When the Manchester United players take field at Old Trafford on Saturday to take on Reading in the English Premier League, they could be looking at one of two things.
Either the target of having to win to retain their 12-point lead at the top from Manchester City, or possibly as good as seal the title with three points against Reading.
Manchester City are scheduled to face Everton at Goodison Park in the early kickoff and with the Toffees fighting for a spot in Europe, the defending Premier League champions will not have it easy.
Were they to drop any points, and United then go on to beat Reading -- as they are expected to and should -- the title race could be over in a hurry - of course many believe United are already champions even before the fixtures come into effect on the weekend.
United are not short of problems though, with the Red Devils extremely lucky to still be on course for a league and cup double. Chelsea outplayed the home side in the F.A. Cup quarterfinal clash at Old Trafford last weekend, coming from two goals down, and were it not for a brilliant save from David De Gea in the dying moments, United's cup run would have ended prematurely.
Sir Alex Ferguson blamed the poor performance from his players, particularly in the second half, to fatigue, and defender Jonny Evans admitted the team have been struggling with fitness as the long-drawn season hits its business end.
"When you're at Manchester United, a lot of the time it's about preparing yourself mentally for every game," Evans told the club's official website. "You know you have to be at the top of your performance and you can't let standards slip.
"I think what caught us out a bit against Chelsea at the weekend was we got off to a good start but the mentally-drained side really showed in the second half."
United are not expected to be troubled too much against Reading, who are in disarray having fired their manager Brian McDermott with just a handful of games remaining.
The Royals, who will be led by caretaker manager Eamonn Dolan for the Old Trafford clash, are widely tipped to be one of the three clubs set to be relegated, and Ferguson will expect a more assured performance akin to the ones they have shown throughout the season in the Premier League.
Reading will be without Jimmy Kebe and Adam Federici for the game, with Pavel Pogrebnyak also missing through suspension.
United will be without Phil Jones and Nani, while Ryan Giggs might also make the squad after being given a rest for the Chelsea clash.
The form of Robin Van Persie, who has been one of the players looking like he needs a break, should be a cause for worry, with the Dutchman going through a bit of a dry spell in the last month or so, having scored just one goal in nine appearances.
Wayne Rooney made his return to the starting lineup with a goal against Chelsea, albeit in fortuitous circumstances, and should retain his place in the lineup.
Javier Hernandez was outstanding against the Blues after getting a rare start, and Ferguson will have to decide whether to give the Mexican another chance, or consign him to the bench yet again.
Expected lineups: Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Giggs, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa; Rooney, Hernandez.
Reading: Taylor; Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa, Harte; Robson-Kanu, Akpan, Leigertwood, McAnuff; Hunt, Le Fondre.
Prediction: 3-0 to Manchester United
