MY ACCOUNT
When the Premier League season resumes after the international break, Arsenal and Manchester City will head into the final stages of their title race.
The Gunners are currently out in front, holding an eight-point lead at the top of the table after 28 games. Second placed City have a game in hand and could cut the gap to five points when they host Liverpool on April 1.
From their remaining fixtures, both teams have to face some potentially tricky opponents, with the two rivals set to play each other on April 26.
Ahead of the return of the English top flight next week, we have picked out the key matches still to come in the title battle.
Manchester City vs Liverpool (April 1)
City return to action with one of their biggest remaining challenges, when they host the team that have been their closest rivals over recent seasons.
Liverpool’s form has dipped during this campaign, but they remain capable of beating the best, as they reminded everyone with their recent 7-0 win over Manchester United.
They also won 1-0 in the reverse fixture against Pep Guardiola’s team. City beat Liverpool 3-2 at the Etihad in the Carabao Cup last December, but have drawn their last two home league games against the Reds.
Liverpool vs Arsenal (April 9)
Liverpool could have a major say in the title race. A week after travelling to Manchester City, they will host Arsenal.
The North Londoners won the home fixture 3-2 back in October, but have not tasted victory at Anfield since 2012. In the nine subsequent Premier League trips to face the Reds, they have lost seven times and drawn twice.
If Arsenal are looking for inspiration, their 1989 title triumph was decided at the famous old ground, when George Graham’s team pulled off a shock 2-0 victory in the last game of the season.
Manchester City vs Arsenal (April 26)
This is the big one, when the two teams meet in a crucial clash that could effectively decide who wins the title.
City have won the previous two encounters this season. They recorded a 3-1 Premier League victory at the Emirates in February, weeks after knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 home win.
Pep’s men are unbeaten in their last seven league home games against the Gunners, winning each of the last six.
Arsenal vs Chelsea (April 29)
Arsenal face a London derby in their run-in, when they host Chelsea just days after their match with City.
The Blues have won two of their last three Premier League matches at the Emirates, but while Mikel Arteta’s team have made massive strides since then, the West Londoners have struggled this season.
Currently 10th, Chelsea’s form has improved in recent weeks, with Graham Potter’s outfit currently unbeaten in four games. If they can continue to improve, then they could make life difficult for their local rivals.
Newcastle vs Arsenal (May 6)
Arsenal will play four times in May and the toughest fixture looks set to be their first outing of the month, when they travel to Newcastle.
The Magpies are fifth in the table and hold two games in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham meaning Eddie Howe’s team remain focused on securing a Champions League qualifying spot.
Newcastle have the meanest defence in the division having only conceded 19 times in 26 league matches, keeping seven clean sheets from their 13 games at St James’ Park.
Manchester City vs Chelsea (May 20)
City’s penultimate Premier League game sees them host Chelsea. With the title holders having a seemingly easier run-in than Arsenal, this stands out as one of their biggest challenges.
One of the disadvantages that the Citizens face is that they are still in the FA Cup and Champions League. With the Gunners now out of all cup competitions, they can fully concentrate on the Premier League.
Guardiola’s team could play the second leg of a Champions League semi-final in the midweek preceding this fixture should they reach that stage. Fixture congestion may prove to be City’s toughest opponent.
