Shaping Up - The Premier League title race

Shaping up - The Premier League title race

by editor Wong Yang and assistant editor Ervin Ang

After their 0-2 defeat by Chelsea, Liverpool are still at the top of the table with 80 points with Chelsea trailing two points behind. However, Manchester City threaten a game in hand and currently hold 77 points and superior goal difference. FootballMania gives you a brief preview of the upcoming matches for the three title contenders Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea as the title race intensifies. 

In the weeks to come…

Everton v Manchester City - 
Saturday, May 3

Everton have a chance to lend their Merseyside neighbours Liverpool a hand when they face Manchester City this Saturday at Goodison Park. Roberto Martinez’s men have fallen behind Arsenal in the chase for fourth with poor performances in their last few fixtures, but they are sure to come out determined in front of their home fans to reignite their hopes of playing Champions League football. The game will be the toughest match that any of the three title contenders face.

Chelsea v Norwich - Sunday, May 4

Chelsea return to Premier League action after playing Atletico Madrid at home in their Champions League semi-final second leg match on Wednesday. Norwich most recently suffered a 4-0 thrashing by a rejuvenated Manchester United squad led by caretaker manager Ryan Giggs, and the Londoners can count on the fact that Norwich will give their all in their efforts to evade relegation. Chelsea may barely scrape past the Canaries at home as they have a horrendous away record.

Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Monday, May 5

Crystal Palace have impressed in the past month especially with their 1-0 victory over Chelsea in late March. Sitting in mid-table, Palace have nothing to play for, making the match simpler for Liverpool. The match will be test of how the Liverpool players can calm their nerves and keep their head in the game.

Manchester City v Aston Villa - Wednesday, May 7

City’s elusive game in hand will be played in midweek against an Aston Villa side that recently shocked Chelsea 1-0. Aston Villa, like Norwich, are desperate to keep clear of the relegation zone but City will be confident playing at the Etihad and should have an easy win over Paul Lambert’s Villa side to gain the vital three points.

The day that all will be decided - Sunday, May 11

Cardiff v Chelsea

Chelsea will end their season with an away match against Cardiff, who have battled hard in their attempt to stay clear from relegation. The Blues are expected to comfortably ease past Cardiff whether or not they are still in the title race two weeks from now as they would still be two points behind Liverpool or City should the other two title contenders record wins in their remaining matches.

Manchester City v West Ham

City should more or less sweep the London side which had suffered a 9-0 thumping by the very same opponents earlier this year. In the minds of City and their fans would be the nerving yet triumphant final day of the 2011/2012 Premier League season on which they defeated resilient Queens Park Rangers 3-2 thanks to late goals from Dzeko and Aguero, sending them to the top of the table over rivals Manchester United on goal difference to be crowned champions of that season. Pellegrini shall hope that his side will not play like they did against QPR on that fateful day.

Liverpool v Newcastle

The Reds have a chance to lift the English Premier League title in front of their fans at Anfield should they somehow overcome City’s superior goal difference. However, Newcastle are an organised and considerably decent side that Liverpool have to be wary of even with the strong backing of the Kop. 

Once Manchester City wins the toughest match that any of the three contenders are involved in - their trip to Goodison Park for their match against Everton - they will be in the driving seat to win the 2013/14 English Premier League. City can win their game in hand and they will be level on points with Liverpool but separated by their higher goal difference. Chelsea may only be crowned champions if they win their remaining matches and City and Liverpool both suffer at least one loss. Should one of City or Liverpool's remaining matches end in a draw, Chelsea, having a lower goal difference than both their rivals, will still be unable to win the title. It is now more or less certain that the race to the title will be won either by Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City or Brendan Rodger's Liverpool. The ending of this season's Premier League story could very well be settled on the final day, just as it did two years ago in dramatic fashion.

Premier League table as of 29/4/2014