Vital games left in race to make Champions League
WE LOOK AT CITY’S AND THEIR RIVALS’ REMAINING FIXTURES
LEICESTER City are, somehow, still in a superb position to clinch a Champions League place.
They’ve won just three of their last 14 Premier League matches but remain in the top four on goal difference.
The Champions League race has come down to the final three fixtures and the remaining opponents for each of the sides still in the hunt are hugely significant.
Here, we take a look at each club’s schedule for the final fortnight.
3. Chelsea – 60 points Remaining games: Norwich (H), Liverpool (A), Wolves (H)
Average points per game of remaining opponents: 1.61
Points earned in reverse fixtures: 6
Chelsea thought they were in for a disastrous weekend when they lost to Sheffield United, but Leicester and Manchester United’s slip-ups mean Frank Lampard’s side remain third and in pole position.
They should defeat an alreadyrelegated Norwich who have but pride left to play for, but it gets tougher from there.
While Liverpool appear to have taken their foot off the gas, the 100point milestone is still up for grabs for Jurgen Klopp’s men, while Wolves, who have proven a tricky test for many of the so-called elite sides, will be fighting for a Europa League spot at the very least.
Chelsea also have an FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United to consider, too.
4. Leicester City – 59 points Remaining opponents: Sheffield Utd (H), Tottenham (A), Manchester Utd (H)
Average points per game of remaining opponents: 1.57
Points earned in reverse fixtures: 6
Leicester City were expected to have wrapped up Champions League qualification by now. They were 14 points clear around the turn of the year, while they returned after the restart with an eight-point cushion and a kind fixture list.
But just two points taken against Watford, Brighton, Everton, and Bournemouth mean they are in the thick of it, and with a tough final three games.
Sheffield United have beaten Wolves and Chelsea to bounce back into contention while Spurs’ win in the North London derby means they will fancy their chances of claiming a Europa League spot.
Then there’s that final game, a potential showdown with Manchester United.
City only need to pick up three points from their next two to ensure a dramatic finale with everything riding on that game.
5. Manchester United – 59 points Remaining opponents: Crystal Palace (A), West Ham (H), Leicester City (A)
Average points per game of remaining opponents: 1.29
Points earned in reverse fixtures: 3
Eighteen games unbeaten and with an easier fixture list on paper, United may be frontrunners, despite currently sitting outside the top four.
They lost to Palace first time around, but the Eagles are now secure in mid-table, with neither Europe to fight for, or relegation to fight against.
United also lost to West Ham earlier in the campaign, and David Moyes’ men are still battling the drop.
Then there’s the Harry Maguire derby on the final day.
United and
Leicester are currently neck-and-neck, and may be at the King Power Stadium. Despite Leicester’s home advantage, United’s form may mean they will be favourites to triumph in the finale.
Leicester were 14 points clear at the turn of the year but they are now in the thick of it with a tough final three games
6. Wolves – 55 points Remaining opponents: Burnley (A), Crystal Palace (H), Chelsea (A) Average points per game of remaining opponents: 1.45
Points earned in reverse fixtures: 2
Victory over Everton and the three slip-ups ahead of them means Wolves are still in the race with three to go. Burnley are in the hunt for a Europa League return so they will be well up for a battle at Turf Moor, but Palace, as previously mentioned, are one of a handful of sides with little to play for.
Then, just as there will be at the King Power Stadium, there could be a huge deciding match at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Wolves. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side do need teams above them to drop points before then though.
7. Sheffield United – 54 points
Remaining opponents: Leicester City (A), Everton (H), Southampton (A)
Average points per game of remaining opponents: 1.42
Points earned in reverse fixtures: 3
The Blades returned to action with one point from three, but they’ve picked up 10 points from a possible 12 since, beating three sides around them – Tottenham, Wolves, and Chelsea.
Five points off the top four, they cannot afford any mistakes now, and kick off with a trip to wounded Leicester, who will be hoping to rid that defeat to Bournemouth from their system.
They may fancy their chances of beating both Everton and Southampton given they have nothing to play for, albeit the Saints showed at Old Trafford that they won’t roll over.