Man City’s five toughest Premier League games left as Arsenal battle continues
Arsenal and Manchester City are currently in a fierce competition for the Premier League title. Despite both teams putting on impressive displays for football fans around the world, only one will end the season with a sense of accomplishment.
After playing 26 games, Arsenal currently leads the table with 63 points, which is five points ahead of Man City. However, there are still 12 more games left to play, and as with previous title races, there will likely be more surprises and unpredictable outcomes.
Both teams are also participating in their respective European competitions. Mikel Arteta may have an advantage in the title race, as Pep Guardiola is focused on leading Man City to their first-ever Champions League title after years of disappointment.
Arsenal’s path to the title remains challenging, with several tough fixtures ahead, including matches against Liverpool and Manchester City. However, it’s worth noting that Man City also face a difficult schedule. As such, SportsDias has identified the five toughest fixtures remaining for Arsenal’s title contenders.
5. Crystal Palace (A) – March 11
Although not the toughest fixture on paper, Manchester City have struggled in the past when facing Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Last season, Patrick Vieira’s team was one of the few sides to take points off the eventual champions, securing a 2-0 win at the Etihad.
The upcoming fixture against Crystal Palace poses a challenging test for City. It is a televised 5:30pm kick-off, playing before Arsenal, against a team that has been winless in 11 games. This combination of factors could lead to a potential upset.
City has demonstrated on multiple occasions that they can struggle against sides that come out aggressively. Teams such as Brentford, Southampton, and Nottingham Forest have all taken advantage of missed opportunities to create problems for City in recent months. This game could be similarly difficult for them, or it could go the opposite way.
4. Brighton (A) – April 23
Brighton has been a pleasant surprise in the Premier League this season and could be on track to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history under Roberto De Zerbi’s leadership. They have already defeated some of the league’s top teams, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal, playing in a captivating style that has made them one of the most exciting teams to watch.
City’s upcoming match against Brighton presents a challenging fixture as the Seagulls have proven to be a formidable opponent this season. Moreover, the match falls just three days before City welcomes Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium, further compounding the tough schedule facing Guardiola’s side in April.
3. Chelsea (H) – May 20
Chelsea has not been performing up to their usual standards this season, with Graham Potter struggling to implement his ideas on the squad since replacing Thomas Tuchel in September. They are currently positioned in mid-table, far from the Chelsea many are accustomed to watching.
However, their recent 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund has secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, which has relieved some pressure on Potter’s shoulders. If they can find some consistency between now and the end of the season, they could make a surprise charge for the top four or European success.
City has had no issues against Chelsea in their two previous meetings this season. They won 4-0 in the FA Cup in January and then secured another victory at Stamford Bridge.
2. Liverpool (A) – April 1
After suffering a 3-0 defeat to Wolves at the start of February, many believed that Liverpool’s season was over. However, Jurgen Klopp’s side has made a remarkable comeback, winning four out of their previous five league games, including a historic 7-0 victory over Manchester United. They are now only two points behind Tottenham and, alongside City, are one of the most in-form teams in the league.
When Guardiola and Klopp have faced each other in recent seasons, sparks have flown, but this time the situation is different. Liverpool is no longer challenging for the title, and City will be hoping to navigate their trip to Anfield without much trouble.
1. Arsenal (H) – April 26
The match on April 26 between Arsenal and Manchester City is set to be the game of the season. Arsenal has already lost twice to their title rivals in 2023, but a win in Manchester could all but secure them their first league title in nearly two decades.
While it is possible that the title could be wrapped up by then, it is highly unlikely, so this fixture is likely to be decisive in determining who will lift the Premier League trophy at the end of May.
Guardiola has been in these tense battles before and knows how to navigate them. Arsenal has lost the last seven meetings against City and has not won at the Etihad since 2015, but a victory after eight years could be within reach.
Man City’s five toughest Premier League games left as Arsenal battle continues
Man City’s five toughest Premier League games left as Arsenal battle continues
