Phew !!!!! Nervy times for English Premier League title chasers
● Manchester City face Burnley today at the start of a four-match spell that could see Pep Guardiola write a remarkable new chapter in English football history.
City are two points behind Liverpool after the leaders regained top spot with their 5-0 win over Huddersfield on Friday.
But the champions, who also have an FA Cup final date with Watford on May 18, will be guaranteed to retain the title if they win their last three matches.
That means a City team that has won 26 of their last 28 games, a run dating back to the end of last year, now stands just four victories away from becoming the first side in the history of English football to win all three domestic trophies in the same season.
It is a feat Guardiola has already achieved in his career — with Barcelona 10 years ago. But the City manager was not keen to draw comparisons ahead of a potentially difficult visit to Burnley.
Remaining league fixtures Burnley v Manchester City Today:
Given the way Burnley started the season, Sean Dyche is the star coach in 2019. Pep Guardiola will be wary of the Clarets. It’s City’s toughest remaining fixture, especially for their centre-backs.
The Kop dreams of a winner by ex-striker Peter Crouch.
Newcastle v Liverpool Saturday, May 4:
The Rafa Benitez derby. Will the ex-Liverpool coach be friend or foe to fans who still idolise him? Forget sentiment. He will be professional and design a team to frustrate the visitors and win. Liverpool have not won at St James’ under Klopp.
Manchester City v Leicester City Monday, May 6:
Ex-Liverpool managers or players are all over the title run-in. Brendan Rodgers can empathise with Klopp having been so close in 2014, succumbing to City at the death. Rodgers laid the groundwork for Klopp and will have his side motivated for a European qualification.
Liverpool v Wolves Sunday, May 12:
Wolves deserve their tilt at Europe after an exceptional first season in the top flight. They may need a point on the final day to secure it, so the stakes will be high for both sides. One of the most effective counterattacking teams will pounce on any Anfield desperation.
Brighton v Manchester City Sunday, May 12:
Guardiola will hope Brighton are safe by the time City arrive, thus making the atmosphere one of celebration rather than hostility Victory looks a formality for City. — ©The Daily Telegraph, London and AFP