What a season. The logic and rational predictions have been turned on their head.
Reigning champions Chelsea have had the season from hell languishing in 10th, Manchester City’s Champions League aspirations are hanging by a thread, while Manchester United and Liverpool have flattered to deceive.
As we enter the final straight, there’s three teams left in the title race and the two who are on potentially on course to create an incredible slice of Premier League history if they hold their nerve.
Here’s an overview of how it may play out.
Arsenal – 55 points
It was there for them on a silver platter, but not anymore. In theory, Arsenal should be right in the thick of this title race yet they find themselves with little room for error, similarly to playing online casinos. The Gunners need to string together eight consecutive wins or at a minimum seven wins and a draw to be any chance.
Watford (H) – WIN
Despite defeat in the FA Cup at home to the Hornets, the Gunners should learn their lesson from that match and ensure they keep their slim title hopes alive.
West Ham United (A) – LOSS
This could be the final nail in the coffin for Arsenal, with the Hammers flying and determined to edge the Manchester clubs for the coveted and final Champions League spot.
Crystal Palace (H) – WIN
Alan Pardew’s side are experiencing a nightmare second half of the season and will provide very few headaches for Arsenal.
West Brom (H) – WIN
Tricky test for the Gunners against a resolute Tony Pulis outfit but they should sneak past through their match-winning quality.
Sunderland (A) – DRAW
The Black Cats will most likely be in the fight of their lives to avoid the drop and unfortunately for the Gunners they might come unstuck against a defensively minded side.
Norwich City (H) – WIN
The Canaries might not be safe from relegation so in some respects this could be a potential banana skin for Arsenal, although you would expect nothing other than the three points regardless.
Manchester City (A) – WIN
The Sky Blues have been on the downward slide and despite this match being on enemy territory, Arsenal’s hunger for the title could prove the difference.
Aston Villa (H) – WIN
Nailed on win for the Gunners to wrap up their season against a hopeless rock-bottom Aston Villa.
Total points: 19
Season points tally: 74
Tottenham Hotspur – 61 points
The Spurs have been a delight to watch this campaign, however do they have the mettle and quality to string together an impeccable run of form and break a 55-year title drought?
Liverpool (A) – DRAW
This is Spurs’ hardest game left on paper and earning a point could still be an invaluable result against a team who will be desperate to engineer confidence before they play Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester United (H) – WIN
The Red Devils always present a big challenge for the Spurs, however with their attacking flare and United’s shaky defence they should find a route to victory.
Stoke Away (A) – DRAW
Always a stern test for any side that visits the Britannia and with the Potters still hopeful of snaring a Europa League position Spurs might have their work cut out for them.
West Brom (H) – WIN
On home soil against a team lacking in firepower, the Spurs creative midfielders should have more than enough imagination to slice through West Brom’s defensive rearguard.
Chelsea (A) – DRAW
Tottenham have not won at Stamford Bridge in 26 pain-stricken years against their fellow London rivals and it’s hard to imagine that form changing, especially when you consider Chelsea are unbeaten in the league since Guus Hiddink took charge this term.
Southampton (H) – WIN
The Saints have been ultra impressive since the turn of the year but their attack-minded style will allow Tottenham to exercise their sheer pace in transition and gift them a precious three points.
Newcastle United (A) – WIN
It’s conceivable that Newcastle may already be relegated before the last day of the season, but regardless if that’s the case or not, Spurs will outclass an average outfit.
Total points: 15
Season points tally: 76
Leicester City – 66 points
It’s one of sport’s great fairytales and the Foxes will be determined to complete the job and seal a remarkable English football triumph come mid May.
Southampton (H) – WIN
Make no mistake, this is an extremely tough opponent and it will take Leicester’s best football to edge the contest. However, the Saints’ gung-ho approach could work wonders for Ranieri’s men.
Sunderland (A) – WIN
The Black Cats will come and park the bus, which will make it difficult for the Foxes but they have more than enough quality to create clear-cut chances and keep their winning momentum going.
West Ham (H) – LOSS
West Ham are a team on a European qualification mission who have the defensive resolve and attacking quality to cause Leicester all sorts of problems and hurt their title bid.
Swansea City (H) – WIN
Leicester should be confident of dispatching a Swansea City side that will be all but safe come this fixture and revitalise themselves before a testing final three matches.
Manchester United (A) – LOSS
Louis van Gaal’s men will be desperate to stay in Champions League qualifications and the cauldron of noise at Old Trafford, coupled with title-chasing nerves could see the Foxes suffer a setback.
Everton (H) – WIN
What an erratic outfit Everton are. They have no middle ground – either breathtakingly good or horribly bad. Leicester will enjoy playing against an attacking Roberto Martinez side.
Chelsea (A) – DRAW
For Ranieri there will be no finer moment in his managerial career than lifting the Premier League trophy on the final day of the season against his former employers.
Total points: 13
Season points tally: 79
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