Can Manchester City Still Win the Premier League?
Manasi Pathak
Manchester City trail Arsenal by 5 points with only 2-3 games left. Their match against Crystal Palace is crucial to keeping their title defense hopes alive. A win would cut the gap to 2 points; anything less likely hands Arsenal the title.
Manchester City will host Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium at 19:00 GMT on May 13 (2:00 AM on May 14, Vietnam time) in a rearranged Premier League match from Round 31. This fixture is a decisive one for Pep Guardiola's side as they look to stay in the title race with Arsenal.
In the latest round of matches, City defeated Brentford 2-0, while Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 thanks to a controversial goal. Currently, Arsenal lead the table by 5 points, with two games remaining, while City have three games left.
If City beat Palace, they would close the gap to 2 points, with both teams having two matches remaining. Then City must beat Bournemouth in the next round to take the title race to the final day on May 24.
A draw or loss would leave the gap at 4 or 5 points, virtually ending their chances. Arsenal could then seal the title early in Round 37 if they beat already-relegated Burnley, ending a 22-year wait for the league trophy.
Remaining fixtures for both: City face Bournemouth (May 19) and Aston Villa (May 24), both still competing for European spots. Arsenal face Burnley (May 18) and visit Palace (May 24) – a side likely to rotate their squad due to their Conference League final focus.
How Could the Teams Finish Level on Points?
City would need to win all three remaining games while Arsenal draw one of their two. Both would then be tied on points. Arsenal's goal difference (+42) is slightly better than City's (+40). If still level, goals scored (Arsenal 68, Man City 72) and head-to-head results (City won 1, drew 1) would decide the champion.
Opta's supercomputer gives Arsenal an 87.2% chance of winning the title.
Nevertheless, Guardiola remains optimistic: 'I love this. We will finish the season in second place, minimum. We already have the League Cup, and we have the FA Cup final against Chelsea next Saturday. That is the best match of the season.'
In terms of squad availability, City are missing Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Rodrigo through injury. Palace are without Edward Nketiah, Cheick Oumar Doucoure, Evann Guessand and Borna Sosa.
In the reverse fixture, City won 2-0 at Selhurst Park thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland (one penalty) and a goal from Phil Foden. Head-to-head record: 75 meetings, City 40 wins, Palace 18 wins, 17 draws.
