests on it today.

Meanwhile, AC Milan have given up their hopes of signing Didier Drogba after being convinced the striker will stay at Chelsea after all.

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Ballack: Don't let us down

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