Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City are all competing closely for the Premier League title as they head into the final 10 games of the season for each team.
Arsenal is currently in the lead ahead of Liverpool based on goal difference, with City trailing by one point in third place.
AFP Sport examines five matches that will play a crucial role in deciding this season’s champions.
The five matches that will decide the outcome of the Premier League title race are:
Manchester City versus Arsenal on March 31
The most significant game of the title run-in will take place at the Etihad Stadium immediately following the international break.
A third defeat to the Gunners this season could be detrimental to City’s chances of securing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Arsenal defeated Pep Guardiola’s team 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s late goal, and also defeated them on penalties in the Community Shield in August.
Mikel Arteta’s team has won their last eight league games, but City has not been defeated in 22 matches in all competitions and has not lost at home since November 2022.
Manchester City versus Aston Villa on April 3
If City manages to secure a crucial win against Arsenal, they will have little time to celebrate as top-four contenders Villa visit the Etihad just three days later.
In an unexpected strong campaign, former European champions Villa are in fourth place as they aim for a first position since the competition became the Champions League.
Unai Emery’s team shocked City in December when Leon Bailey’s 74th-minute goal sealed a 1-0 victory.
City has been unbeaten since then, while Villa has maintained their hold on a top four spot despite pressure from Tottenham.
Manchester United versus Liverpool on April 7
Liverpool will travel to Old Trafford seeking revenge after their painful 4-3 defeat to their fierce rivals in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Jurgen Klopp’s team was leading 2-1 and 3-2 near the end of normal and extra time, respectively, but could not hold on as Amad Diallo’s last-minute goal ended their bid for four titles.
Liverpool still has the chance to give Klopp a memorable send-off in his final season by adding the Premier League and Europa League to the League Cup they won in February.
Securing a first win at Old Trafford since 2021 will be crucial to Liverpool's effort to match United's record of 20 English titles.
Tottenham versus Arsenal on April 28
With so much at stake for these long-standing rivals, there will be added intensity to the always-fiery north London derby.
Arsenal famously won the league at White Hart Lane to clinch the title in 1971 and 2004. They could take a significant step towards another championship by defeating their disliked neighbors in the renovated stadium at the location of those historic victories.
Arsenal, last crowned champions 20 years ago, has lost only one of the last six north London derbies, although they squandered the lead twice in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates in September.
Revitalized in Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge, attack-minded Tottenham are sure to be on the offensive as they strive to finish in the top four.
Aston Villa versus Liverpool on May 11
Although Liverpool won against Villa 3-0 at Anfield in September, the Reds can expect a tougher challenge in the rematch.
In Klopp’s last away league game as Liverpool boss, he will aim for a fourth consecutive victory at Villa Park.
Villa's last victory over Liverpool was in 2020 when they won 7-2, leading Klopp to acknowledge that his team had “lost the plot”.
With a chance to win their first title in four years, Liverpool cannot afford a similar collapse.
Judgement Day
If there is still no difference between the title contenders after those matches, the final day of the season on May 19 includes Arsenal hosting Everton, Manchester City facing West Ham, and Liverpool taking on Wolves.
AFP