Manchester City and Arsenal will face off for the Premier League title in the final weeks of the season, with each game potentially leading to dramatic developments in the race for the title.
The Premier League trophy could head to Manchester or London (Image: Getty Images)
The battle for the Premier League title looks set to be a close one. Manchester City and Arsenal are locked in a fierce battle to be crowned champions, with just three points separating them.
Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the table after their win over Newcastle at the weekend. However, City still have a game in hand and if things go well in the coming weeks they could be in the ascendancy again.
With all fixtures and kick-off times confirmed between now and the end of the season, City and Arsenal know exactly what they must do to be crowned Premier League champions.
There is an opportunity for the top spot to change hands on each matchday, but some matches could completely change the momentum of the title race. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the standout clashes that could decide the fate of the title…
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West Ham United vs Arsenal (Sunday, May 10)
The trip to the London Stadium is already shaping up to be a pivotal afternoon for the Gunners, just five days after their Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
City will be the first to play this weekend and a win against Brentford will increase the pressure.
West Ham remain in the thick of the relegation battle and will be desperate for points late in the season. Most will expect Arsenal to get over the line against the Hammers, but it will be a very difficult opponent for the Gunners.
Man City v Crystal Palace (Wednesday 13th May)
The match between City and Palace comes just three days later, in the middle of a tough week for Guardiola’s side. They faced Palace on Wednesday night, leaving less than 72 hours until the FA Cup final against Chelsea begins.
However, Palace’s season could be over by then, with a two-legged Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk. And given how intimidating City are at home, they will be able to make the most of extra time.
Mikel Arteta aims to end Arsenal’s wait to win the Premier League (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal vs Burnley (Monday 18th May)
Already relegated, Scott Parker’s Burnley side will be scared to go to the Emirates Stadium for the penultimate game of the season. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Arsenal got a comprehensive win against the Clarets if they get their act together.
And if they do, it will increase the pressure on City, given the similar goal difference between City and Arsenal heading into the final few games of the season. Arteta’s side could effectively pick up bonus points by further improving their scoring.
Bournemouth vs Man City (Tuesday 19th May)
A trip to Bournemouth might not normally strike fear into the hearts of Manchester City, but this time it looks like they need to be extra careful. Not only is Andoni Iraola’s side having a great season, but Guardiola will also have to overcome an almighty dilemma of selection.
Will City manager rest his players for last weekend’s FA Cup final? Given their commitment to the league, it would certainly be bold, but perhaps shrewd.
The Cherries still want to secure their place in European football and Iraola will be hoping to secure a victory in their final home game on the south coast.
Andoni Iraola could hurt Pep Guardiola’s title hopes (Image: Getty Images)
Crystal Palace vs Arsenal, Man City vs Aston Villa (Sunday 24th May)
If it goes down on the final day, City will feel a quiet sense of confidence. They have already won the title by defeating Arsenal in the 38th and final game, and have achieved a similar result against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
In fact, City won the title in 2022 by beating Villa and will be looking to take their chances this time against a side who could qualify for the Europa League final just four days ago.
It could be a similar story for the Gunners, with Palace reaching the Conference League final in the coming days. Whoever leads the race into the final day will need to finish the job with two wins over opponents who likely have other priorities.
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