The Premier League title race is not over yet. Manchester City and Liverpool’s sensational 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon leaves the two sides separated by just one point at the top of the table.
Once 14 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s City, a remarkable run of form has seen Liverpool bring the title race back to life.
These are two truly elite teams whose well-drilled master tacticians served up an end-to-end spectacle at the Etihad which – thankfully, you might say – has left open the question of who will lift the Premier League trophy.
Both have seven games to play. Both have European commitments to balance. Both know a momentary mistake could cost everything.
Here, i looks at the key fixtures that are likely to play a big part in deciding who wins the Premier League.
The title race
1. Manchester City – Played 31, +52 GD, 74 pts
2. Liverpool – Played 31, +57 GD, 73 pts
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- Tue 19 April, 8pm
This tie needs no introduction. The stead in which these two clubs’ supporters hold this historic fixture says enough.
Manchester United’s visit to Anfield on this occasion follows Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Benfica and their FA Cup semi-final against City.
This derby under the lights thus promises one of two things: either an opportunity to add another three points in the league to progress in Liverpool’s two remaining cup competitions, or the chance to get back on track after disappointment in those tournaments.
Either way, defeat to this ramshackle United side would really rattle Jurgen Klopp’s men and their supporters. Victory is essential.
Liverpool’s remaining fixtures
- Benfica (H) – Wed 13 Apr, 8pm
- Manchester City (N) – Sat 16 Apr, 3.30pm
- Manchester United (H) – Tue 19 Apr, 8pm
- Everton (H) – Sun 24 Apr, 4.30pm
- CL semi final, first leg – Tue 26/Wed 27 Apr
- Newcastle United (A) – Sat 30 Apr, 12.30pm
- CL semi final, second leg – Tue 3/Wed 4 May
- Tottenham (H) – Sat 7 May, 7.45pm
- Aston Villa (A) – Tue 10 May, 8pm
- Southampton (A) – Sun 15 May, 4.30pm [FA Cup final weekend]
- Wolves (H) – Sun 22 May, 4pm
- CL final – Sat 28 May
Leeds United vs Manchester City
- Sat 30 April, 5.30pm
Should Manchester City progress past Atletico Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, Guardiola’s men will make it through to the semis for only the second time during his six-year tenure.
Sandwiched in between the first and second legs of those games will be a visit to Leeds United, resurgent under new head coach Jesse Marsch.
Elland Road is an intimidating place to go at the best of times, and it will be especially so when nearly 40,000 Yorkshiremen and women sense their lads can upset the title race.
City will be coming off the back of three weeks of two-games-a-week fun. If they’re going to drop points anywhere, Leeds is the place you’d back them to do it.
Manchester City’s remaining fixtures
- Atletico Madrid (A) – Wed 13 Apr, 8pm
- Liverpool (N) – Sat 16 Apr, 3.30pm
- Wolves (A) – PP, date TBC
- Brighton (H) – Wed 20 Apr, 8pm
- Watford (H) – Sat 23 Apr, 3pm
- CL semi final, first leg – Tue 26/Wed 27 Apr
- Leeds United (A) – Sat 30 Apr, 5.30pm
- CL semi final, second leg – Tue 3/Wed 4 May
- Newcastle United (H) – Sun 8 May, 4.30pm
- West Ham (A) – Sun 15 May, 4.30pm [FA Cup final weekend]
- Aston Villa (H) – Sun 22 May, 4pm
- CL final – Sat 28 May
Liverpool vs Tottenham
- Sat 7 May, 7.45pm
No side apart from City and Liverpool have picked up more Premier League points than Tottenham since Antonio Conte took charge in November.
Spurs have won five of their last six in the league, scoring 21 goals in the process and making a serious claim for the final Champions League qualification spot.
Their visit to Anfield will follow – if Liverpool aren’t knocked out by Benfica in midweek – Liverpool’s Champions League semi-finals, marking the final match in a three-week run where Klopp’s men will play every three or four days.
Should their form continue, this increasingly self-confident Spurs side will head to Liverpool in ebullient mood. Against tired legs, form and mentality are a dangerous combination.
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- Sun 15 May, 4.30pm
Although Spurs’ form has seen West Ham drop to six points outside the top four, David Moyes’ men could still be in contention for a Champions League spot by mid-May.
The Hammers have enjoyed a simply remarkable season which has surprised many, with Pablo Fornals, Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice standouts in a cohesive, well-drilled side.
City’s visit to east London could yet be moved to mid-week if Guardiola’s men reach the FA Cup final, meaning the potential for fatigue to play a factor could become even greater.
In any case, this away trip is one to keep an eye out for.
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
- Sun 22 May, 4pm
Two words: Steven Gerrard.
Aston Villa’s manager infamously failed to win the Premier League for his beloved Liverpool as a player. Who, then, is better-placed to take charge of Manchester City’s opponents on the last day of the season?
Whether the title race will go down to the final day remains to be seen. If it does, the script writes itself.
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