The English Premier League 2021–2022 season is going to finish next week. The big teams have been pushing for a spot in the top four, while the bottom teams have been battling to avoid relegation. Meanwhile the Premier League title race has heated up after Manchester City's recent draw against West Ham United. Liverpool can still win the title if the remaining outcomes go in their favour. Let's take a look at the big picture before the season's final matchday.
Championship Scenario for 2021-2022 Premier League Season
Manchester City are currently at the top of the English Premier League 2021–2022 points table with 90 points at the end of 37 matches. Liverpool, on the other hand, have 86 points in 36 matches. Liverpool have two games in hand, and they can finish the season with 92 points if they win both their remaining fixtures. In that case, Liverpool will be crowned champions if Manchester City drop points in their final league fixture against Aston Villa.
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Manchester City’s final matchday fixture
Opposition: Aston Villa | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Etihad Stadium
Liverpool’s remaining fixtures
Opposition: Southampton | Date: May 18 (Wednesday) | Time: 12.45 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: St. Mary's Stadium
Opposition: Wolves | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Anfield
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Who is the Favourite to Finish in Top Four between Tottenham and Arsenal?
The top four teams in the points table will qualify for the Champions League tournament next season. Manchester City and Liverpool have already qualified for the Champions League, while Chelsea is expected to finish third. They only need one point from their last two games. Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are competing for fourth place.
Tottenham Hotspur are right back in the race for a top four finish after beating Arsenal last Friday (May 13) 3-0 at home. They are currently in fourth place with 68 points and a game in hand. On the other hand, Arsenal are in fifth position with 66 points, but they have two games in hand.
However, Arsenal will play their final fixture against Everton, who are currently battling to avoid relegation. Therefore, the Gunners have a relatively more difficult fixture than their arch-rivals Spurs. Both sides have an equal chance of finishing the season in the top four in order to be eligible for next season’s Champions League tournament.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s final matchday fixture
Opposition: Norwich City | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Carrow Road
Arsenal’s remaining fixtures
Opposition: Newcastle United | Date: May 17 (Tuesday) | Time: 1.00 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: St. James' Park
Opposition: Everton | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Emirates Stadium.
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Everton, Leeds United, Burnley: Who will be Relegated?
The bottom three teams will be relegated to the EFL Championship. Watford and Norwich City have already been relegated, while Everton, Leeds, and Burnley are battling to avoid relegation. Among them, Everton are in a strong position at the moment. They are in sixteenth position with 36 points in 36 matches, followed by Leeds with 35 points and Burnley with 34 points.
Everton and Burnley have two matches each, while Leeds have one game on the final matchday. Everton will avoid relegation if they win their next match against Crystal Palace on Friday. In that case, either Burnley or Leeds will be the third team to be relegated. Since Burnley have a match in hand, they should feel more confident in remaining in the Premier League.
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Leeds United’s final matchday fixture
Opposition: Brentford | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Brentford Community Stadium
Everton’s remaining fixtures
Opposition: Crystal Palace | Date: May 20 (Friday) | Time: 12.45 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Goodison Park
Opposition: Arsenal | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Emirates Stadium.
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Burnley’s remaining fixtures
Opposition: Aston Villa | Date: May 20 (Friday) | Time: 1.00 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Villa Park
Opposition: Newcastle United | Date: May 22 (Sunday) | Time: 9 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time) | Venue: Turf Moor.
Verdict
As per the current standings, Manchester City should be favourites to win the English Premier League 2021–2022 if they play to their full capacity in the last match. Tottenham have a slight advantage over Arsenal in terms of finishing in the top four at the end of the season, based on their remaining fixtures. Besides, Everton are in a solid position, whilst Burnley and Leeds are in risk of relegation to the EFL Championship. Overall, the final matchday of the ongoing Premier League season (2021–2022) promises to be intriguing.
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