As Liverpool continue to chase an unprecedented quadruple, they already have Champions League and FA Cup finals to look forward to before the end of the season. But there remains a slight possibility they might even need a final play-off to decide the destination of the Premier League title too.
The Reds drew with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night to move top of the table on goal difference but, having played a game more than Man City, the result ultimately dealt their title hopes a blow with three games left to play. Pep Guardiola’s side then responded with a 5-0 rout against Newcastle United on Sunday. But the Reds went again and beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Tuesday.
If Liverpool won their two remaining games against Southampton and Wolves while City won two and lost one of their remaining matches against West Ham United, Wolves and Aston Villa, the two sides would finish the season level on 92 points.
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The rivals drew 2-2 at both Anfield and the Etihad earlier this season. And with the Reds’ goal difference currently +65 compared to the reigning champions +68, it remains a possibility that there will be nothing to split them at the top of the table come the final day of the season on May 22. And if that is the case, Premier League rules state a play-off match will be arranged to decide who will be crowned champions.
In a statement back in 2020, the Premier League said: "If two or more clubs finish level in the table when competing for the title or European qualification, or when relegation is at stake, their records in the head-to-head matches will now be used to separate them.
“In previous seasons, teams involved in these specific battles who finished with the same points total, goal difference and number of goals scored would be pitted against each other in a play-off.
"But that extra match is now less likely. Only if the clubs remain level in the table after this will a play-off be arranged, at a neutral ground, with the format, timing and venue being determined by the Premier League Board."
And while numerous stars need to align for such a scenario to become reality - with points, goal difference, goals scored and goals conceded all having to be level - it remains a possibility that a 39th play-off game would be required and that Liverpool and City could have to lock horns once more in what would be the most exciting finish ever to a Premier League season.
*A version of this article was originally published on 8th May.
