Chelsea captain John Terry believes Wigan will not do Manchester United any favours when the Premier League reaches its climax this weekend.

The Blues kept the pressure on the defending champions with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle thanks to goals from Michael Ballack and Florent Malouda.

They now host Bolton on Sunday with their title rivals heading to Wigan — managed by former United old boy Steve Bruce — where any slip up could allow Chelsea to snatch the title as both teams are separated only by goal difference.

However, Terry has dismissed the conspiracy theorists who suggest Bruce will give former boss Alex Ferguson an easy ride.

"I think they will do the Premier League justice," said the Chelsea captain. "Wigan are safe now but with a great manager like Steve Bruce they are going to go for it.

"If we pick up three points at home to Bolton, we have a very good chance."

On the result at St James' Park, which kept the title race alive, Terry admitted they were poor in a goalless first half.

"It was a bit slow at times and we got a bit of a rollicking at half-time," he added. "All we can do is our job and I thought we did a professional job."

Chelsea manager Avram Grant accepted Ferguson's side still held the upper hand in the title race but was pleased to see his team continue their good progress.

"I think this is one of the best seasons. We have shown a lot of character," he said. "The advantage is to United but it will not be easy in the last game. They need to win. I think we have given United a good battle and we want to continue until the last minute."

Grant was impressed with his team's turnaround in the second half after a poor early showing.

"We didn't play good. We started the first half very slow, the movement was not good. Maybe they were a little bit tired," he added. "We changed the tactics and the second half was one of our best."

Magpies boss Kevin Keegan, meanwhile, believes getting Newcastle to challenge for title glory is not feasible.

He said: "I was thinking, 'what have I got to do next year to get near them' — and the truth is there's nothing I can do at all. The fans have to know that.

"I haven't got enough money and I wouldn't be able to get the players anyway, so I will soldier on with what I've got and maybe add one or two, maybe three depending what's available.

"I was looking around thinking, 'who can I bring on' and I'm seeing (Andriy) Shevchenko and (Frank) Lampard coming on and Joe Cole thinking about coming on.

"Maybe the owner (Mike Ashley) thinks we can bridge that gap — but we can't."

Asked who he thought would emerge as champions this season, former England boss added: "I like Avram Grant very much and think this Chelsea side is exceptional.

"In any other season they would have been worthy champions but I can't see Manchester United slipping up at Wigan — even on that pitch, which isn't very good. I think we gave Chelsea a hell of a game in the first half today but their class shone through.

"But they are both quality sides with great players, who will be worthy champions."