(Getty)
With three weeks left in the Premier League season, we have our first title-clinching scenario. With three points this weekend at Old Trafford, Leicester City will have an unsurmountable lead atop English football. And if somehow the Foxes stumble against Manchester United the pressure goes back to Spurs, who won’t catch the trophy without at least three consecutive wins.
Farther down the table, Manuel Pellegrini is once again upset with UEFA. Madrid played their league match on Saturday and the City manager, who will is seeking a Champions League title before he is replaced, is arguing that 25 hours extra rest is an unfair advantage. I’m sure if he could forfeit the weekend fixture against Southampton if he could, as City should be solely focused on their 0-0 draw with Real Madrid heading into the second leg of the Champions League semifinals.
City’s busy schedule have them in danger of falling out of the top four. West Ham and United are within striking distance, and City still have to face Arsenal next weekend.
At the bottom of the table, Newcastle have earned five points in three matches to put them, for now, out of the relegation zone. Ex-Madrid manager Rafa Benitez took over in March, and the Magpies are one point above the drop with Aston Villa on the schedule next week.
Let’s take a look at all 20 clubs, with their recent form through Sunday:
1. Leicester City
Points: 77
Record: 22-11-3
Last Five: WWDWD
Next Fixture: Everton
(Clinched BPL title)
2. Tottenham Hotspur
Points: 70
Record: 18-13-4
Last Five: WDWDD
Next Fixture: Southampton
3. Arsenal
Points: 67
Record: 18-10-7
Last Five: DDWDW
Next Fixture: Manchester City
4. Manchester City
Points: 64
Record: 19-7-10
Last Five: WWDWL
Next Fixture: Arsenal
5. Manchester United
Points: 60
Record: 17-9-9
Last Five: WLWWD
Next Fixture: Norwich City
6. West Ham United
Points: 59
Record: 15-14-6
Last Five: DDDWW
Next Fixture: Swansea
7. Southampton
Points: 57
Record: 16-9-11
Last Five: LWDWW
Next Fixture: Tottenham
8. Liverpool
Points: 55
Record: 15-10-10
Last Five: WWWDL
Next Fixture: Watford
9. Stoke City
Points: 48
Record: 13-9-12
Last Five: LWDLD
Next Fixture: Crystal Palace
10. Chelsea
Points: 48
Record: 12-12-11
Last Five: WLLWD
Next Fixture: Sunderland
11. Everton
Points: 44
Record: 10-14-10
Last Five: LDDDW
Next Fixture: Leicester
12. Watford
Points: 44
Record: 12-8-14
Last Five: LLDWW
Next Fixture: Liverpool
13. West Bromwich Albion
Points: 41
Record: 10-11-14
Last Five: DLLDL
Next Fixture: Bournemouth
14. Bournemouth
Points: 41
Record: 11-8-17
Last Five: LWLLL
Next Fixture: West Brom
15. Swansea City
Points: 43
Record: 11-10-15
Last Five: DWLLW
Next Fixture: West Ham
16. Crystal Palace
Points: 39
Record: 10-9-17
Last Five: WDDLL
Next Fixture: Stoke City
17. Newcastle United
Points: 33
Record: 8-9-19
Last Five: LWDDW
Next Fixture: Aston Villa
18. Sunderland
Points: 32
Record: 7-11-17
Last Five: DLWDD
Next Fixture: Chelsea
19. Norwich City
Points: 31
Record: 8-7-20
Last Five: WWLLL
Next Fixture: Manchester United
20. Aston Villa
Points: 16
Record: 3-7-27
Last Five: LLLLL
Next Fixture: Newcastle
Clinched Relegation
