As the Premier League season progresses, the competitive landscape is getting tighter and tighter, with the top three positions already set. Arsenal topped the list with an excellent goal difference over Liverpool. Manchester City follow in second place, just one point behind. Amazingly, all three of these powerhouses will have to face a spirited challenge from fourth-place Tottenham in the remaining seven rounds of matches. The Londoners have quietly become the biggest obstacle in this season's title race, and their influence should not be underestimated.
In the next seven rounds of the competition, Arsenal will face a tough test with a lineup of opponents that includes Aston Villa and three top teams: Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United. In particular, the clash with north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur is full of sparks in every encounter. Tottenham had to show a strong fighting spirit in order to retain their top four spot and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Facing the tight defense of the Arsenal, whether they can manage to get through is a big question mark. Chelsea, on the other hand, will not want to see their city rivals win the title and will do their best to thwart Arsenal's ambitions.
As for Liverpool's crucial battles against Tottenham and Aston Villa next month, this has certainly become a turning point in deciding the team's fate. The Reds were unlucky to lose in the first round of meetings and it is worth waiting to see if they can bounce back this time.
In contrast, City are behind in the standings but have a relatively easy remaining schedule, with the only threat, Tottenham Hotspur, playing a bye at the end of April. According to OPTA, City are still the favorites to win the title, with a 40% win rate well ahead of Liverpool's 31% and Arsenal's 29%. This could be closely related to the three teams' fixtures.
In addition, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all need to take care of European matches, which undoubtedly adds more variables to the Premier League competition.
Arsenal's remaining fixtures for the season are as follows:
14/04 Home to Aston Villa
21/04 Away to Wolves
24/04 Home to Chelsea
28/04 Away to Tottenham Hotspur
04/05 Home to Bournemouth
11/05 Away to Manchester United
19/05 Home to Everton
Liverpool's remaining fixtures this season:
14/04 Home to Crystal Palace
21/04 Away to Fulham
25/04 Away to Everton
27/04 Away to West Ham United
05/05 Home to Tottenham Hotspur
11/05 Away to Aston Villa
19/05 Home to Wolves
City's remaining fixtures this season:
13/04 Home to Luton
26/04 Away to Brighton
28/04 Away to Nottingham Forest
05/05 Home to Wolves
11/05 Away to Fulham
19/05 Home to West Ham United
(TBC) Away to Tottenham Hotspur
