Home of football statistics and historyThe Premier League title race is shaping up into an exciting battle, with five teams in with a realistic chance of finishing top of the pile.
Reigning champions Manchester City lead the way after 14 games, two points ahead of Liverpool with Chelsea a further five points adrift in third. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur round-off the top five, one point behind the Blues.
City have been in imperious form for much of the season and many of their fans will believe it is only a matter of time before they are cashing out with bet365 on a title success for their team.
Pep Guardiola’s side have won 12 and drawn two of the 14 games this term as they go in search of a second successive title.
They have brushed off Kevin De Bruyne’s injury absence with ease and it’s difficult to imagine any of their challengers having enough quality to stop them claiming top spot once again.
City could easily still be unbeaten by the time they face Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on January 4 and a victory there would give them a healthy advantage in the title race.
The Reds have kept pace with City so far, but their performances have been functional rather than spectacular over the past few weeks.
They were fortunate to pick up a win against Everton in their most recent game, with Jordan Pickford’s howler handing them an undeserved three points.
Liverpool’s December schedule looks tougher than City’s and they may struggle to keep up with the reigning champions over the next few weeks.
Chelsea bounced back from their disappointing defeat against Spurs with a comfortable home victory over Fulham and they could yet emerge as City’s main challengers.
The two sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, December 9, and if Chelsea can take something from that game they would set themselves up nicely for a winnable run of matches over the next few weeks.
Arsenal and Spurs are also in the mix, although both sides may lack the depth needed to challenge for the title.
However, the Gunners were hugely impressive against Spurs in the North London derby and could be a good bet to finish in the top four.
Spurs have been beaten by three of their four title rivals this season and they still appear to lack the strength of character needed to get the job done in big games.
Prediction: City look a class above their rivals and can claim the title for the second year in a row.
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