The Final Sprint in the Premier League Season
Liverpool’s 4-1 hammering of Brentford was a big statement in the title battle, and there are now just 13 games standing between Jurgen Klopp’s side and further greatness.
Manchester City and Arsenal will fancy their chances just as much, and it is no shock that supporters of all three clubs have been doing their maths in recent days.
Analysing the Title Race: Predictions and Possibilities
Barring an astonishing end to the season by one of the clubs, namely winning every single game, it doesn’t look as though we will be in mid-90s territory this time around, with somewhere in and around the late-80s likely to be enough to seal glory.
So realistically, how do we assess Liverpool’s remaining matches, in terms of a logical points tally that will be achieved?
We as football fans love nothing more than being bullish, predicting our team to win every match, but the unfortunate reality is that this won’t happen.
Liverpool’s Path to Glory: Challenges and Opportunities
On paper, though, there is a strong argument to say that Liverpool have the kindest-looking run-in, with only one historically tough away game to come.
That is at Manchester United, where the Reds have so often struggled, even under Klopp, and falling short there is never a disaster, with form going out of the window in the fixture, to use a tired cliche!
Just look at last season’s 7-0 win at Anfield as a perfect example.
Arsenal and City: The Road Ahead
There is also the often-horrible trip to Everton, which similar to United, is never easy no matter how bad the Blues are. You have to be backing this Liverpool side to prevail, though.
We all know what the most defining fixture of the lot is, however: the visit of City on March 10th.
The magnitude of that match is impossible to downplay, with a win for either side firmly putting them as favourites to go all the way in the Premier League.
A draw could play perfectly into Arsenal’s hands, too, with the Gunners finding an ominous run of form since beating Liverpool at the start of the month.
Quite why some are still writing them off makes little sense.
United, Everton and City are the three nastiest matches for the Reds, with a home meeting with Tottenham and a trip to Aston Villa late in the campaign also definite banana skins.
There are many winnable outings, though, including Luton and Nottingham Forest in the next two, while Sheffield United and Crystal Palace head to Anfield as well.
Realistically, thirty points from these 13 feel like a fair total to aim for, which would be achieved through nine wins, three draws and one defeat.
You can pick who the loss is against!
So, will 87 points be enough to see off City and Arsenal?
The Gunners have the hardest run-in, with away fixtures against City, Brighton, Wolves, Tottenham and United all difficult. Newcastle, Chelsea and Villa will all feel that can get something at the Emirates, too.
I’ve got them down for 28 points from their remaining 13 – eight wins, four draws and one loss – meaning they would end up on 83 points, four adrift of Liverpool.
Then there’s City, whose slip-up against Chelsea last weekend was much-needed, following a worrying run of six league wins on the bounce.
Pep Guardiola’s side continue to look more human than they have in the past, and they have a tough March that feels like it will decide their fate.
Brentford and Bournemouth will surely be swatted aside in the next couple of games, while Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A) and West Ham (H) look like a nice end to the season that should see maximum points taken.
Brace for a Thrilling Finish
March is a huge month, however, with away clashes with Liverpool and Brighton, and home meetings against United and Arsenal, all coming in a row.
That is the period where the Reds will be desperately pinning their hopes on some dropped points.
Without making you all feel sick on the stomach, I have City to get 34 points from their last 14 matches, which would also mean finishing on 87 points alongside Liverpool.
Frankly, that is a situation that could be beyond unbearable to witness, with goal difference coming into play, but at least it would make for a fascinating finale to Klopp’s time as manager.
Whatever happens over the next three months, this is going to be some ride, with twists and turns along the way.
Liverpool could win the title comfortably, or they could fall away alarmingly – anything feels possible – but it feels much more likely that we are going to the wire once again.
Are you ready for this?