The 2023/24 Premier League season is now in its final stretch. With that, the title race has become a juicy three-horse affair. The Premier League battle of the titans – Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal find themselves deeply locked in a severe battle for the greatly desired Silverware. Only a single point separates the trio at the moment.
Premier League Fixture Analysis: The Decisive Factor
With ten matches remaining, the fixture list could prove pivotal in determining the eventual champions. Each team’s run-in will undoubtedly play an influential role in shaping the outcome of this pulsating title race.
A method to assess the difficulty of each team’s remaining fixtures has been developed by soccer analysts at SoccerSTATS. By analyzing the points-per-game averages of their forthcoming opponents, both at home and away, a clearer picture of the tantalizing battle emerges.
Liverpool’s Kindest Run-In
Liverpool appears to have the most favorable run-in among the three contenders according to SoccerSTATS. The Reds’ remaining opponents have an average points-per-game tally of 1.38, the lowest of the three clubs.
Three of Liverpool’s next four matches are at Anfield, a venue that has become a fortress for Jurgen Klopp’s side. With a points-per-game average of just 1.06 for their upcoming four fixtures, the Reds have a golden opportunity to establish an early lead in the title race.
Key matches for the Reds out of the ten matches are the matches between the Reds against Manchester United, at Anfield, set to be played on the 7th of April, and against Spurs on its 36th matchday.
Manchester City’s Tough Road Ahead
While Liverpool’s path appears relatively smooth, Manchester City faces a more arduous challenge. Pep Guardiola’s men will confront opponents with an average points-per-game tally of 1.53, the second-highest among the three contenders.
One fixture that could prove pivotal is the highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Arsenal on March 31st. A draw in this encounter could potentially hand the advantage to Liverpool, as the Reds would be presented with the opportunity to open up a lead at the top.
Arsenal’s Uphill Battle
As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s side faces the most challenging run-in. With their remaining opponents boasting an average points-per-game tally of 1.64, the highest among the three title contenders.
The Gunners’ immediate future appears particularly daunting. This is because their next four fixtures carry an average points-per-game tally of 1.71 for their opponents. This stretch includes matches against Manchester City, Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur. All of which undoubtedly test Arsenal’s mettle.
The Unpredictable Nature of the Premier League
The Premier League is always unpredictable Local derbies, mid-week European commitments, and injury crises are all vital factors and can significantly impact a team’s fortunes, rendering any predictions tentative at best.
Eventually, the team that collects the most points over the remaining ten matches will be crowned champions. As the season reaches its climax, every match carries heightened significance and the slightest slip-up could prove costly in this enthralling title race.
As the Reds, Manchester City, and Arsenal prepare for the final stretch, their respective fixture lists will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome. However, in the Premier League, nothing is ever certain until the final whistle blows.
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