IF ANY REMAINING game is likely to significantly alter the course of the title race, it’s this one. It’s been well documented that Man City’s recent record at Goodison is awful, while Roberto Martinez’s team have a decent record against the big teams this year, particularly at home, where Arsenal, Man United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea have all failed to beat them. Should City overcome this challenge, then they will surely secretly start to feel that this is their year.
Player most likely to cause Man City damage: Romelu Lukaku — Everton have plenty of danger men, however the big Belgian is arguably the most integral player in their side. Without Lukaku, the Toffees have looked a significantly weaker outfit in recent times, and if they fail to re-sign him next year, replacing the 20-year-old will be an unenviable and arduous task for Martinez.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 4 (high) — This game looks the toughest of any of the remaining fixtures, particularly given how well Everton have invariably performed at Goodison Park this season.
4 May
Chelsea v Norwich (16.00)
Matt Dunham
Matt Dunham
(Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for his tempestuous behaviour at times this season)
Even taking into account their recent poor performances against weaker opposition, anything other than a Chelsea win on Sunday would be a major shock. Of the three title-contending teams, Jose Mourinho’s men are undoubtedly in the worst position and consequently regarded as rank outsiders to prevail, however a win tomorrow would put them top at least temporarily. Norwich, meanwhile, will need to improve on their conspicuously limp performance against Man United to have any hope, thereby maintaining their tenuous survival bid. They did cause Liverpool significant problems, nonetheless that was at Carrow Road, where they have looked altogether more comfortable than on the road.
Player most likely to cause Chelsea damage: Nathan Redmond — As with all Norwich players, it has hardly been a vintage season for Redmond, yet he did impress substantially as the Canaries almost pulled off an unlikely comeback against Liverpool recently, so he probably represents their best hope of achieving an improbable positive result tomorrow.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) — Norwich’s almost relentlessly poor away form coupled with Chelsea’s normally reliable home record means this game should only go one way. The fact that Chelsea have endured one or two demoralising hiccups in recent times, added to Norwich’s relegation perils, means the Canaries have a very slight chance of getting something from this game.
5 May
Crystal Palace v Liverpool (20.00)
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PA Archive / Press Association Images
PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images
(Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard has scored 13 goals in 31 appearances so far this season)
Arguably, aside from the Everton fixture, this looks like the biggest challenge that any of the top sides face in the run-in. A few months ago, the match would have been regarded as a nailed-on three points for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Yet Tony Pulis has slowly transformed Crystal Palace since taking over there, helping them earn unlikely victories over Everton and Chelsea among others. They are now comfortably safe from relegation and sit in 11th place — but granted, this factor could actually help Liverpool to an extent, as it arguably did City last week. Nonetheless, notwithstanding last week’s setback, the Eagles’ increasingly indomitable spirit is palpable, so don’t be surprised if they prove capable of raising their game for the umpteenth time this season on Monday.
Player most likely to cause Liverpool damage: Jason Puncheon — Though much of their success has been built on a solid defence, Puncheon has also played an influential role in Palace’s revival. The club’s good form has coincided with a flurry of goals from the 27-year-old winger. Despite still being relatively young, he’s already played for 10 clubs, yet this season, he finally appears to be delivering on the promise that has caused so many teams to take a gamble on him in the past.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 3 (high enough) Palace have proved very adept at causing shocks in recent months, though Liverpool are one of the more reliable top sides when it comes to beating conceivably weaker teams.
7 May
Man City v Aston Villa (19.45)
Rui Vieira
Rui Vieira
(Gabby Agbonlahor is likely to be one of Villa’s main danger men when they take on Man City)
City may be title favourites, but their having to play three games in the space of eight days should not be overlooked, particularly in such pressurised circumstances.
Villa at home is a match they should win, but there are a few factors that may create an element of doubt in their players’ minds. Paul Lambert’s side are still not totally safe from relegation, though they could be by the time this match kicks off. Moreover, they have tended to raise their game against many of the big teams this season — they are one of just three sides to have taken points off Liverpool at Anfield, while they are also the only team in the league this year to have beaten Arsenal at the Emirates.
