Fixtures to decide Premier League title

It is shaping up to be the first three-team English Premier League title race in more than a decade as Arsenal and Liverpool aim to end Manchester City ’s dominant run.

But with each team facing 10 more fixtures there will be several twists and turns to come between now and May.

The Easter Sunday showdown between Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta is the only remaining meeting between the three sides — but both Aston Villa and Tottenham face all three during the run-in and those Champions League hopefuls look set to have a major say in the destination of the trophy.

Here are the 10 fixtures that appear most likely to determine who finishes top.

March 31 — Man City v Arsenal

Crack your best chocolate eggs open around 4:30pm for the remaining game between contenders. Liverpool host Brighton earlier in the Sunday afternoon and Arsenal will be coming into the game after more than a fortnight without a fixture owing to the FA Cup and international break. The title will not be decided here but momentum could shift significantly.

April 3 — Man City v Aston Villa

Another tricky assignment for the champions, even if Unai Emery’s side look a diminished force compared to earlier in the season. Their heavy defeat to Tottenham earlier this month was a warning sign but a Champions League spot remains in their hands.

April 7 — Man United v Liverpool

Whatever about United’s struggles this season, history suggest form is irrelevant in this rivalry and the FA Cup quarter-final earlier this month will both help Erik ten Hag’s side believe they can win again — while motivating Liverpool to exact revenge.

April 14 — Arsenal v Aston Villa

A similar story for Villa here, with the added ingredient of Emery returning to the Emirates. How sweet would hurting his former club’s title tilt be?

TBC — Tottenham v Man City

Ange Postecoglou’s team look in good fettle for a Champions League spot but their season and potentially the destination of the title could be shaped by fixtures against all three contenders that were going to be scheduled on consecutive weekends – beginning with the reigning champions at home.

But City’s participation in the FA Cup semi-finals means this game, initially set for April 20, is now awaiting a new date.

April 24 — Everton v Liverpool

A game that needed to be rearranged because of the FA Cup quarter-finals. Everton may have a miserable derby record, last winning at Goodison in 2010, but they might still be fighting for their lives when this game takes place.

April 28 — Tottenham v Arsenal

The North London derby will follow next. Spurs have won just one of the past six but will relish the opportunity to leave their neighbours’ dreams in tatters.

May 4 (TBC) — Liverpool v Tottenham

By this point the table might look a lot clearer yet Spurs can continue to shape matters at Anfield, where they have not won since 2011, having edged the reverse fixture in controversial circumstances.

May 11 (TBC) — Aston Villa v Liverpool

The penultimate weekend will see Jurgen Klopp’s side head to Villa Park, where they have lost just one league game in 13 years. But Villa will still be chasing Europe at that point and it could be anxiety-filled encounter.

May 11 (TBC) — Man United v Arsenal

The rivalry that defined the late 90s and 00s is not what it used to be but United, who may or may not still be in the Champions League hunt, will be desperate to close their Old Trafford campaign with a notable result. — Mirror.

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