Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared…

Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared to title rivals Man City and Man United

Arsenal have just 12 games left to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table and lift the trophy for the first time in nearly 20 years. The Gunners still have the opportunity to win the Premier League and Europa League this season following 2-2 draw against Sporting CP in their round of 16 first-leg clash.

Mikel Arteta must be able to manage his squad correctly through a busy period of fixtures in March and April if the north Londoners are to complete a historic double. There will be some more suffering between now and the end of the campaign if the side are to make that dream a reality, but they moved one step closer on Saturday with a huge victory over Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium.

The celebrations that followed Reiss Nelson's late winner against the Cherries showed just how much the players, staff and fans want to defy the odds and win the Premier League this season as we head into the title run-in. The distraction of Europa League action could be an advantage for the Gunners as they now head into their second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium next Thursday on level terms with Sporting.

With that said, here's a look at their next five league games compared to rivals Manchester City and Manchester United.

Fulham (A - Sunday, March 12)

After a midweek return to Europa League action, focus on the Premier League turns to Fulham, with a short trip across London on the cards. The Craven Cottage outfit have impressed this season, sitting seventh after many had tipped them for relegation back to the Championship once again.

A run of just two wins in five for Fulham will give the Gunners hope they can get a result, but it will be far from an easy clash.

Sporting CP (H - Thursday, March 16)

The north Londoners drew 2-2 in the first-leg in Portugal as Arteta had to rotate his squad due to a number of injury concerns and absentees. Martin Odeegard, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard were all absent from the matchday squad.

William Saliba's towering header followed by a deflected own-goal saw Arsenal head into the second-leg on level terms, but they can take plenty of positives from the first-leg.

Crystal Palace (H- Sunday, March 19)

The second clash of a London derby double header is at the Emirates against a Crystal Palace side that haven't won a league game since the start of the year. The Eagles are in danger of being dragged into a relegation battle if they aren't careful as former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira returns to the Emirates.

Leeds (H - Saturday, April 1)

There's yet another home tie ahead as Arsenal welcome Leeds to north London, with the Yorkshire side firmly involved in a relegation scrap. Leeds hover just over the drop zone as things currently stand and will be hopeful new manager Javi Gracia can turn things around to avoid a nervous final day.

Liverpool (A - Sunday, April 9)

There's a big tie on the horizon as Arsenal face Liverpool at Anfield in just over one month, with the clash perhaps offering a title defining feel to it. The Gunners have traditionally struggled away in Merseyside, with the Reds just starting to creep their way towards a top four spot after an uncharacteristically poor season by their recent standards under Jurgen Klopp.

Man City next five fixtures:

Crystal Palace (A) - March 11

RB Leipzig (H) - March 14

West Ham (H) - March 19

Liverpool (H) - April 1

Southampton (A) - April 9

Man Utd next five fixtures:

Southampton (H) - March 11

Real Betis (A) - March 16

Brighton (A) - March 19

Newcastle (A) - April 2

Brentford (H) - April 5