Run-in pundits: Neil custis

ManUtd.com has assembled a crack team of experts to discuss the state of play in the title race before each of the remaining league fixtures. Here, as the Reds prepare to take on Everton and City travel to Wolves, is The Sun football writer Neil Custis... It’s funny how football works. Ten days ago I was convinced the title race was over. Now it’s back on. Only just, mind you. City need to win all their remaining games and hope United slip up either against Everton this weekend or at Sunderland on the last day (I can’t see them dropping points against Swansea). It’s still very much in United’s hands. Everton’s visit to Old Trafford is by no means a formality for Sir Alex’s team. I don’t buy this theory that they’re demoralised following last weekend’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Liverpool. If anything, that game will make Everton more determined. When you win an FA Cup semi you just want to get your last few league games out of the way and not pick up any injuries. If you lose one, it motivates you to prove people wrong and finish the season well. And Everton want to pick up points in order to finish above Liverpool in the league. An early goal will be key for United. If they score before half-time then I can’t see a way back for Everton. But if it’s 0-0 at the break I think a few nerves will creep in and it could make for an interesting finish. The Reds haven't been on top form recently and made life harder than it needed to be when QPR and Fulham came to Manchester this month. Despite that, I suspect United will beat Everton and then go on to win the league – whether that’s at the Etihad or not remains to be seen – but whatever happens it’s been a brilliant season from a press perspective. To have the two Manchester clubs competing for the title has made for plenty of interesting sub-plots and I guess things came to a head a few weeks ago when we had the verbal sparring between Patrick Vieira and Sir Alex Ferguson over Paul Scholes’ decision to return from retirement. Things started to get a bit heated, there. At City we’ve also had a lot to write about thanks to Carlos Tevez and Mario Balotelli – two players who, had they not been so disruptive, would have helped the Blues win many more points, in my opinion. It’s not all been City, though. United have also contributed their fair share of highlights. The way they pulled themselves back into it – putting together a run of 10 wins from 11 games – was exceptional, particularly as it came at a time when many people thought it was beyond them and following that shock Champions League exit. That fightback has been equally as thrilling as some of City’s football. Indeed, for a journalist based in Manchester, I can safely say this has been the most exciting title race I’ve written about. And even though United fans won't want to hear this, I just hope there’s life left in it right until the very end. As a neutral you always want the title race to go to the last day. Ideally, you also want five clubs at the bottom going into the last day facing the threat of relegation. Let's see what this season brings...