This Premier League has been one of the closest and most exciting of all time, and we reach it’s climax in just over 3 weeks time. Yet still, we still don’t know what teams will be relegated, what teams will be representing England in Europe next season, and the Premier League trophy still hasn’t reached it’s destination. It should make up to a terrific finale to the season, and nobody will be able to take their eyes off it!

Premier League Winners

At the beginning of the season, it was regarded anyone from the top 5 could win it, including Man City and Tottenham. However, we were soon to find out that perhaps it’s one year too soon for them, falling adrift from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, Chelsea came flying out of the traps, and were made overwhelming favourites after winning their first 5 games, all by convincing score lines, whereas Arsenal had dropped a few points, and United had dropped more points, and uncharacteristically from winning positions. Towards Christmas United had improved, whilst Chelsea had declined losing 5 games. United on the other hand, were still undefeated.

In January Chelsea were ruled out of winning the title by most critics, as United were going head to head with Arsenal. Going into the final 10 games of the season, Arsenal and Manchester United couldn’t be separated, but pundits were starting to believe this was Arsenal’s year as they had the easier fixture list and were hoping to win a famous quadruple. It was amazing how times had changed though, as they lost the Carling Cup final in the last minute to Birmingham, before exits to Barcelona and United in the Champions League and FA Cup respectively. Arsenal still had to focus on the Premier League, but their inexperienced side couldn’t handle the pressure, dropping home points to Blackburn, Sunderland and Liverpool before losing at Bolton. Their title dream had finished, with left United, who hasn’t had the spectacular of all seasons, in the driving seat, as they were 6 points ahead with four games to go. However, with United losing to Arsenal, who are effectively out of the race, and Chelsea beating Tottenham controversially, it has brought the forgotten team of Chelsea back in the title race.

They have picked up 25 points from a possible 27, and now face United this Sunday at Old Trafford. Both teams have it in their hands, although United have the edge, being at home, and a win will all but secure them the title. Three points is the difference at the moment, with the same goal difference. Chelsea need to win at Old Trafford, and that would make them favourites to go on to win the league. Anything less, and United losing the title will be minimal as they would need 4 points from Blackburn away and Blackpool at home. Arsenal, who have been in the title race for so long this season, are not mathematically out of the race yet, although they need a miracle to win the league, but the future for next season is certainly bright, but the club needs a trophy, so this season would be considered as another disappointment. United knocked out Chelsea in the Champions League, and now face Barcelona in the final, so United are hoping for a famous double.

Race for Fourth

It’s been Tottenham or Manchester City for the 4th place in the Premier League since the start of the season.  The first game of the season was a matchup between the two sides, which was an entertaining 0-0 at White Hart Lane. With new players for City, and Tottenham having the Champions League to focus on, City have been above Tottenham for most of the year, and are in touching distance to finally qualify for the Champions League next season. Tottenham, obviously finished fourth last year, and cemented 4th place with a win at the City of Manchester Stadium. They meet again midweek, but this time, Tottenham need to win to stand any chance of reaching fourth place. The gap is currently 7 points with only a possible 12 to play. Tottenham need to win all their remaining games, and hope City drop points in 2 of the 3 other games. It’s certainly not impossible, as City have to visit Everton and Bolton which are not easy games.

However, Tottenham need to get maximum points, which means wins against City and Liverpool away, which is a huge ask. City also have the FA Cup final to look forward to, as they will need to beat Stoke which will end their 35 years of hurt, last being successful in 1976. Tottenham will be slightly disappointed with their league form this season, but the future is looking bright for them if they keep their biggest players. Tottenham will be delighted with their first run in the Champions League, beating the likes of Inter and AC Milan, before getting knocked out by Real Madrid. City are expected to get fourth, but you just never know in football.

Relegation

This has been one of the most exciting relegation battles of all time, as at one point in this season, 12 teams have one point being considered by football pundits to face the drop. Fulham, Everton, Stoke and even Liverpool were once in the ‘relegation fight’ but that was just a blip as all teams are comfortably now in the top half, and Liverpool in a position to challenge for a European place. But with them being mentioned just emphasizes how close the league has been this season. Last season 32 points would have kept you safe, and with 3 games remaining, the bottom side currently sit on that total. Despite all the teams that have been there or there about in terms of the relegation zone, there are 3 games left, and still no fans know which sides will be playing Championship football next season. I personally believe that 42 points should be enough to survive, which means the likes of Sunderland, Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Brom are safe, being just 1 point away from it. So that leaves Birmingham, Blackburn, Blackpool, Wigan, Wolves and West Ham.

3 teams from those possible 6 will go down, and we have no idea who and that’s why this Premier League is so exciting. Some of those teams will have to face each other, and some have to play teams in the top 3, so these teams have to treat the last 3 games as three cup finals, and try to get as many points as you can get. West Ham are bottom, and three points away from safety, but all their remaining fixtures are winnable games. Blackpool, who were in the top half of the league for the majority of the season, now are out of the relegation on goal different, and their final game is at Old Trafford. Wigan and Wolves and been in and out the relegation places all season, but being out of them when the season is finished is what’s most important. It is sure to be an enthralling end to the season, and the Premier League fans cannot wait for each and every fixture to take place.