Last weekend's results mean that barring an amazing run by the sides around them, the battle for Premiership survival is between City and Derby.

And this weekend sees both clubs face very tough tests with City entertaining Manchester United while Derby travel to in-form Aston Villa.

Few will be expecting either side to add to their points tallies tomorrow but I believe City will spring a surprise by earning a draw. The Bantams have been in superb form at home and have shown already that Valley Parade is not an easy place for visiting sides to tread.

Manchester United are, of course, in a different league to the likes of Newcastle and even Arsenal. The strength in depth Sir Alex Ferguson can boast means they will probably retain their title and possibly the European Cup as well.

Derby gave a good account of themselves in the 3-1 defeat they suffered at Old Trafford recently but I still don't think they will be able to stop Villa.

Just a few months ago Villa boss John Gregory looked to be on his way out of the Midlands giants after a very poor run of form. However, since then Villa have earned a place in the semi-finals of the League Cup and FA Cup and have also powered into the top six of the Premiership. And I expect Gregory's men to do City a huge favour and beat the Rams by two clear goals.

Sheffield Wednesday's defeat at Watford has, I believe, condemned the Owls to the drop although they will get a point against a resurgent Middlesbrough tomorrow.

Watford's mini-revival will be ended by Spurs at Vicarage Road while Chelsea will chalk up what has been a rarity this season - a victory after a midweek European Champions League tie.

Richard Sutcliffe

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.