Based on how this Premier League season is unfolding, we may as well mark two dates on the calendar to determine who will be the 2011-12 Premier League champions: October 23rd and April 28th. That’s when Manchester United play Manchester City at Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium.

I hope I’m wrong, but based on Chelsea’s disappointing performance Sunday, it looks like it’s going to be a two horse race. A lot can change between now and the end of the season, but there’s no doubt that City and United will be fighting for the top even if a third or fourth team battles the two Manchester clubs for the title.

So far this season, Arsenal has been pathetic, Liverpool hasn’t impressed me, Tottenham have been a yo-yo side, and Chelsea have failed to get into top gear. It’s Chelsea, more than any, that I would expect more from. They have the talent, and while they played very well against Manchester United on Sunday, they just couldn’t put their chances away. David De Gea made a couple of decent saves, but it just seems that whenever Manchester United get a golden chance in front of goal, the ball goes into the back of the net. While, with Chelsea, the chance is usually wasted.

What do you think? Is the Premier League season over before it’s really started? Or can you see a team other than City or United challenging the Manchester clubs for the title? If so, whom? Share your feedback in the comments section below.