The Premier League Run-in: A Look at the Remaining Fixtures of the Top 3
As the Premier League title race enters its final stages, the battle for supremacy between Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City intensifies. With just nine matches remaining, the top three teams are locked in a fierce competition, each vying for the coveted trophy. Let’s take a comprehensive look at the remaining fixtures of these contenders and analyze their prospects.
The Premier League Run-in: A Look at the Remaining Fixtures of the Top 3
Liverpool:
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool currently sit atop the Premier League table, holding the fate of the title in their hands. Their remaining fixtures seem relatively favorable, with Europa League distractions less taxing compared to their rivals’ Champions League commitments. Liverpool has already secured victories against seven of their nine remaining opponents, showcasing their dominance this season. However, potential stumbling blocks include tricky away fixtures against Merseyside rivals Everton and tough outings at Craven Cottage against Fulham.
The Reds will also face a challenging encounter against Manchester United, a team that has historically proven to be formidable opponents. Despite their recent FA Cup defeat, Liverpool will be eager to avenge their losses and maintain their position at the summit of English football.
Sheffield United (H) – Thursday 4th April
Position: 20th
Head-to-head record: WWWWWW
Last four results in fixture: 2-1, 2-0, 4-0, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 0-2
Cup distractions: None
Manchester United (A) – Sunday 7th April
Position: 6th
Head-to-head record: WWLWDL
Last six results in fixture: 2-1, 0-5, 2-4, 1-1, 0-0, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 0-0
Cup distractions: Four days before Europa League quarter-final semi at home to Atalanta
Crystal Palace (H) – Sunday 14th April
Position: 14th
Head-to-head record: WWWDDW
Last six results in fixture: 1-1, 3-0, 2-0, 4-0, 4-3, 1-0
Score in reverse fixture: 1-2
Cup distractions: Sandwiched between Europa League quarter-final vs Atalanta
Fulham (A) – Sunday 21st April
Position: 12th
Head-to-head record: LDWWWD
Last six results in fixture: 2-2, 1-1, 1-2, 2-3, 1-3, 1-0
Score in reverse fixture: 4-3
Cup distractions: Four days after Atalanta away (second leg)
Everton (A) – Wednesday 24th April
Position: 16th
Head-to-head record: LWWDWW
Last six results in fixture: 0-0, 1-4, 2-2, 0-0, 0-0, 0-0
Score in reverse fixture: 2-0
Cup distractions: None
West Ham (A) – Sunday 27th April
Position: 7th
Head-to-head record: LWWWWW
Last six results in fixture: 1-2, 3-2, 1-3, 0-2, 1-1, 1-4
Score in reverse fixture: 3-1
Cup distractions: Weekend before potential Europa League semi [Benfica or Marseille]
Tottenham (H) – Saturday 4th May [*TBC]
Position: 5th
Head-to-head record: WDDWWL
Last six results in fixture: 4-3, 1-1, 2-1, 2-1, 2-1, 2-2
Score in reverse fixture: 2-1
Cup distractions: Sandwiched between potential Europa League semi [Benfica or Marseille]
Aston Villa (A) – Saturday 11th May [*TBC]
Position: 4th
Head-to-head record: WWWWDW
Last six results in fixture: 1-3, 1-2, 7-2, 1-2, 0-6, 0-2
Score in reverse fixture: 3-0
Cup distractions: Weekend after potential Europa League semi [Benfica or Marseille]
Wolves (H) – Sunday 19th May
Position: 10th
Head-to-head record: WDWLWW
Last six results in fixture: 2-0, 3-1, 4-0, 1-0, 2-0, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 1-3
Cup distractions: Potential Europa League final three days later
Arsenal:
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal enter the final stretch of the season in impressive form, unbeaten since the turn of the year. With a solid defensive record and key victories under their belt, the Gunners are genuine title contenders. Their remaining fixtures include crucial away matches against top-six rivals Tottenham and Manchester United, which could prove decisive in their title aspirations.
However, Arsenal will draw confidence from their recent performances against these sides, having secured victories in their previous encounters. With favorable records against Everton, Wolves, and Bournemouth, Arsenal will look to capitalize on their momentum and secure vital points in the run-in.
