Manchester City and Arsenal will go head to head for the Premier League title over the closing weeks of the season and every matchday could see the race for the crown take a dramatic turn
Premier League
The Premier League trophy could either be heading to Manchester or London(Image: Getty Images)
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The race for the Premier League title looks set to go right down to the wire. Manchester City and Arsenal are locked in a fierce battle to be crowned champions, with just three points separating them.
Mikel Arteta's side sit top following the weekend’s victory over Newcastle. City do have a game in hand though, so could put themselves back ahead should things go their way over the coming weeks.
With fixture dates and kick-off times now having all been confirmed between now and the end of the season, both City and Arsenal know exactly what they have to do to be named Premier League champions.
West Ham United vs Arsenal (Sun, May 10)
Coming just five days after the second-leg of their Champions League semi final clash with Atletico Madrid, the trip to the London Stadium already looks a pivotal afternoon for the Gunners.
City will be the ones to play first on this weekend and a win over Brentford will ramp up the pressure.
West Ham remain in the thick of the relegation battle and will likely be desperate for points even late into the season. Most would expect Arsenal to get over the line against the Hammers but they represent very difficult opposition for the Gunners.
Man City vs Crystal Palace (Weds, May 13)
City’s game in hand against Palace will be played just three days later in the middle of a demanding week for Guardiola's side. They kick off against Palace on the Wednesday night, less than 72 hours before the FA Cup final against Chelsea gets underway.
Palace’s season could potentially be over by then though, with a two-legged Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk to come. And given how imperious City are at home, they could make the most of their extra game.
Mikel Arteta
Mikel Arteta is aiming to finally end Arsenal's wait for a Premier League crown(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal vs Burnley (Mon, May 18)
Already relegated, Scott Parker’s Burnley will be dreading a trip to the Emirates Stadium in their penultimate game of the season. It would not be a surprise to Arsenal rack-up a comprehensive victory against the Clarets when they come together.
And should they do that, they would crank up the pressure on City given the similarity of City and Arsenal’s goal difference heading into the final few fixtures of the campaign. Arteta’s side could effectively secure themselves a bonus point by improving their own even further.
Bournemouth vs Man City (Tues, May 19)
A trip to Bournemouth might not usually strike fear into the hearts of Man City but this one looks particularly tricky. Not only are Andoni Iraola's side in the midst of their own impressive season, Guardiola will need to navigate an almighty selection dilemma.
Will the City boss rest players in the FA Cup final in the preceding weekend? That would certainly be a bold - but possibly - shrewd one given their league commitments.
The Cherries will still be hoping to secure a place in European football and Iraola will be looking to mark his final home game on the south coast with a statement win.
Andoni Iraola and Pep Guardiola
Andoni Iraola could damage Pep Guardiola's title hopes(Image: Getty Images)
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Crystal Palace vs Arsenal and Man City vs Aston Villa(Sun, May 24)
If it does come down to the final day, City will feel quietly confident. They've already beaten Arsenal to the title in the 38th and final game, as well and doing the same against Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
City actually beat Villa to lift the title in 2022 and will fancy their chances this time around against a side that could be competing in a Europa League final just four days prior.
It could be a similar story for the Gunners, with Palace potentially in the Conference League final just days later. Whoever goes into the final day leading the race should get the job done with two wins over opponents whose priorities will likely lie elsewhere.
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