After spending the past month playing catch-up, Manchester City finally have the opportunity to apply some extra pressure on Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title. They will kick off the weekend’s action at Fulham on Saturday, giving them the chance to take the lead.
In their previous three Premier League victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton and Hove Albion, City managed to secure the win after Arsenal had already gained three points, temporarily widening the gap to four points. However, this time, City will be the first to play, and if they secure a victory at Craven Cottage on Saturday, they will move two points ahead of Arsenal with only two games remaining.
Arsenal will then have to defeat a struggling Manchester United on Sunday in order to reclaim the top spot. The last time Arsenal played after City, it didn’t end well for them as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home against Aston Villa, while City triumphed with a 5-1 victory over Luton Town to claim the lead.
Although Arsenal currently hold the top position, it is only because City had a game in hand due to their participation in the FA Cup semi-finals. As we approach the penultimate weekend, both teams will need to secure victories. If they succeed, all eyes will be on City’s game against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, where a win would bring them one step closer to an unprecedented fourth successive title.
For City, this situation is nothing new. They have proven themselves to be masters at winning crucial matches towards the end of a Premier League season. With an unbeaten streak of 20 league games, it is difficult to bet against them earning the nine points they need to be crowned champions once again.
On the other hand, Arsenal can only focus on winning their remaining two games and hope for the best. However, their chances may be dampened by Fulham’s poor record against City. Fulham has lost their last 15 games against City in all competitions and their recent form in the Premier League has been less than stellar, with only one win in their last seven matches.
City is well aware of Fulham’s recent victories over Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, but they have a secret weapon in Erling Haaland who is firing on all cylinders. With a week’s rest, City is feeling supremely confident and ready to turn up the heat on Arsenal.
Arsenal is traveling to face a Manchester United side that has been plagued by injuries this season. Their recent 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace has left their hopes of qualifying for Europe hanging by a thread. Manager Erik ten Hag’s future is also uncertain, adding to the dark cloud hanging over United.
The Old Trafford fans have endured a lot this season and their support might not be enough to secure victory, especially considering that a win for United could potentially hand the title to their arch-rivals, City.
United may have some key players returning, such as captain Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay, but their defense is stretched thin with Harry Maguire injured.
While the focus is on the title race, this weekend could also see the resolution of the relegation battle.
Burnley’s fate hangs in the balance and they will be relegated unless they can secure a win against Tottenham Hotspur. Luton Town is also in danger of going down, especially if they lose their last home match against West Ham United, which will be an emotional farewell for David Moyes.
Even if Luton manages to win, Nottingham Forest in 17th place could still send them down if they defeat Chelsea in Saturday’s late kick-off. The stakes are high and the tension is palpable as teams fight to secure their place in the league.