The top of the Premier League season is nigh. With the worldwide break upon us, all 20 groups have one remaining pit cease earlier than getting into the ultimate stretch of what has been a less-than-dramatic marketing campaign.
Ordinarily, at the moment of 12 months, we’d be gearing up for the crux of an enthralling title race, or inserting our predictions on who might go down in a tense tussle on the backside. Properly, that’s not the case this 12 months.
Liverpool have all however wrapped up the title, regardless of a nosedive in kind over the previous week, as they maintain a seemingly unassailable 12-point lead over Arsenal. Even essentially the most optimistic of Gunners have little religion they’ll catch the Reds.
In the meantime, the underside three is near being set in stone. The trio that got here up, Ipswich City, Leicester Metropolis, and Southampton are all sleepwalking towards the drop with nearest rivals Wolves 9 factors away from the relegation zone.
Studying these first few paragraphs will hardly have gotten you pumped as much as tune into the motion over the following two months, however worry not, it’s not all unhealthy. The race for Champions League soccer is extra chaotic than ever with up prime eight groups nonetheless battling to make it into Europe’s premier competitors subsequent season.
Nearly all of sides, bar two, have simply 9 video games left to realize their objectives. This season actually has flown by, hasn’t it? So with so little time left to go, we at Mail Sport are looking at every workforce’s remaining run-in, so as of the toughest to the best.
Liverpool are 12 factors away from second-placed Arsenal with simply 9 video games left to play
Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are main the hotly-contested race for Champions League soccer
1. Fulham – issue ranking: 91.8
Closing 9 fixtures
April 1 – Arsenal (a)
April 6 – Liverpool (h)
April 14 – Bournemouth (a)
April 20 – Chelsea (h)
April 26 – Southampton (a)
Might 3 – Aston Villa (a)
Might 10 – Everton (h)
Might 18 – Brentford (a)
Might 25 – Manchester Metropolis (h)
If I had been a Fulham fan, I wouldn’t get my hopes up an excessive amount of about Champions League qualification. With their almost certainly being 5 groups that qualify for the competitors, the Cottagers do stand an opportunity on paper. However boy, they’ve some extremely troublesome fixtures to finish the season – the joint-hardest, the truth is.
Fulham have each of the highest two of their subsequent two matches as they journey to Arsenal earlier than internet hosting Liverpool. Following that, they face the likes of Chelsea, Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Everton, and Manchester Metropolis. Hardly simple fixtures. If they need European soccer at Craven Cottage, they’re going toi should do it the laborious manner.
Fulham have the toughest run-in left of any workforce within the Premier League as they combat for Europe
2. Crystal Palace – issue ranking: 91.8
Closing 10 fixtures
April 2 – Southampton (a)
April 5 – Brighton (h)
April 12 – Manchester Metropolis (a)
April 16 – Newcastle (a)
April 19 – Bournemouth (h)
April 26 – Arsenal (a)
Might 3 – Nottingham Forest (h)
Might 10 – Tottenham (a)
Might 18 – Wolves (h)
Might 25 – Liverpool (a)
Something Fulham can do, Crystal Palace can do… the identical. That doesn’t sound fairly proper, does it? The Eagles are the one different workforce to match the Cottagers by way of fixture issue, and they’re one of many two groups to have an additional sport thrown into the combination.
Oliver Glasner’s facet face six of the highest seven of their remaining ten matches, so no surprise the problem ranking is so excessive. 4 of these are on the street as nicely, as they face Metropolis, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Liverpool all away from residence. A minimum of, they may have entrance row seats for the greater than seemingly trophy raise at Anfield on the ultimate day.
Crystal Palace end with a visit to Anfield to face Liverpool, the place they received final season
3. Everton – issue ranking: 91.5
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Liverpool (a)
April 5 – Arsenal (h)
April 12 – Nottingham Forest (a)
April 19 – Manchester Metropolis (h)
April 26 – Chelsea (a)
Might 3 – Ipswich (h)
Might 10 – Fulham (a)
Might 18 – Southampton (h)
Might 25 – Newcastle (a)
Everton’s remaining run-in could also be daunting, however with the best way they’ve been taking part in, I’m fairly certain there will probably be no worry in that Toffees workforce.
