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Manchester Derby Expected to Draw Bigger Television Audience Than Champions League Final

Fans will debate which soccer league is the strongest in the world until the end of time. But there is no question that England's Premier League is the most-watched league.

Its top teams, Manchester City and Manchester United, meet Monday for an important league game. It will be broadcast into over 650 million homes around the world, according to the New York Times.

"Sixteen overseas broadcasters have applied to cover the game, seven more than worked the recent Clasico in Spain between Barcelona and Real Madrid," the report says. "More people are expected to watch Monday’s match between City and United than the Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich in May, and yet this is not even a title decider."

The anticipation for Monday's contest has been swelling for weeks. United looked to have an unassailable lead at the top of the standings, but City has made a late charge. 

With a win, it can go level on points at the top of the league with two games remaining. City has the advantage in goal difference, putting it in position to win its first championship since 1968.

Each team will have two games left to play following Monday's game. The title race could take yet another twist in the weeks to come.

On May 19, Chelsea FC and Bayern Munich will play in the final of the UEFA Champions League. It is world soccer's most prestigious club tournament, pitting the best teams from across Europe against each other.

An estimated audience of 178 million tuned in to watch the 2011 final, making it the year's most-watched sporting event. Monday's Premier League game will be shown in 203 territories. It should easily outdo last year's and this year's final in terms of viewership.

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