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Manchester City is pursuing its fifth Premier League title in just six seasons, but can they do enough to surpass current leaders Arsenal?
Pep Guardiola’s squad has regained its top form lately, having struggled somewhat earlier in the campaign, which allowed the Gunners to take the lead over them. They have started closing the gap with their title rivals, and they seem ready to go for another trophy in these final eight fixtures.
This is how we feel City’s remaining matches will play out…
Manchester City Fixtures
April 26: Arsenal (H) April 30: Fulham (A) May 3: West Ham (H) May 7: Leeds (H) May 14: Everton (A) May 20: Chelsea (H) May 28: Brentford (A) TBC: Brighton (A)
Manchester City versus Arsenal
City’s next game is undoubtedly their biggest of their final eight matches, with Arsenal heading to the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday. It could ultimately prove to be the decider for the title, with the winner becoming the red-hot favorite to take the league title.
Considering City’s winning experience, Guardiola’s squad understandably goes into the match as favorites, but this is also a Gunners team that has become far more resilient recently, despite a slight hiccup in their last few games. Given the twists and turns of the Premier League, a home win seems the most probable, but there could be surprises along the way.
Forecast: Manchester City 3-1 Arsenal
Fulham versus Manchester City
City follows up their clash against Arsenal with another meeting against a London club, visiting a Fulham squad that has been one of the season’s surprise packages.
Though they lost 2-1 to City earlier this season, it took an Erling Haaland penalty at the death to finally secure all three points. Despite how challenging this match might be, considering Fulham’s dip in form recently, Guardiola’s side may be playing them at just the right time. If they score first, we expect them to glide to victory.
Forecast: Fulham 1-3 Manchester City
Manchester City versus West Ham
City has become a team that seems impervious to losing to opponents they should easily beat – this also seems to apply at home, where they look sharp and confident.
This means that a routine victory should be expected when West Ham comes north to begin May, with the Hammers having faced relegation for the entire season. While the Hammers may have improved of late, drawing 2-2 against Arsenal, they surely cannot hold against the Citizens indefinitely.
Forecast: Manchester City 3-0 West Ham
Manchester City versus Leeds
Back-to-back games against clubs facing the drop is precisely what City would want before and after their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, with Leeds’ visit currently scheduled before their trip to the Bernabeu, although it could be postponed.
We believe that their home game against floundering Leeds United might turn out to be a high-scoring affair, given that the Whites recently lost 5-1 and 6-1 at home to Crystal Palace and Liverpool, respectively. In the Premier League, anything can happen, but at present, it feels inconceivable that this match will end up anything other than a rout.
Forecast: Manchester City 4-0 Leeds
Everton versus Manchester City
Arsenal supporters are likely to feel a sense of despair when they look at City’s remaining fixtures, with so many lower-placed clubs standing in the way of the Premier League champions.
True, a trip to Everton is never easy, particularly when the crowd is roaring their team on in desperation. Hence this game may not be as simple as the West Ham and Leeds games. However, City should still manage to win without hitting top gear.
Forecast: Everton 0-3 Manchester City
Manchester City versus Chelsea
Although they are not in contention for the title, Chelsea can play a significant role in the race since they will travel to both Arsenal and City soon.
Despite their well-publicized difficulties this season – they have had three different managers since August – they still possess individual qualities that enable them to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
City may have beaten the west Londoners in both domestic cup competitions this season, but they only won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a Riyad Mahrez goal. Hence, this match may not be as one-sided as some believe since there is much more at stake – but we anticipate that the champions will get the job done.
Forecast: Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea
Brentford versus Manchester City
In recent Premier League seasons, City has been absolute masters at holding their nerve on the final day, even if some drama has been needed against clubs like QPR, Brighton, and most recently, Aston Villa.
This time around, they travel to Brentford, which could be a challenging encounter if the west Londoners are on their A-game, although there is a risk they will have nothing much to play for. That would undoubtedly aid City, who will hope to clinch another league crown with just a win. They should have more than enough quality to beat the Bees, but it may not go smoothly, given their earlier losing experience this season – but they are champions for a reason.
Forecast: Brentford 0-2 Manchester City
Brighton versus Manchester City (TBC)
City and Brighton were supposed to meet in the league this weekend, but instead, they are both playing in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley, taking on Sheffield United and Manchester United, respectively.
For this reason, it now appears that this match will take place in the week leading up to the finale, and it has the potential to be a really challenging encounter for Guardiola and his players. The Seagulls have had an excellent season, and their fans would love to see their last home game of the campaign culminate in a positive result against City. This feels like one of those hard-earned victories for visitors – it could even involve late drama that seals a final-day showdown or the title itself.
Forecast: Brighton 1-2 Manchester City
Predicted run-in points: 24/24 Predicted final points: 94
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