Man City’s three biggest games in premier League title race with Arsenal and Liverpool
The latest Manchester City news as there is just one point separating three teams at the top of the Premier League table going into the final season run-in.
Pep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield.
Pep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield.
It is set to be another exciting end to the Premier League season with Manchester City in a three-way race for the title.
Having won the treble last season, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to retain their title for the fourth season running and lift the trophy for the eighth time. They will however have to leapfrog both Arsenal and Liverpool to do so.
The Gunners currently sit top of the league on goal difference ahead of Liverpool with one point separating all three sides. There are bound to be twists and turns in the final 10 games of the season.
The international break gives clubs time to recharge, restock and go again with every game increasing in importance as the season goes on. The closeness of the race this year places pressure on all three teams every time they take to the field.
But there are certain games where that importance may just ramp up a little bit more. With that in mind, here’s three of City’s final 10 fixtures that jump out as just that.
Arsenal (H), Sun 31 March, 4.30pm kick-off
Man City return from the international break with a bang with the cliched six-pointer against current leaders Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s side are just one point ahead of City in the league, but have won each of their last eight games, scoring 33 goals in the process.
A win for City would take them back above their title rivals, while a loss would see a four-point gap open up, which could be significant with just nine games remaining. Liverpool will also be watching on with interest after taking on Brighton just a couple of hours earlier.
The reverse fixture back in October saw Arsenal come out as 1-0 winners thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s 86th-minute goals. It’s a result that City will look to avenge when Arsenal visit their place.
Aston Villa (H), Weds 3 April, 8.15pm kick-off
A game against Aston Villa will give Man City another chance to avenge a defeat earlier in the season. The game at Villa Park in early December ended in a 1-0 loss thanks to Leon Bailey’s second-half goal.
Villa are fighting to finish in the Champions League places at the end of the season as they look to challenge towards the top of the league. All three title contenders are in action at a similar time with Arsenal hosting Luton and Liverpool hosting Sheffield United.
Both teams will expect to pick up maximum points from those games, possibly putting more pressure on City. With kick-off at 8.15, 45 minutes after Arsenal and Liverpool’s matches, news of results could start to filter through during the second half.
Tottenham (A), Date and kick-off time TBC
City’s progress to the FA Cup semi-final means that Premier League games are having to be re-arranged. That is now not the case for Arsenal and Liverpool.
City take on Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on the date that they were due to play Tottenham in North London. There has not yet been a date confirmed for the re-arranged game, but it could be a crucial one in the Premier League race.
Like Villa, Spurs are aiming to play Champions League football next season. The reverse fixture ended as a 3-3 draw with plenty of goals expected again this time around.
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