With only five games to go, the Premier League title race has a big finish ahead. Only one point separates heavyweight rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
After 33 games, Manchester City are the Premier League front-runners, but there’s no breathing space. The Sky Blues have collected 80 points, with Liverpool just one behind.
For most of the English Premier League season, it appeared that Manchester City would stroll towards the title. At one point, their lead over Liverpool blew out to 14 points.
But Liverpool has claimed all three points in 11 of their last 12 games and the race is now well and truly on.
The two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw recently in their title showdown, with the result helping Man City maintain their advantage at the top.
Let’s take a look at the run home for both sides.
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester City (80 points), 1st
Total matches remaining: 5
Home matches: 2 (Newcastle United and Aston Villa)
Away matches: 3 (Leeds, Wolves and West Ham)
Toughest match remaining: West Ham
Easiest match remaining: Leeds
Fixtures look favourable for Manchester City, compared to Liverpool.
As the table currently stands, West Ham, Wolves and Newcastle are in the top 10 and should put up a fight.
Leeds are only five points above the relegation zone and will be desperate.
Aston Villa have been inconsistent but should be safe from relegation when they travel to Manchester.
Summary: It would not be a surprise if City win all their remaining fixtures and hold on to claim the title.
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool (79 points), 2nd
Total matches remaining: 5
Home matches: 2 (Tottenham and Wolves)
Away matches: 3 (Newcastle, Aston Villa and Southampton)
Toughest match remaining: Tottenham
Easiest matches remaining: Aston Villa
Based on the Premier League table to date, Liverpool clearly have a tougher run-in than City.
Even their so-called ‘easiest match’ against Aston Villa will be a challenge, with former Liverpool favourite Steven Gerrard pulling out all the stops as manager.
Spurs are fighting for a Champions League position, so Tottenham has no shortage of motivation for a big finish.
Newcastle could provide problems for Liverpool, with manager Jurgen Klopp already raising concerns about the tight turnaround after their Champions League game against Villarreal.
Summary: It won’t be easy for the Reds to take down the champs – they will need to keep winning and rely on Manchester City stumbling under the pressure.
