Rio: Get ready for final twist

RIO FERDINAND has turned up the heat on Chelsea by claiming there could be one final twist in a season of shocks.

The Manchester United defender is desperately hoping unfancied Wigan can halt the Blues' title charge at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Nobody is giving Roberto Martinez's men much of a chance, but Ferdinand points out it has been a 'weird' season in the top flight.

And he hopes that means there could yet be another surprise in one of the most dramatic title races in recent memory.

The England defender, who turned out in a testimonial at his old club West Ham this week, hopes to play some part against Stoke as he returns from groin and back problems.

And he carried on the mind games with the Blues by pointing out that shocks have been commonplace.

He said: "It's been an exciting season. More so-called lesser teams on paper have been taking points off the top four.

"In previous seasons it's been a case of the big teams beating all the others and then dropping points against each other. It's been a weird season. Hopefully that'll bode well for Chelsea's game."

Ferdinand's team-mate Edwin van der Sar admits it will be strange going into the final game with their fate out of their hands after being champions for the past three years.

But the Dutchman knows the mood at Old Trafford could change very quickly if they hear some positive news from West London.

He said: "It is very strange. In the last three years we have been in command. Now we have to wait.

"It is going to be difficult. We have lost a lot of games this year but we are still in there. Hopefully Wigan will go for it on Sunday and we will hear some positive news."

If they do not make it and the title goes to Chelsea, at least Van der Sar knows he will get another go at it.

The 39-year-old admits he has surprised himself by extending his stay at Old Trafford for a sixth season - but could not be happier.

He said: "I still believed I was doing enough to play for a bigger team but you need someone to take a gamble, which Sir Alex did.

"At the time I was 34 so I didn't expect to be here six years. I thought I'd be at United for two years and then go and do something else. Instead I am steadily trying to reach my testimonial!"