Luton Town (H) – Wednesday 3rd April
Position: 18th
Head-to-head record: WLWDWL
Last six results in fixture: N/A
Score in reverse fixture: 3-4
Cup distractions: None
Brighton (A) – Saturday 6th April
Position: 9th
Head-to-head record: DLLWLW
Last six results in fixture: 2-4, 0-0, 0-1, 2-1, 1-1, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 2-0
Cup distractions: Four days before Bayern (first leg at home)
Aston Villa (H) – Sunday 14th April
Position: 4th
Head-to-head record: LWWWWL
Last six results in fixture: 2-1, 3-1, 0-3, 3-2, 4-0, 5-0
Score in reverse fixture: 1-0
Cup distractions: Sandwiched between Bayern (five days after home leg, four days before away leg)
Wolves (A) – Saturday 20th April
Position: 10th
Head-to-head record: LWWWWW
Last six results in fixture: 0-2, 0-1, 2-1, 0-2, 3-1, 0-3
Score in reverse fixture: 2-1
Cup distractions: Four days after Bayern away
Chelsea (H) – Tuesday 23rd April
Position: 11th
Head-to-head record: WLWWWD
Last six results in fixture: 2-1, 0-2, 3-1, 1-2, 2-0, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 2-2
Cup distractions: None
Tottenham (A) – Sunday 28th April
Position: 5th
Head-to-head record: WWLWWD
Last six results in fixture: 0-2, 3-0, 2-0, 2-1, 1-1, 1-0
Score in reverse fixture: 2-2
Cup distractions: Potential Champions League semi final [Man City or Madrid] first leg days later
Bournemouth (H) – Saturday 4th May [*TBC]
Position: 13th
Head-to-head record: WDWWWW
Last six results in fixture: 3-2, 1-0, 5-1, 3-0, 3-1, 2-0
Score in reverse fixture: 0-4
Cup distractions: Sandwiched between potential Champions League semi [Man City or Madrid]
Manchester United (A) – Saturday 11th May [*TBC]
Position: 6th
Head-to-head record: DLWLWW
Last six results in fixture: 3-1, 3-2, 0-1, 1-1, 2-2, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 3-1
Cup distractions: Weekend after potential Champions League semi second leg
Everton (H) – Sunday 19th May
Position: 16th
Head-to-head record: LLWLWW
Last six results in fixture: 4-0, 5-1, 0-1, 3-2, 2-0, 5-1
Score in reverse fixture: 0-1
Cup distractions: None. The Champions League final, should Arsenal be there, isn’t until Saturday June 1st.
Manchester City:
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are aiming to create history by clinching a fourth successive league title. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries and a demanding fixture schedule, City remain formidable opponents. Their FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea presents an additional challenge, potentially disrupting their momentum in the title race.
City’s remaining fixtures include key encounters against Aston Villa, Tottenham, and West Ham. While they boast an exceptional record against most of their remaining opponents, City will need to navigate through a congested schedule and maintain consistency to close the gap at the top of the table.
Aston Villa (H) – Wednesday 3rd April
Position: 4th
Head-to-head record: WWWDWL
Last six results in fixture: 3-1, 3-2, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 3-2, 4-0
Score in reverse fixture: 1-0
Cup distractions: None
Crystal Palace (A) – Sunday 6th April
Position: 14th
Head-to-head record: WLDWWD
Last six results in fixture: 0-1, 0-0, 0-2, 0-2, 1-3, 0-0
Score in reverse fixture: 2-2
Cup distractions: Four days before Real Madrid (away) in Champions League quarter-final
Luton (H) – Saturday 13th April
Position: 18th
Head-to-head record: DWDWWW
Last six results in fixture: N/A
Score in reverse fixture: 1-2
Cup distractions: Sandwiched between two legs vs Real Madrid in Champions League quarters
Tottenham (A) – TBC*
Position: 5th
Head-to-head record: LLWLDW
Last six results in fixture: 1-0, 1-0, 2-0, 2-0, 0-1, 1-3
Score in reverse fixture: 3-3
Cup distractions: None
Brighton (A) – Thursday 25th April
Position: 9th
Head-to-head record: LWWWDW
Last six results in fixture: 1-1, 1-4, 3-2, 0-5, 1-4, 0-2
Score in reverse fixture: 2-1
Cup distractions: None
Nottingham Forest (A) – Sunday 28th April
Position: 17th
Head-to-head record: DWLWDW
Last four results in fixture: 1-1, 3-0, 1-0, 0-2
Score in reverse fixture: 2-0
Cup distractions: Weekend before potential Champions League semi-final [Arsenal or Bayern]
Wolves (H) – Saturday 4th May [*TBC]
Position: 10th
Head-to-head record: WWWWWL
Last six results in fixture: 3-0, 1-0, 4-1, 0-2, 3-0, 3-1
Score in reverse fixture: 2-1
Cup distractions: Sandwiched between potential Champions League semi-finals [Arsenal or Bayern]
Fulham (A) – Saturday 11th May [*TBC]
Position: 12th
Head-to-head record: WWWWWW
Last six results in fixture: 1-2, 0-3, 0-2, 2-4, 1-2, 2-2
Score in reverse fixture: 5-1
Cup distractions: Weekend after potential Champions League semi-final [Arsenal or Bayern]
West Ham (H) – Sunday 19th May
Position: 7th
Head-to-head record: DWDWWW
Last six results in fixture: 3-0, 2-1, 2-1, 2-0, 1-0, 2-1
Score in reverse fixture: 1-3
Cup distractions: None. Potential FA Cup final the weekend after and a potential Champions League final the weekend after that (like last season).
As the season reaches its climax, the Premier League title race promises excitement and drama until the final whistle. With each team battling for supremacy, the race for glory is set to captivate football fans worldwide. Who will emerge victorious in May? Only time will tell.