The race for the Premier League title is set to further heat up over the next month or so, with Manchester City still in the driving seat.
Having suffered a rare setback with defeat to Tottenham last month, the Blues have responded well with back-to-back wins. Sunday’s derby day thrashing of Manchester United means they still hold a six-point lead over nearest challengers Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Both sides are fighting on more than just one front, and it’s possible they could meet each other in the FA Cup and Champions League before the end of the season. For the time being though, all eyes are looking towards that all-important league meeting at the Etihad on the horizon.
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The next few month or so looks as though it could play a huge part in the destination of this season’s title. Here’s a look at City’s next six league fixtures, and how they compare to Liverpool’s.
Monday, March 14 – Crystal Palace (A)
After the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Sporting – where it will be the shock of the century if City don’t progress – they head to Selhurst Park eyeing up some revenge. Crystal Palace are one of only two teams to have beaten the Blues in the league this season.
There’s a connection to City as well in former midfielder Patrick Vieira, who also managed sister club New York City, and he has quietly but efficiently gone about his business with the Eagles. They sit mid-table, having been predicted to struggle at the start of the season, and this will be a tough test for the visitors.
Saturday, April 2 – Burnley (A)
Having looked in serious trouble just a few weeks ago, Burnley have given themselves some hope of staying up this season. They now sit just one point from safety, and as anyone will tell you, a trip to Turf Moor is one few sides relish.
Back-to-back defeats against Leicester and Chelsea though have somewhat derailed their efforts, and Thomas Tuchel’s side eventually made light work of them on Saturday. If City are at their best, this should be a simple enough win.
Sunday, April 10 – Liverpool (H)
The big one. As far as the season goes, this looks as though it could be the game that decides the destination of the title.
Neither side look likely to drop points heading into the game, although Liverpool’s run going to the Etihad is much trickier than City’s. Either way, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be needing a win, and they are of course the Blues’ biggest threat.
Assuming both sides head into the game maintaining their relentless form, City will hold a three-point advantage, which is crucial. Avoid defeat, and the title race is firmly in their favour heading into the business end of the season.
Saturday, April 16 – Wolves (A)
Immediately after Liverpool is another tough test, and one that could provide a potential slip-up for City. Wolves are certainly no slouches, as they’ve shown throughout this season.
Only the top three boast better defensive records than Bruno Lage’s men, who are supremely stingy in defence. By the same token, they also don’t score many goals, with only Burnley and Norwich having scored fewer so far, so a win in any guise would do here for City.
Saturday, April 23 – Watford (H)
City have had plenty of joy in this fixture over the years. In fact, the Blues haven’t tasted defeat against the Hornets in any competition since 1989.
Considering their last visit to the Etihad resulted in an 8-0 win for City, the home fans will be expecting something big here. With Roy Hodgson at the helm, it’s perhaps unlikely we’ll see a scoreline that big, but it should be a victory nevertheless for the hosts.
Saturday, April 30 – Leeds (A)
Leeds were truly shambolic when they visited the Etihad back in December. City barely had to get out of second gear in order to record a thumping 7-0 victory.
At Elland Road, they might well be a slightly different prospect, and with Jesse Marsch now at the helm, they are something of an unknown quantity at the moment. City will be fully expecting a victory though.
Liverpool’s next six fixtures
Brighton (A)
Arsenal (A)
Watford (H)
Manchester City (A)
Aston Villa (A)
Everton (H)
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