Player most likely to cause Man City damage: Gabby Agbonlahor — He may not be the most consistent player in the world, but at his best, Agbonhalor’s pace and trickery is difficult for any side to combat. City’s defence isn’t blessed with considerable speed, so the 27-year-old is certainly capable of exploiting this weakness.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) Villa triumphing would not be the strangest thing to have ever happened in football and the degree to which they are in danger of being relegated will surely make a difference, but City have still only dropped points twice at home all season — against Chelsea and Sunderland, so doing so again would surely only be caused by a dramatic loss of nerve on some level from Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
11 May
EMPICS Sport
EMPICS Sport
(The Premier League title race is set to go down to the final day for the second time in three seasons)
Cardiff v Chelsea (15.00)
Ideally from these sides’ current perspective, this game will either secure Chelsea the Premier League title or ensure Cardiff avoid relegation. However, in truth, with both teams’ respective hopes currently hanging by a thread, this encounter could prove largely irrelevant come 11 May.
Chelsea have looked increasingly vulnerable against the smaller outfits as the season’s progressed, although they should still have enough to overcome the current worst team in the league statistically, barring another disaster of epic, Mourinho-defying proportions.
Player most likely to cause Chelsea damage: Jordon Mutch — In a team that has laboured more often than not, Mutch has been one of the few bright sparks. He has racked up an impressive number of goals and assists this season, to such an extent that there have even been some calls for him to make Roy Hogson’s England World Cup squad. Thus, when Mutch is at his best, Cardiff invariably tick, so the Londoners will have to keep a special eye on the 22-year-old.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) The Welsh side’s home form isn’t too terrible — they’ve won five, drawn five and lost eight, most notably beating Man City at the Cardiff City Stadium back in August. Yet their performance in this fixture could largely depend on whether their slim survival prospects are still intact come kick-off time. If not, then their small hopes of avoiding defeat will be almost extinguished entirely.
Liverpool v Newcastle (15.00)
Will this be the game that wins Liverpool the title for the first time in 24 years? If presented with the opportunity, then they surely could not have asked for better opponents — Alan Pardew’s Newcastle have played with a conspicuous level of disinterest for weeks now, and appear all-too-content with mid-table mediocrity, so in front of a fervent Anfield crowd, it’s almost inconceivable that the Reds will slip up with the stakes potentially so high.
Player most likely to cause Liverpool damage: Loic Remy — The French striker has been one of the few real bright sparks in what has been a fairly disappointing season on Tyneside. With 13 goals in 25 games so far for Newcastle, he is more blameless than most amid their troubled campaign, and the striker will surely be a player that the Magpies attempt to sign on a permanent deal once his season-long loan from QPR expires.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 1 (very low) Normally, the ninth-placed team would have half a chance in a game against the current league leaders. However, when you factor in how Newcastle have played as if they’re already on holidays for some time now, as well as Liverpool’s formidable record at Anfield, then it seems as if there can only be one outcome in this instance.
Man City v West Ham (15.00)
If all goes to plan for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, this will be the game that guarantees them the title — quite possibly, enabling them to win the league on goal difference for the second time in three years, provided Liverpool take six points from their two remaining games as expected. West Ham have caused problems for the some of the big sides this year, however the likes of Vincent Kompany should relish the physical challenge that they will inevitably pose, while City boast far superior players in more or less every position on the field, so anything other than three points for the Eastlands club on the final day would be nothing short of catastrophic.
Player most likely to cause Man City damage: Andy Carroll – The big striker can prove a handful for most defences. While he may not have been worth the £35million that Liverpool infamously paid for him, anyone who attracts that sort of bid can hardly be dismissed either. At West Ham, Carroll has found a side that plays to his strengths, and the England international could still turn out to be a highly astute signing if he can maintain full fitness more regularly.
Chance of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) As mentioned already, Man City have been virtually unbeatable at home this season. West Ham are another example of a side whose season has petered out after all but ensuring their Premier League survival. That said, they did draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, though City’s superior firepower should see them past this obstacle comfortably enough.