David Moyes’ facet begin off their remaining run-in with a visit to Anfield for the Merseyside derby. Everyone knows what occurred the final time they confronted off, it was utter carnage. With Liverpool a wounded animal, it wouldn’t be too farfetched to foretell Everton getting one thing there, even when it’s only a level.
And whereas they nonetheless should face Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis, they’re each at residence. With their solely 4 video games left at Goodison Park earlier than they transfer to their new stadium, it will likely be powerful for any workforce to go there and get factors, irrespective of how good they’re.
So, whereas Everton are excessive on this checklist, Moyes and Co will certainly really feel assured they’ll choose up loads of factors earlier than their remaining farewell to Goodison towards Southampton.
Everton have simply 4 video games left at Goodison Park and can attempt to use them to nice impact
4. Manchester United – issue ranking: 91.0
Closing 9 fixtures
April 1 – Nottingham Forest (a)
April 6 – Manchester Metropolis (h)
April 13 – Newcastle (a)
April 20 – Wolves (h)
April 27 – Bournemouth (a)
Might 3 – Brentford (a)
Might 10 – West Ham (h)
Might 18 – Chelsea (a)
Might 25 – Aston Villa (h)
Contemplating the season Manchester United have had, I’m certain it doesn’t fill followers with a lot pleasure seeing them this excessive up on the checklist. The Crimson Devils may very well be in for a tricky finish to the season.
Nearly all of the 91.0 ranking will probably be primarily based on their subsequent three video games. My phrase, they’re tough. First, Ruben Amorim’s facet journey to Nottingham Forest earlier than it’s time for the Manchester derby at Outdated Trafford. There isn’t any relaxation for the depraved, although, as they go on a visit to the north east to face Newcastle thereafter.
Away days at Bournemouth and Chelsea don’t look too appetising, though there are residence video games towards Wolves and West Ham which can be definitely winnable. Though happening United’s residence kind, I wouldn’t guess on it.
Manchester United will look to do the double over Manchester Metropolis once they play on April 6
5. Brentford- issue ranking: 90.8
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Newcastle (a)
April 6 – Chelsea (h)
April 12 – Arsenal (a)
April 19 – Brighton (h)
April 26 – Nottingham Forest (a)
Might 3 – Manchester United (h)
Might 10 – Ipswich (a)
Might 18 – Fulham (h)
Might 25 – Wolves (a)
Whereas the Champions League could also be out of attain for Brentford, the prospect of Europe is most definitely not. A latest upturn in kind has left Thomas Frank’s facet proper within the combine.
Nevertheless, they’ll should dodge loads of bullets in the event that they wish to make historical past. Robust journeys to Newcastle, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest, who’re all within the battle for Europe, might simply derail the Bees’ season.
Brentford additionally should face Brighton – who’re in an identical place – and Manchester United at residence, though the prospect of dealing with United doesn’t present the identical issue ranking as years passed by.
Brentford face a tricky journey to Newcastle (pictured within the Carabao Cup fixture) in addition to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest
6. Chelsea – issue ranking: 90.5
Closing 9 fixtures
April 3 – Tottenham (h)
April 6 – Brentford (a)
April 13 – Ipswich (h)
April 20 – Fulham (a)
April 26 – Everton (a)
Might 3 – Liverpool (h)
Might 10 – Newcastle (a)
Might 18 – Manchester United (h)
Might 25 – Nottingham Forest (a)
Initially of the season, Chelsea’s purpose was clear: qualify for the Champions League. Even when it regarded just like the Blues had been in a title race – a lifetime in the past – Enzo Maresca was managing expectations and simply needed to concentrate on stepping into Europe’s prime tier.
Their rancid file in 2025 has actually threatened that purpose as they now sit sixth within the desk, which will not be sufficient for qualification. And taking a look at their remaining run-in, I’d say their hopes have already taken one other hit.
Sure, I do know, how can hopes take successful when the video games haven’t been performed? Properly, the truth that Maresca’s facet should play Liverpool, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest is how.
