Tensions are in the air over who wins the EPL title on Sunday. More precisely, the question is who between Manchester City and Liverpool will the 2021/22 champions. One can almost touch the tension.
City, the defending champions, so dominated the first half of the contest that it almost seemed as if the title was in the kitty. Then the losses followed. They included the UEFA Champions League jinx, that left City still searching for their first UEFA title. They always close.
The EPL is City’s final opportunity to win a title this season. The chances are dangling. They require an outright victory over Aston Villa to put the matter beyond Liverpool. City easily took their encounter in December 2-1. The dispiriting UEFA semi-final outcome has left a not so formidable City.
Liverpool won the three point in December from Wolves which put up a strong fight. Wolves lost the game with a lone goal in the 94th minute. Liverpool know better than taking them for granted.
If City draw and Liverpool win, the third item of Liverpool’s quadruple would have been secured. The 28 May final in Paris closes the European season and marks a sensational season for Liverpool who have literally qualified for four finals with two already won.
The closing points of the EPL almost accurately mirrors the 2018/19 season that City with on the final day with one point. The top six teams that season have queue and could finish in the same sequence.
But for grabbing the last points to enhance better earnings from finishing and contests to be in Europe, the EPL separated the contenders and pretenders long ago.
These last matches are important. Depending on who win the EPL, there could be as many as nine English teams in Europe. Seven could be a more likely number of English clubs’ presence in European competitions.
Whether City or Liverpool win the title, it would be in the presence of their fans, in their own stadium. The fixtures have ensured that.
The fierce contentions for spaces in European football will keep fans switching from one game to the other. The 10 matches will be played same day, same time.
Of further interests would be the third team to join Norwich and Watford in relegation. The contenders are Burnley and Leeds which makes them the two most dangerous teams to play on Sunday.
They will fight to stay in the EPL. Leeds go against Brentford, and Burnley play Newcastle. Their two opponents are safe. No matter what the scores are, either Leeds or Burnley will go down.
By the close of Sunday, the tensions would have dispersed, except for those counting their betting losses and gains.
Enjoy a great week of great football.
Sunday 22 May
Arsenal v Everton
Brentford v Leeds
Brighton v West Ham
Burnley v Newcastle
Chelsea v Watford
Crystal Palace v Man Utd
Leicester v Southampton
Liverpool v Wolves
Man City v Aston Villa
Norwich v Spurs
All the 10 matches will be played at the same time – 4 pm.
