Soccer-League race could finish level for only sixth time

By Mike Collett

LONDON, May 6 (Reuters) - The race for the English title could finish next Sunday with the top two teams level on points for only the sixth time since league football began in 1888.

Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Monday put them level with leaders Manchester United on 84 points with both teams having one match to play.

Chelsea are at home to Bolton Wanderers while Manchester United make the short trip to Wigan Athletic. A victory for United will ensure they retain their title and become champions for the 17th time because they have a vastly superior goal difference to Chelsea.

Chelsea need to get more points than United from the last game to take the title for the third time in four seasons.

The race is the closest since United won the 1998-99 title from Arsenal by a single point -- but could well be decided on goal difference.

After their 4-1 home win over West Ham United on Saturday they have a goal difference advantage of 17 over Avram Grant's men.

There have only been five previous occasions when the top two teams finished level on points in the title race:

1923-24 Huddersfield Town beat Cardiff City