They do additionally should host each Tottenham and Manchester United, which prior to now could have been powerful prior to now however will not be a lot lately. Sorry for all the warmth Crimson Devils, but it surely’s true.
Chelsea begin their remaining push to make the Champions League towards rivals Tottenham
7. Southampton – issue ranking: 90.5
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Crystal Palace (h)
April 6 – Tottenham (a)
April 12 – Aston Villa (h)
April 19 – West Ham (a)
April 26 – Fulham (h)
Might 3 – Leicester (a)
Might 10 – Manchester Metropolis (h)
Might 18 – Everton (a)
Might 25 – Arsenal (h)
Oh, Southampton. The issue ranking for them feels irrelevant as a result of they’ve already proved that each match is an uphill battle.
The Saints are simply 9 video games away from creating Premier League historical past, however not in a great way. They’re nonetheless two factors shy of Derby’s record-low of 11, with simply 9 video games to go.
Going by the fixtures they’ve left, and the truth that they lose each week, I might simply see them turning into the worst facet the division has ever seen in a 38-game season. They would be the remaining workforce to ever go to Goodison Park, whereas additionally they should tackle Manchester Metropolis and Arsenal.
Southampton nonetheless sit on 9 factors and are two off of Derby’s Premier League record-low
8. Aston Villa – issue ranking: 90.3
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Brighton (a)
April 5 – Nottingham Forest (h)
April 12 – Southampton (a)
April 19 – Newcastle (h)
April 28 – Manchester Metropolis (a)
Might 3 – Fulham (h)
Might 10 – Bournemouth (a)
Might 18 – Tottenham (h)
Might 25 – Manchester United (a)
Aston Villa have had the time of their lives within the Champions League this season. I’m unsure anyone might have predicted that they’d attain the quarter-final, I definitely didn’t.
Their marketing campaign in Europe couldn’t have gone significantly better, they’re dwelling the dream. If they need fantasy to bleed into subsequent season, although, they want a powerful end within the Premier League.
Unai Emery’s facet at present sit ninth, a bit off the place they should be. Howeverm they’re solely 4 factors of fourth-place Chelsea and have an honest, however not simple, run of fixtures.
Whereas they do should journey to fellow European challengers Manchester Metropolis, Brighton and Bournemouth, different rivals equivalent to Newcastle and Nottingham Forest should really feel the wrath of Villa Park. Additionally they nonetheless have a beneficial sport to return towards the doomed Saints.
Aston Villa’s residence video games towards Nottingham Forest and Newcastle may very well be essential as they search Champions League soccer once more
9. Tottenham – issue ranking: 90.3
Closing 9 fixtures
April 3 – Chelsea (a)
April 6 – Southampton (h)
April 13 – Wolves (a)
April 21 – Nottingham Forest (h)
April 27 – Liverpool (a)
Might 3 – West Ham (a)
Might 10 – Crystal Palace (h)
Might 18 – Aston Villa (a)
Might 25 – Brighton (h)
Tottenham are one other workforce the place I’m unsure the problem ranking actually applies. They’re the Robin Hood of the Premier League, they take off of the wealthy and provides to the poor. They’ve finished loads of giving this season, therefore why they’re 14th.
On paper, you’ll say the toughest fixtures for Spurs are away at each Chelsea and Liverpool – they hardly ever win at both – and their journey to Aston Villa. Nevertheless, additionally they should face each Nottingham Forest and Brighton, which while are at residence are additionally fairly powerful.
The video games you possibly can see them selecting up factors in are at residence to Southampton and away at Wolves, though I wouldn’t maintain my breath with the latter of these. You simply by no means know what you will get with Ange Postecoglou’s males, so it’s virtually pointless predicting.
Tottenham face the prospect of their lowest Premier League end because the 2003-04 season
10. Liverpool – issue ranking: 90.2
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Everton (h)
April 6 – Fulham (a)
April 13 – West Ham (h)
April 20 – Leicester (a)
April 27 – Tottenham (h)
Might 3 – Chelsea (a)
Might 10 – Arsenal (h)
Might 18 – Brighton (a)
Might 25 – Crystal Palace (h)
Liverpool’s street to the Premier League title, which they have already got one massive hand on, appears neither laborious nor simple. The very fact they solely want 16 factors from their final 9 video games, nonetheless, renders it near irrelevant.
