The Premier League title race goes all the way to the end, but Manchester City have the edge

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The Premier League title race goes all the way to the end, but Manchester City have the edge

However, a draw or defeat for City would give four-time chasers Liverpool an opportunity to sneak in and snatch the title from the defending champions.

Three years ago, City guided Liverpool to the Premier League title by a point and will once again call this a favorite.

Since the 2-2 draw with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on April 10, City have comfortably won their next three home games, scoring 13 goals.

Ahead of Sunday’s round of games, Guardiola’s side were also given a week off, while Villa played on Thursday and drew 1-1 with Burnley. Liverpool were also in action during the week and won 2-1 in Southampton.

The form book would indicate Liverpool beat Wolves at Anfield on Sunday. Liverpool have been unbeaten since losing to Leicester on December 28 and have won 14 of their last 17 league games.

If Liverpool manage to win the title, Jurgen Klopp’s team will have a chance to secure an unprecedented quadruple in the Champions League final on May 28 at Paris’s Stade de France.

“We’ve essentially reached the ‘final’ of everything we’ve fought for,” said Klopp ahead of Sunday’s game against Wolves.

“Two domestic trophies, the European Cup – and leading the Premier League season to the final round is tantamount to reaching a final. To say how proud I am of our team and club is an understatement.”

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Ten years ago City almost wreaked havoc at a home game against Queens Park Rangers in similar circumstances – until Sergio Aguero made his mark in the 94th minute.

After City were 2-1 down in the 92nd minute but needed a win over QPR to win their first English top-flight title in 44 years, Edin Dzeko equalized.

Then, at 93-20 in the last minute of play, a composed Agüero weaved through the frantic QPR defense and shot a winner to secure victory and win the 2011/12 Premier League.

Aguero’s goal was immortalized in the form of a statue outside Etihad Stadium, which was unveiled earlier this month.

‘Fight to the End’

Sunday’s game at the Etihad has the potential to offer many plot twists.

Villa’s manager is ex-Liverpool man Steven Gerrard who would certainly be happy to help bring a title to a club he failed to win as a player.

The current Villa squad also includes two former Liverpool players – Philippe Coutinho and Danny Ings.

“It is more difficult [to win the Premier League]’ Guardiola told the City website. “There are many weeks, games, fights with injuries and bad moments, tough opponents.

Pep Guardiola has guided Manchester City to three Premier League titles since becoming manager of the club.

“Success has always been there for the last five years, except for the year when Liverpool was unstoppable,” added Guardiola, referring to Klopp’s team that won the Premier League title in the 2019/2020 season.

“It’s every day when you fight in the Premier League and fight to the end it makes you happy. You are happier when you win.

“It’s not a cup, it’s a routine. Making a routine is the hardest thing in our life.”

After 370 Premier League games this season, eight of Sunday’s ten games have implications for the title, qualification for next season’s European competitions or relegation to the league.

Tottenham Hotspur can secure Champions League football by avoiding defeat at the hands of already relegated Norwich – while denying rivals Arsenal.

With Norwich City and Watford already relegated, Burnley need to match Leeds United’s result to ensure Premier League safety.

The Premier League is Manchester City's last chance to win silver this season.

But if this season has taught us anything, expect the unexpected at both ends of the table.

According to Opta, this season is the first in competitive history where it is mathematically possible for any position to change before the final round of matches.

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