Analysis: Man City v Everton and the 6 other games set to decide the Premier League title race
3 May
Everton v Man City (17.30)
IF ANY REMAINING game is likely to significantly alter the course of the title race, it’s this one. It’s been well documented that Man City’s recent record at Goodison is awful, while Roberto Martinez’s team have a decent record against the big teams this year, particularly at home, where Arsenal, Man United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea have all failed to beat them. Should City overcome this challenge, then they will surely secretly start to feel that this is their year.
Player most likely to cause Man City damage: Romelu Lukaku — Everton have plenty of danger men, however the big Belgian is arguably the most integral player in their side. Without Lukaku, the Toffees have looked a significantly weaker outfit in recent times, and if they fail to re-sign him next year, replacing the 20-year-old will be an unenviable and arduous task for Martinez.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 4 (high) — This game looks the toughest of any of the remaining fixtures, particularly given how well Everton have invariably performed at Goodison Park this season.
4 May
Chelsea v Norwich (16.00)
(Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been criticised for his tempestuous behaviour at times this season)
Even taking into account their recent poor performances against weaker opposition, anything other than a Chelsea win on Sunday would be a major shock. Of the three title-contending teams, Jose Mourinho’s men are undoubtedly in the worst position and consequently regarded as rank outsiders to prevail, however a win tomorrow would put them top at least temporarily. Norwich, meanwhile, will need to improve on their conspicuously limp performance against Man United to have any hope, thereby maintaining their tenuous survival bid. They did cause Liverpool significant problems, nonetheless that was at Carrow Road, where they have looked altogether more comfortable than on the road.
Player most likely to cause Chelsea damage: Nathan Redmond — As with all Norwich players, it has hardly been a vintage season for Redmond, yet he did impress substantially as the Canaries almost pulled off an unlikely comeback against Liverpool recently, so he probably represents their best hope of achieving an improbable positive result tomorrow.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) — Norwich’s almost relentlessly poor away form coupled with Chelsea’s normally reliable home record means this game should only go one way. The fact that Chelsea have endured one or two demoralising hiccups in recent times, added to Norwich’s relegation perils, means the Canaries have a very slight chance of getting something from this game.
5 May
Crystal Palace v Liverpool (20.00)
(Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard has scored 13 goals in 31 appearances so far this season)
Arguably, aside from the Everton fixture, this looks like the biggest challenge that any of the top sides face in the run-in. A few months ago, the match would have been regarded as a nailed-on three points for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Yet Tony Pulis has slowly transformed Crystal Palace since taking over there, helping them earn unlikely victories over Everton and Chelsea among others. They are now comfortably safe from relegation and sit in 11th place — but granted, this factor could actually help Liverpool to an extent, as it arguably did City last week. Nonetheless, notwithstanding last week’s setback, the Eagles’ increasingly indomitable spirit is palpable, so don’t be surprised if they prove capable of raising their game for the umpteenth time this season on Monday.
Player most likely to cause Liverpool damage: Jason Puncheon — Though much of their success has been built on a solid defence, Puncheon has also played an influential role in Palace’s revival. The club’s good form has coincided with a flurry of goals from the 27-year-old winger. Despite still being relatively young, he’s already played for 10 clubs, yet this season, he finally appears to be delivering on the promise that has caused so many teams to take a gamble on him in the past.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 3 (high enough) Palace have proved very adept at causing shocks in recent months, though Liverpool are one of the more reliable top sides when it comes to beating conceivably weaker teams.
7 May
Man City v Aston Villa (19.45)
(Gabby Agbonlahor is likely to be one of Villa’s main danger men when they take on Man City)
City may be title favourites, but their having to play three games in the space of eight days should not be overlooked, particularly in such pressurised circumstances.
Villa at home is a match they should win, but there are a few factors that may create an element of doubt in their players’ minds. Paul Lambert’s side are still not totally safe from relegation, though they could be by the time this match kicks off. Moreover, they have tended to raise their game against many of the big teams this season — they are one of just three sides to have taken points off Liverpool at Anfield, while they are also the only team in the league this year to have beaten Arsenal at the Emirates.