Sure, the Reds’ damaging losses to PSG within the Champions League and Newcastle within the Carabao Cup remaining could have left them bruised, but it surely’s nonetheless laborious to see them collapsing from right here.
There’s a situation the place Liverpool may very well be topped champions forward of their residence match with Arsenal, if issues go their manner, that means the Gunners must kind a guard of honour at Anfield. Arne Slot’s facet end off the season at residence to Crystal Palace, which is once they would seemingly raise the trophy in the event that they do win it.
Liverpool’s hardest remaining sport is towards Arsenal of their penultimate residence match
Arne Slot appears to be like prone to win the Premier League in his first season in cost on Merseyside
11. Leicester – issue ranking: 90.1
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Manchester Metropolis (a)
April 7 – Newcastle (h)
April 12 – Brighton (a)
April 20 – Liverpool (h)
April 26 – Wolves (a)
Might 3 – Southampton (h)
Might 10 – Nottingham Forest (a)
Might 18 – Ipswich (h)
Might 25 – Bournemouth (a)
What’s there to say about Leicester that hasn’t already been stated? Identical to Southampton, it doesn’t actually matter who they’re dealing with as a result of they only appear to maintain shedding. Whether or not it’s Liverpool or Ipswich, zero factors appear inevitable.
Now that may sound harsh, but it surely’s not. The Foxes have misplaced 13 of their final 14 Premier League video games and are virtually a certainty for the drop.
Additionally they nonetheless should face the likes of Manchester Metropolis, Newcastle, Brighton, and Arne Slot’s Reds. So yeah, they’re cooked. You by no means know, although, they may beat the Saints of their showdown.
Leicester have misplaced 13 of their final 14 Premier League video games and issues received’t get any simpler
12. Brighton- issue ranking: 90.1
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Aston Villa (h)
April 5 – Crystal Palace (a)
April 12 – Leicester (h)
April 19 – Brentford (a)
April 26 – West Ham (h)
Might 3 – Newcastle (h)
Might 10 – Wolves (a)
Might 18 – Liverpool (h)
Might 25 – Tottenham (a)
If I supported the Seagulls, I wouldn’t be fairly licking my lips on the sight of this fixture checklist, however I’d definitely be buzzing. Brighton do have some big video games towards shut rivals, however they appear to be avoiding loads of so-called massive groups.
Fabian Hurzeler’s facet are hovering in the meanwhile and sit seventh, simply two factors behind fourth-placed Chelsea. Their greatest video games left all come at residence, which is nice for them, as they face fellow top-five hopefuls Newcastle and Aston Villa on the Amex. Win each of them and that might certainly ship them on their manner.
Brighton’s hardest sport is their final on the south coast earlier than the summer season as they tackle leaders Liverpool. Nevertheless, they do have a powerful residence file towards the Reds in recent times, successful three of their final 4 conferences in all competitions.
Brighton’s most troublesome sport left within the marketing campaign is towards Liverpool, however it’s at residence
13. Bournemouth – issue ranking: 89.8
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Ipswich (h)
April 5 – West Ham (a)
April 14 – Fulham (h)
April 19 – Crystal Palace (a)
April 27 – Manchester United (h)
Might 3 – Arsenal (a)
Might 10 – Aston Villa (h)
Might 18 – Manchester Metropolis (a)
Might 25 – Leicester (h)
Personally, I believe this issue ranking is deceptive (sorry Opta). Bournemouth are up to now down on this checklist but they appear to have a more durable run in than many others, or is it simply me who feels that manner?
The Cherries nonetheless should journey to each Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis, whereas dealing with Aston Villa at residence. Now, these will not be simple fixtures, I’m telling you.
The very fact they host Ipswich and Leicester could also be an element for the decrease ranking as that’s virtually six factors proper there, except one thing loopy occurs.
However, if Andoni Iraola’s facet miss out on Champions League soccer, it’s not due to the problem of away video games they’ve remaining, however due to their latest kind. They’ve taken only one level from a potential 12.
