English Premier League title race & top four preview
March 28, 2023 at 9:48 am,
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Title Contenders or Title Pretenders?
Heading into the final stretch of the 2022/23 Premier League season, it is looking like a two-horse race between Arsenal and Manchester City although the Gunners have become favorites to win despite spending a good number of months as the underdogs. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur remain within touching distance but it is unlikely either of them would get their hands on the famed prize.
Contenders
Arsenal FC
It is hard to look past Arsenal at this stage of the season. What they have done is extremely incredible and what looked like a purple patch has turned into a great season which could end in premier league glory. Mikel Arteta has earned his plaudits this year although there are still doubts about the certainty of their league win with Manchester City lurking behind. The Gunners have missed one of two key players at some point this season and they have only welcomed back Gabriel Jesus from a long-term injury while also missing Thomas Party for some crucial premier league games this season.
Looking at Arsenal's performances this season, it is evident they have the mental strength to battle until the final day. The comeback 3-2 against Bournemouth at the Emirates was one of the highlights of Arsenal's season and the only recent disappointment they have faced was in the UEFA Europa League against Sporting CP; losing in penalties to the Portuguese side. Mikel Arteta assumed responsibility for the defeat but he would gladly take the English Premier League over the Europa League if it means he has full squad fitness for the rest of the season.
Manchester City FC
As usual, the citizens are the favorites to win the English Premier League under Pep Guardiola. The Spanish manager has built a great winning mentality at Etihad and they have been more successful than their city rivals under Pep Guardiola's tenure. Manchester City had a slow start to the season but they have regained well and capitalized on the few times Arsenal dropped points. The 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates was also a pivotal role in the title race this season and it made things closer than before. Manchester City has a knack for turning up their performance in the second half of the season and this could spell trouble for Arsenal who still has a game against Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola's team is still in the UEFA Champions League and they would be looking to make amends after last year's heartbreak against Real Madrid. They would still have an eye on the Premier League and the FA Cup which could give Arsenal an edge with fatigue likely to set in. The loan of João Cancelo to Bayern Munich halfway through the season was a strange decision, one that weakens the fullback options for Manchester City, but they have been able to cope with his absence with the availability of Ryan Lewis and Nathan Ake.
Potential Title Deciders
Manchester City vs Arsenal (26th April 2023)
This is a game for all football fans and one that has the potential to decide the outcome of the English Premier League at the end of the season. Arsenal is doing well by building a healthy lead ahead of their trip to the Etihad next month. The Gunners hold an eight-point lead over the Citizens although City has played a game less. Pep Guardiola's team could start the game against Arsenal with a five-point gap, and if they manage to beat Arsenal, the gap becomes just two! Arsenal has lost their last ten Premier League games against Manchester City and they would need a good performance or a miracle when they make the trip to the Etihad stadium.
Top Four
Manchester United looked like a Premier League challenger at some point but a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool followed by a goalless draw at home to Southampton has seen them fall behind the top two by more than ten points. Tottenham Hotspur started the season well but they are not a threat to either Arsenal or Manchester City at this point while Newcastle United would be seeking Champions League football after a heavy investment by the new owners. Liverpool is a few points away from the UEFA Champions League spots but they have been very inconsistent this season, although they can still mount a late charge for Champions League football as they did in the 2020/21 season.
Final Standings
Predictions Arsenal might have the edge of focusing on the English Premier League and Manchester City's obsession with the UEFA Champions League could be detrimental to a potential domestic success this year. Arsenal might lose to Manchester City at the Etihad but they can edge out the Citizens to win the League title for the first time since 2004.
EPL Table 2022/23 Prediction
1. Arsenal FC
2. Manchester City FC
3. Manchester United FC
4. Newcastle United FC