Player most likely to cause Man City damage: Gabby Agbonlahor — He may not be the most consistent player in the world, but at his best, Agbonhalor’s pace and trickery is difficult for any side to combat. City’s defence isn’t blessed with considerable speed, so the 27-year-old is certainly capable of exploiting this weakness.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) Villa triumphing would not be the strangest thing to have ever happened in football and the degree to which they are in danger of being relegated will surely make a difference, but City have still only dropped points twice at home all season — against Chelsea and Sunderland, so doing so again would surely only be caused by a dramatic loss of nerve on some level from Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
11 May
(The Premier League title race is set to go down to the final day for the second time in three seasons)
Cardiff v Chelsea (15.00)
Ideally from these sides’ current perspective, this game will either secure Chelsea the Premier League title or ensure Cardiff avoid relegation. However, in truth, with both teams’ respective hopes currently hanging by a thread, this encounter could prove largely irrelevant come 11 May.
Chelsea have looked increasingly vulnerable against the smaller outfits as the season’s progressed, although they should still have enough to overcome the current worst team in the league statistically, barring another disaster of epic, Mourinho-defying proportions.
Player most likely to cause Chelsea damage: Jordon Mutch — In a team that has laboured more often than not, Mutch has been one of the few bright sparks. He has racked up an impressive number of goals and assists this season, to such an extent that there have even been some calls for him to make Roy Hogson’s England World Cup squad. Thus, when Mutch is at his best, Cardiff invariably tick, so the Londoners will have to keep a special eye on the 22-year-old.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) The Welsh side’s home form isn’t too terrible — they’ve won five, drawn five and lost eight, most notably beating Man City at the Cardiff City Stadium back in August. Yet their performance in this fixture could largely depend on whether their slim survival prospects are still intact come kick-off time. If not, then their small hopes of avoiding defeat will be almost extinguished entirely.
Liverpool v Newcastle (15.00)
Will this be the game that wins Liverpool the title for the first time in 24 years? If presented with the opportunity, then they surely could not have asked for better opponents — Alan Pardew’s Newcastle have played with a conspicuous level of disinterest for weeks now, and appear all-too-content with mid-table mediocrity, so in front of a fervent Anfield crowd, it’s almost inconceivable that the Reds will slip up with the stakes potentially so high.
Player most likely to cause Liverpool damage: Loic Remy — The French striker has been one of the few real bright sparks in what has been a fairly disappointing season on Tyneside. With 13 goals in 25 games so far for Newcastle, he is more blameless than most amid their troubled campaign, and the striker will surely be a player that the Magpies attempt to sign on a permanent deal once his season-long loan from QPR expires.
Chances of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 1 (very low) Normally, the ninth-placed team would have half a chance in a game against the current league leaders. However, when you factor in how Newcastle have played as if they’re already on holidays for some time now, as well as Liverpool’s formidable record at Anfield, then it seems as if there can only be one outcome in this instance.
Man City v West Ham (15.00)
If all goes to plan for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, this will be the game that guarantees them the title — quite possibly, enabling them to win the league on goal difference for the second time in three years, provided Liverpool take six points from their two remaining games as expected. West Ham have caused problems for the some of the big sides this year, however the likes of Vincent Kompany should relish the physical challenge that they will inevitably pose, while City boast far superior players in more or less every position on the field, so anything other than three points for the Eastlands club on the final day would be nothing short of catastrophic.
Player most likely to cause Man City damage: Andy Carroll – The big striker can prove a handful for most defences. While he may not have been worth the £35million that Liverpool infamously paid for him, anyone who attracts that sort of bid can hardly be dismissed either. At West Ham, Carroll has found a side that plays to his strengths, and the England international could still turn out to be a highly astute signing if he can maintain full fitness more regularly.
Chance of an upset on a scale of 1-5: 2 (low) As mentioned already, Man City have been virtually unbeatable at home this season. West Ham are another example of a side whose season has petered out after all but ensuring their Premier League survival. That said, they did draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, though City’s superior firepower should see them past this obstacle comfortably enough.
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