Even a neater run-in for Bournemouth won’t raise spirits after what has been a foul run of kind
14. Ipswich – issue ranking: 89.8
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Ipswich (a)
April 5 – Wolves (h)
April 13 – Chelsea (a)
April 20 – Arsenal (h)
April 26 – Newcastle (a)
Might 3 – Everton (a)
Might 10 – Brentford (h)
Might 18 – Leicester (a)
Might 25 – West Ham (h)
Once more, this issue ranking doesn’t really feel excessive sufficient. With the place Ipswich are, and the shape that they’re in, this isn’t a sort run of fixtures.
Kieran McKenna’s facet are dealing with 4, perhaps even 5 in case you rely Brentford, sides which can be gunning for the European spots.
Journeys to Chelsea, Newcastle, and Everton, particularly, will probably be a tricky slog, whereas they nonetheless have Arsenal to return to Portman Street. It’s laborious to see Ipswich going out with a bang.
Ipswich’s final sport is at residence to West Ham, and it might simply be their final within the Premier League for a while
15. Newcastle – issue ranking: 89.7
Closing 10 fixtures
April 2 – Brentford (h)
April 7 – Leicester (a)
April 13 – Manchester United (h)
April 16 – Crystal Palace (h)
April 19 – Aston Villa (a)
April 26 – Ipswich (h)
Might 3 – Brighton (a)
Might 10 – Chelsea (h)
Might 18 – Arsenal (a)
Might 25 – Everton (h)
Now it’s time to show to your freshly-crowned Carabao Cup champions, Newcastle. They are going to be driving a wave of confidence all the best way to the end line, and fortuitously for them, there’s a global break they’ll use to sober up from all that partying.
Trying on the Magpies fixture checklist, you’re feeling they should be one of many favourites to succeed in the Champions League. There are solely three video games that I can see inflicting them issues.
Visiting Arsenal away of their remaining 10 will probably be tough, however they’ve already beten them on the Emirates this season en path to lifting silverware on the weekend. The opposite two troublesome matches will probably be away at Aston Villa and Brighton, who’re additionally within the hunt for the top-five spots.
That Chelsea sport may be massive, however the Geordies normally dispatch of the Blues at St James’ Park, in latest seasons anyway. Additionally, they’ve Leicester and Ipswich within the run-in, which also needs to assist.
Newcastle will probably be driving a wave of confidence after lifting their first trophy in 56 years
The Magpies nonetheless should face Arsenal away however they did beat them on the Emirates en path to Carabao Cup glory
16. Arsenal – issue ranking: 89.4
Closing 9 fixtures
April 1 – Fulham (h)
April 5 – Everton (a)
April 12 – Brentford (h)
April 20 – Ipswich (a)
April 26 – Crystal Palace (h)
Might 3 – Bournemouth (h)
Might 10 – Liverpool (a)
Might 18 – Newcastle (h)
Might 25 – Southampton (a)
If Arsenal weren’t up to now behind Liverpool, perhaps they’d have fancied their possibilities with this run-in. It looks as if the Gunners have already performed most of their powerful video games.
Their hardest match left is clearly at Anfield, the place they haven’t received for 13 years. Sure, you could have learn that proper. It might have been good for that to be a title showdown, however except Liverpool’s kind falls off a cliff, it received’t be.
You’d anticipate Mikel Arteta and Co to cruise previous the likes of Southampton, Ipswich and Brentford, though that journey to Goodison Park will not be all that enjoyable. I’ve stated why quite a few occasions, so won’t repeat myself.
They do, after all, host Newcastle of their penultimate sport. Whereas they had been crushed by them within the Carabao Cup, the Gunners had beforehand received 12 of their final 13 residence video games towards the Geordies.
Arsenal’s run-in won’t be as dramatic as traditional as they’re seemingly out of the title race
17. West Ham – issue ranking: 89.2
Closing 9 fixtures
April 1 – Wolves (a)
April 5 – Bournemouth (h)
April 13 – Liverpool (a)
April 19 – Southampton (h)
April 26 – Brighton (a)
Might 3 – Tottenham (h)
Might 10 – Manchester United (a)
Might 18 – Nottingham Forest (h)
Might 25 – Ipswich (a)
Erm, is that this proper? I check out West Ham’s fixtures and assume ‘they’re fairly powerful’, however Opta don’t appear to agree. I suppose conferences with Tottenham and Manchester United aren’t what they as soon as had been, however additionally they received’t be a stroll within the park for the inconsistent Hammers.
