Sunday’s blockbuster clash between Manchester City and Liverpool lived up to its billing but didn’t give a definitive result. City went ahead twice but were pegged back by a Liverpool side that just wouldn’t back down. 2-2 was probably a fair result as the gap between the two remains at one point, with City just having their noses ahead.
We know both teams can win all their remaining seven fixtures if required from them. They have that caliber and have done it before (in the 2018/19 season). But it is the Premier League, and anything can happen still. Let’s try to predict how many points both teams can conjure, and who will end up winning the league.
Manchester City
Brighton (H) – Win
The Seagulls ended their 8-match winless run with an impressive away win at Arsenal. But for them to repeat the trick against Man City seems like a huge ask.
Watford (H) – Win
This is a foregone conclusion. Pep Guardiola just loves playing against Watford. Expect a scoreline of the order of 4-0 or 5-0.
Leeds (A) – Win
Though Jesse Marsch has steered the club clear of trouble, they are still vulnerable against teams like City. They could give them some difficulties, but the defending Champions will prevail.
Newcastle (H) – Win
Like Watford, Newcastle are also a side City relish playing against. Eddie Howe also doesn’t have a particularly impressive record against the Cityzens, so expect a home win.
West Ham (A) – Draw
This is arguably the toughest fixture Man City have left, and they could drop points here. The Hammers have already seen off Liverpool and Chelsea at home and are capable of at least drawing against City.
Aston Villa (H) – Win
It is the final fixture and Steven Gerrard will love to provide a stumbling block. However, it will prove a tall order especially considering how his side have tailed off recently.
Wolves (A) – Draw
Only going for a draw because Wolves unfairly lost to City in the reverse game by just a single goal. They also held Liverpool for 94 minutes at home and can very well do the same to Man City.
Prediction: Man City will win five and draw two of their remaining games, which means their points tally will read 91 points.
Liverpool
Man United (H) – Win
Though tough on paper, this should be an easy outing for the Reds. They thrashed their arch-rivals 5-0 in the reverse fixture and it’s hard to see any improvements since then.
Everton (H) – Win
Another derby but again, should not pose many problems. Frank Lampard’s teams are not good defensively, and Liverpool are arguably best equipped to exploit that.
Newcastle (A) – Win
Yes they are rejuvenated, but Liverpool are simply too good. The likes of Saint-Maximin can hurt Jurgen Klopp’s men on the break, but they can’t match their intensity elsewhere.
Tottenham (H) – Draw
Spurs are the most in-form team in the league and this will be their biggest test. With Heung-min Son in the form of his life and Harry Kane also looking good, they could spring a surprise like they did at the Etihad.
Aston Villa (A) – Win
Once again the spotlight will be on Gerrard as he reunites with Liverpool. If up to him, he would just hand the Reds the victory. However, even if he doesn’t, Liverpool are too good to get it themselves.
Southampton (A) – Win
St. Mary’s had been a tough place to visit until Chelsea made light work of it. Southampton did beat Liverpool in the corresponding fixture last season, but this Liverpool is different than last season’s.
Wolves (H) – Win
Incidentally this was also the final fixture in 2018/19 when the Reds narrowly missed out on the league. They won 2-0 that day, but they could be heading into this with a slender margin this time. If that’s the case, nerves will kick in. But they should have enough to get over the line.
Prediction: Liverpool will win six and draw one of their remaining games, which means their points tally will read 92 points.
This means Liverpool will win the league, by a single point!
Of course, there’s a lot of football still to be played and you have to factor in other competitions as well. City have the better looking fixtures on paper, but Liverpool look in ominous form right now. Either way, we are guaranteed a thrilling finale.