As Manchester City take on Aston Villa, Liverpool will be crossing their fingers that something unlikely happens there, and even Chelsea will be watching despite what Jose Mourinho says, as the title race in the Premier League comes down to its final days, with less and less scenarios left available for anyone not named Manchester City to come out as the title winners.
One thing is set regarding the top of the table: These three will be the top 3. Arsenal can finish level with Chelsea on points, but their goal difference is by far inferior. However, the Gunners are guaranteed a place in the Champions League, not being able to finish less than fourth.
Liverpool FC
Current Situation: Leading the league with 81 points, one point ahead of Manchester City and two over Chelsea. However, they’ve played one more match than Manchester City, which means that they aren’t in control of their own destiny.
Remaining rival: Newcastle (9th), at Anfield.
What needs to happen so they win the championship: On paper, Liverpool don’t even have to win. They’re behind on goal difference, but if Manchester City lose their next two matches, Liverpool can afford to lose against Newcastle, as long as Chelsea don’t win either. But in a more realistic world, Liverpool will need to beat Newcastle while hoping that Manchester City lose one of their remaining two matches, or simply don’t win either of them.
Manchester City
Current Situation: Second in the table, one point behind Liverpool, one above Chelsea. However, they have played one match less, which means that they’re in the best spot as far as winning the title is concerned.
Remaining rivals: Aston Villa (14th) at home, West Ham (12th) at home.
What needs to happen so they win the championship: Manchester City don’t need to look on other teams. If they get four points or more from their remaining matches, which means a draw and a win or winning twice, they are the champions, be it by goal difference or simply by having more points. If they only win one of them and lose the other, they’ll need Liverpool to fail against Newcastle. If they draw in both matches, they’ll need Liverpool to not win against Newcastle. If they draw and lose, they’ll need Liverpool and Chelsea to lose their remaining matches.
Chelsea
Current Situation: Third in the Premier League, two points behind Liverpool (same number of matches), one point behind Manchester City (have played one more.
Remaining rival: Cardiff (20th) away.
What needs to happen so they win the championship: A lot. Chelsea have to win their match, and then start crossing fingers: For Manchester City to only get one point or less from their remaining two matches, and for Liverpool to lose theirs against Newcastle. Anything else and it’s “just” Champions League football for Mourinho, who can’t finish lower than third.