West Ham are clearly protected and now they may simply wish to push for mid-table. However with video games towards Liverpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest to return, that purpose may very well be a stretch too far. The latter three of these golf equipment won’t have used to strike worry into groups, however they definitely do now.
Graham Potter will probably be seeking to finish the season on a excessive with a supposedly simple run-in
18. Nottingham Forest – issue ranking: 89.1
Closing 9 fixtures
April 1 – Manchester United (h)
April 5 – Aston Villa (a)
April 12 – Everton (h)
April 21 – Tottenham (a)
April 26 – Brentford (h)
Might 3 – Crystal Palace (a)
Might 10 – Leicester (h)
Might 18 – West Ham (a)
Might 25 – Chelsea (h)
Can Nottingham Forest get their fairytale ending? For months I instructed myself they’d tail off, however right here they’re nonetheless sitting fairly in third and 5 factors away from fourth. Oh, they usually have the third-easiest run-in… now that’s useful.
If you happen to checked out this run of fixtures for Forest in earlier seasons, you’ll have seen it as powerful. Not lately, they don’t worry anyone. If something, United, Spurs, and Chelsea will probably be apprehensive about them.
Get via there subsequent three video games towards the Crimson Devils, Aston Villa, and Everton unscathed, then it will likely be laborious to see them not qualifying for the Champions League. That’s no simple activity, but it surely’s completely potential.
The miracle is so near occurring, they’ll already hear the well-known music.
Nottingham Forest followers will leap for pleasure once they see their remaining fixtures as their workforce appears to be like to qualify for Europe
19. Wolves – issue ranking: 88.7
Closing 9 fixtures
April 1 – West Ham (h)
April 5 – Ipswich (a)
April 13 – Tottenham (h)
April 20 – Manchester United (a)
April 26 – Leicester (h)
Might 3 – Manchester Metropolis (a)
Might 10 – Brighton (h)
Might 18 – Crystal Palace (a)
Might 25 – Brentford (h)
Wolves are in what is named no man’s land. Sure, they could be seventeenth, however seeing as they’re 9 factors away from the drop, it’s virtually sure they may keep up, particularly given the type of the three groups beneath them.
So, with that being stated, they’re virtually on the seaside – it’s unlikely they may climb the desk both. The 2 video games in there that they need to positively stand up for are towards Leicester and Ipswich. Win these, they usually can actually loosen up. Different factors will simply be a bonus.
Wolves are all however protected from teh drop and simply now must attempt to see out the marketing campaign
20. Manchester Metropolis – issue ranking: 87.8
Closing 9 fixtures
April 2 – Leicester (h)
April 6 – Manchester United (a)
April 12 – Crystal Palace (h)
April 19 – Everton (a)
April 28 – Aston Villa (h)
Might 3 – Wolves (h)
Might 10 – Southampton (a)
Might 18 – Bournemouth (h)
Might 25 – Fulham (a)
Manchester Metropolis end what has been a dismal season by their requirements away at Fulham
Opta has ranked the troublesome of every Premier League groups run-in, and Mail Sport have a look
Final, and technically least, Manchester Metropolis. The champions have the best run-in of the lot after what has been their hardest season in almost a decade. Their demise has been spectacular, to say the least.
Pep Guardiola’s facet have three massive video games left, in my view. Clearly, there’s the Manchester derby, that wants no clarification. I imply, there’s the adage that they may wish to enact revenge after shedding the reverse fixture on the Etihad.
A visit to Everton and the go to of Aston Villa can even show tough, however aside from that you simply’d anticipate them to complete strongly. Saying that, they don’t seem to be the Metropolis of previous so video games agaisnt Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Fulham might journey them up. Nonetheless, you’d anticipate them to qualify for the Champions League with this run-in.
