Match-to-match guide for Premier League title race: Leicester, Spurs or Arsenal?
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | April 3, 2016
Leicester City extended their lead to seven points at the top of the Premier League table after defeating Southampton 1-0 – their fourth in succession by that scoreline – while second-placed Tottenham draw at Liverpool.
Arsenal (6/1 with Coral to be crowned champions), though, gained ground on their north London rivals (11/2) after thrashing Watford 4-0 to keep them in the title hunt.
Undoubtedly, the Gunners have the easiest run, while Spurs have the hardest, but can either catch up on the wily Foxes (now 2/7 odds-on favourites)? Find out below Coral’s predictions for each remaining fixture…
Leicester City fixture list
- Points: 69
- Played: 32
- Goal-difference: +24
Sunday, April 10th v Sunderland (A) – Win
In the first of the Foxes’ five Sunday fixtures for the rest of the season, they take on Sunderland, who have not won in their last five but drawn their previous four, so Claudio Ranieri’s men will need to be careful.
Sunday, April 17th v West Ham United (H) – Draw
The Hammers have a remarkable aim of their own too, as they are just three points behind the top four, so this could be a hard-fought battle.
Sunday, April 24th v Swansea City (H) – Win
Swansea have picked up form of late to all-but assure safety from the drop so, with not a lot to play for now, Leicester shouldn’t have too much trouble taking all three points.
Sunday, May 1st v Manchester United (A) – Lose
We think the Foxes will be the only team of the top three to lose one of their final fixtures, and it will most likely come on May Day when they tackle the Red Devils, who are desperately hoping for a top four finish.
Saturday, May 7th v Everton (H) – Win
The Toffees are perhaps the most inconsistent team in the league, as on their day they can play delightful football and beat anyone, yet they are currently in 12th place after straight losses to West Ham and Arsenal. Leicester can defeat them too.
Sunday, May 15th v Chelsea (A) – Draw
After a woeful start to the season, Chelsea have made up a lot of ground, and are not too far off the Europa League places now. However, they might just do the Foxes a small favour in the final match of the season, to prevent London rivals Spurs or Arsenal from lifting the Premier League title.
Coral’s final points prediction: 80 (1st)
Tottenham fixture list
- Points: 62
- Played: 32
- Goal-difference: +32
Sunday, April 10th v Manchester United (H) – Draw
Spurs haven’t even scored against Man Utd in their last three meetings, and a draw looks to be on the cards here.
Monday, April 18th v Stoke City (A) – Win
Stoke have slightly tailed off of late, winning just one of their last four, and Spurs should have enough to topple them.
Monday, April 25th v West Bromwich Albion (H) – Win
Tony Pulis has virtually assured West Brom of safety, but his team will have a tough task on their hands with this trip to White Hart Lane.
Monday, May 2nd v Chelsea (A) – Draw
This is always a feisty and usually a high-scoring fixture between Chelsea and Spurs, and it looks as though the duo will match their result of sharing the spoils earlier on in the campaign
Saturday, May 7th v Southampton (H) – Win
The Saints have been terrific in the latter half of the season, and have caused problems for the top teams in the league. However, we believe the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen can help beat Mauricio Pochettino’s former side.
Sunday, May 15th v Newcastle United (A) – Draw
There will no doubt be a few twists and turns along the way and, with Newcastle in a desperate dog fight to avoid the drop, this represents a difficult challenge for Spurs to overcome them at the rowdy St James’ Park.
Coral’s final points prediction: 74 (3rd)
Arsenal fixture list
- Points: 58
- Played: 31
- Goal-difference: +22
Saturday, April 9th v West Ham United (A) – Draw
Likewise with Leicester, the Hammers can make life difficult for Arsenal as they aim to see off the likes of Manchester giants City and United for the fourth place spot.
Sunday, April 17th v Crystal Palace (H) – Win
Palace did well to get a point off West Ham last time out, but were helped with the sending off of Cheikhou Kouyate. The Gunners should be able to make light work of the struggling Eagles.
Thursday, April 21st v West Bromwich Albion (H) – Win
With the Baggies on 40 points and perhaps too far behind the European places, Pulis’ men have not got much to play for now and it is unlikely they can trouble Arsenal at the Emirates.
Sunday, April 24th v Sunderland (A) – Win
Sunderland have already lost 3-1 twice to the Gunners this term, and their form and past results in meetings doesn’t suggest they can cause a shock despite being at home.
Saturday, April 30th v Norwich City (H) – Win
Arsene Wenger’s men face yet another team in the bottom half of the table and, despite drawing with the Canaries in the away fixture, should easily dispatch them this time around.
Saturday, May 7th v Manchester City (A) – Draw
The hardest match for Arsenal in their final seven games will most likely be against top four-chasing City, who will give it their all the ensure they qualify for the Champions League with Pep Guardiola taking over in the summer.
Sunday, May 15th v Aston Villa (H) – Win
There is no doubt that Arsenal have the easiest run-in of the top three, and they finish off with the worst club of them all this season, in an almost certain three-pointer with Villa, who are resigned to relegation.
Coral’s final points prediction: 75 (2nd)
So, while we think Leicester’s points deficit will slightly slip, they should still be able to ultimately cruise to their first ever English top-flight title, although it looks as though Arsenal can edge their old rivals Tottenham.
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