ANTONIO CONTE HAS one hand on the Premier League trophy heading into tonight’s trip to The Hawthorns.
Seven points clear of nearest challengers Tottenham with just three matches remaining, the Blues boss can clinch the title in his debut season in English football with victory over West Brom.
With Watford and Sunderland to come at home in their final two fixtures, even an unlikely slip-up here won’t now derail Chelsea, who are set to add to their five previous league successes.
For Conte, it’s been a remarkable maiden campaign when you consider the club finished 10th last season. In the battle of the big-name managers, the Italian outfoxed Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.
There has been talk this week that Inter Milan want to bring the former Juventus and Italian national manager home, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around beyond the summer.
2. Spurs bid farewell to White Hart Lane
After 118 years at the ground, Tottenham say their goodbyes to White Hart Lane on Sunday.
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The North London club will play their home matches at Wembley next season before moving into a new stadium, which is to be built on the site of their current ground, at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign.
Lifting the Premier League title would have been the perfect send-off. Instead, Spurs will be looking to confirm runners-up spot with a win over Manchester United.
United, who booked their place in the Europa League final with an uninspiring 1-1 draw at home to Celta Vigo on Thursday, have a battle on their hands to reclaim a place in the top-four as they trail Manchester City by four points.
3. Relegated Sunderland can still have a say
The Black Cats have lost their Premier League status, meaning Saturday’s meeting with Swansea will be the last top flight match at the Stadium of Light for some time.
David Moyes has overseen a miserable campaign at Sunderland and, after several near-misses, they have been relegated for the first time since 2006. Despite that, the rock-bottom club dragged Hull City into the drop zone with a 2-0 win last Saturday.
Now they have the chance to do something similar to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Paul Clement’s side picked up a huge victory over Everton last time out, but they are just one point clear of the 18th-placed Tigers.
4. Gunners not out of the running yet
A few weeks back, it looked as though Arsenal would almost certainly be missing out on Champions League football first time since Arsene Wenger took over 21 years ago.
Alexis Sanchez was on target against Southampton. Nick Potts
Nick Potts
However, their chances of scraping into the top-four have been boosted by four wins in their last five matches — most recently seeing off Southampton in midweek.
Manchester City still hold a three-point advantage while Liverpool, who have played a game more, are one better off than that. Arsenal can potentially close the gap on both by overcoming a Stoke side with little or nothing to play for.
5. Reds looking over their shoulders
As previously mentioned, Man City, Arsenal and Man United are all hot on Liverpool’s heels right now.
Last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Southampton was undoubtedly a setback for Jurgen Klopp and his squad, particularly when you take James Milner’s saved penalty into account.
The Reds are in London on Sunday to face West Ham — who effectively killed off Tottenham’s title challenge a week ago — and Slaven Bilic’s men could deal another significant blow if they can pick up a positive result.
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Finish line is in sight for Chelsea and this weekend's Premier League talking points
1. Chelsea can wrap up the title
ANTONIO CONTE HAS one hand on the Premier League trophy heading into tonight’s trip to The Hawthorns.
Seven points clear of nearest challengers Tottenham with just three matches remaining, the Blues boss can clinch the title in his debut season in English football with victory over West Brom.
With Watford and Sunderland to come at home in their final two fixtures, even an unlikely slip-up here won’t now derail Chelsea, who are set to add to their five previous league successes.
For Conte, it’s been a remarkable maiden campaign when you consider the club finished 10th last season. In the battle of the big-name managers, the Italian outfoxed Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.
There has been talk this week that Inter Milan want to bring the former Juventus and Italian national manager home, so it will be interesting to see if he sticks around beyond the summer.
2. Spurs bid farewell to White Hart Lane
After 118 years at the ground, Tottenham say their goodbyes to White Hart Lane on Sunday.
The North London club will play their home matches at Wembley next season before moving into a new stadium, which is to be built on the site of their current ground, at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign.
Lifting the Premier League title would have been the perfect send-off. Instead, Spurs will be looking to confirm runners-up spot with a win over Manchester United.
United, who booked their place in the Europa League final with an uninspiring 1-1 draw at home to Celta Vigo on Thursday, have a battle on their hands to reclaim a place in the top-four as they trail Manchester City by four points.
3. Relegated Sunderland can still have a say
The Black Cats have lost their Premier League status, meaning Saturday’s meeting with Swansea will be the last top flight match at the Stadium of Light for some time.
David Moyes has overseen a miserable campaign at Sunderland and, after several near-misses, they have been relegated for the first time since 2006. Despite that, the rock-bottom club dragged Hull City into the drop zone with a 2-0 win last Saturday.
Now they have the chance to do something similar to Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. Paul Clement’s side picked up a huge victory over Everton last time out, but they are just one point clear of the 18th-placed Tigers.
4. Gunners not out of the running yet
A few weeks back, it looked as though Arsenal would almost certainly be missing out on Champions League football first time since Arsene Wenger took over 21 years ago.
Alexis Sanchez was on target against Southampton. Nick Potts Nick Potts
However, their chances of scraping into the top-four have been boosted by four wins in their last five matches — most recently seeing off Southampton in midweek.
Manchester City still hold a three-point advantage while Liverpool, who have played a game more, are one better off than that. Arsenal can potentially close the gap on both by overcoming a Stoke side with little or nothing to play for.
5. Reds looking over their shoulders
As previously mentioned, Man City, Arsenal and Man United are all hot on Liverpool’s heels right now.
Last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Southampton was undoubtedly a setback for Jurgen Klopp and his squad, particularly when you take James Milner’s saved penalty into account.
The Reds are in London on Sunday to face West Ham — who effectively killed off Tottenham’s title challenge a week ago — and Slaven Bilic’s men could deal another significant blow if they can pick up a positive result.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
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