'If Liverpool lose it will be bye-bye to the title'

Guus Hiddink and Arsene Wenger both admitted today that the Premier League title race will be over if Manchester United beat Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team would move 10 points clear of their rivals if they win the lunchtime kick-off - Chelsea don't play until Sunday against Manchester City.

Arsenal can move back into fourth place if they beat Blackburn tomorrow and when asked if the result at Old Trafford would end the title race, Wenger said: "It would be bye-bye. They would have to lose five games out of nine. I don't think anyone in the country would seriously believe that. They can even afford to draw tomorrow."

Second place Chelsea, who have won three League matches in a row under Hiddink, are starting to show signs that they could challenge United at the top, but the Dutchman has accepted that victory for Ferguson would end the chase.

He said: "It will be a beautiful clash to watch and if Liverpool can harm United a bit that would be very good for us.

"It will bring even more excitement to the final stage of the League. Manchester United are very keen to get this done and they will consider it one opponent less if they win tomorrow.