6 key fixtures for the Premier League title race

Arsenal’s defeat of Liverpool in early February means that it really looks like it will be a three-way tussle for the Premier League title to conclude this season. It has, in fact, been a while since we saw more than two teams battle it out for a thrilling end-of-season run-in.

Of course, one of the three real contenders – Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – could fall away in the coming weeks, but it is starting to look less likely. All three have the squad depth to cope with major injuries, and all three have the experience and nous to keep up the pace.

The bookmakers have cited City as the clear favourites in the betting, but we think it might be closer than many think. There are going to be some key fixtures in the coming months that will have a lot to say on the matter. Below, we pick out six of them that could go a long way to deciding the 2023/24 Premier League title race:

1. Manchester City vs. Manchester United, 3^rd March, Etihad Stadium

Yes, City are expected to win this one. But there are a couple of caveats. First United’s league record at the Etihad is not that bad, winning there in 2021 and 2019. Going back to 2019, United have won five of 13 of all encounters with City, so it’s no given. Secondly, United look like they are coming back into form in the second half of the season, with young guns like Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo leading the way. Don’t expect this to be too easy for City.

2. Liverpool vs. Manchester City, 10^th March, Anfield

A huge game for the team currently at the top of the table and the team is considered favourites by fans, pundits, and bookies. The Anfield factor will certainly come into play, and despite some thrilling encounters between these two down the years, it’s worth noting that City have rarely won at Anfield in the Premier League, winning just three times there in 58 years. Historical stats will mean nothing, though, as the two best teams of the 2020s meet once again in a match that will go a long way to deciding title credentials.

3. Manchester City vs. Arsenal, 31^st March, Etihad Stadium

Have you noticed a theme for March yet? City have a brutal schedule, which will also coincide with Champions League duties and a tough away game against Brighton. This one against Arsenal will be the last of the head to heads for the main title rivals this season. For City, you get the feeling the month of March will make or break them. Come through this tough schedule in touch with the leaders, and you would expect them to take a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Conversely, it could open the door for their rivals.

Arsenal. Photo/Just Arsenal Life

4. Manchester United vs. Liverpool, 6^th April, Old Trafford

Again, we come to the fallen giant in the red half of Manchester. And again, we make the argument that United have been improving. Moreover, United showed in December 2023 that they would be happy to thwart Liverpool for a point. United offered little ambition in that 0-0 draw, but they showed a lot of resolve. They will be expected to show more attacking intent on their home turf, which could play into Liverpool’s hands.

A football stadium. Photo/Sky SPorts

5. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal, 27^th April, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

It will be really interesting to see where Arsenal are in the table ahead of the North London Derby at the end of April. As mentioned, they got themselves right back in the thick of things by beating Liverpool last week. And they have a fairly favourable fixture list (the City game aside) across March and April. Against Tottenham, you never know what you are going to get. But Spurs have been exhilarating under Ange Postecoglou, and they will be fighting for a Top 4 spot and Champions League qualification. Nothing would give Spurs fans more pleasure than ending Arsenal’s title hopes, either.

6. Arsenal vs. Everton, 19^th May, Emirates Stadium

We are finishing with a game that looks easy for Arsenal – on paper. It is the last day of the season when City will be hosting West Ham and Liverpool hosting Wolves. Should all three teams still be in with a shout, it could be a cracking finale, and all three would be expected to win at home. Yet, we would be interested to see what sort of test Everton put up against Arsenal. The Toffees have been much, much better than their league position shows, and they are smarting from the 10-point deduction for breaking FFP rules. If they are in a relegation battle and need a win on the final day – it could be a tougher-than-expected test for the Gunners.