The Premier League Title Is Manchester City’s to Lose

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: A view of the Premier League Trophy during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 06: A view of the Premier League Trophy during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Manchester City’s final three games are manageable, but pose their own unique challenges.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City lifts the Premier League Trophy alongside David Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho as Manchester City celebrate winning the Premier League Title during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 06: Vincent Kompany of Manchester City lifts the Premier League Trophy alongside David Silva, Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho as Manchester City celebrate winning the Premier League Title during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Huddersfield Town at Etihad Stadium on May 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Manchester City enter their final three fixtures with these remaining games: Burnley (away), Leicester (home), Brighton (away).

Each fixture poses its own challenge.

Burnley have been the sixth best team on form in the league since the start of 2019. Turf Moor is one of the more difficult places to play in the league, and City’s form there is not great. Manchester City have gone 1-1-1 there since Burnley returned to the Premier League,  including a 1-1 draw in the league last February, and a 1-0  loss there in March of 2015.

Leicester took all three points when these teams met in December, and they’ve shown good attacking quality since Brendan Rodgers took over back in March.

Brighton will likely by vying for their survival on the final day, much like Queens Park Rangers were on the final day in 2012. Their defense also held City largely in check in the FA Cup Semi-Final. The final game could be an absolute dog fight.

Despite all of this, Manchester City should win all three of these fixtures.

Neither Burnley nor Brighton posses the attacking quality to score goals against City. City would have to beat themselves, or get extremely unlucky like they did against Crystal Palace earlier this season, to drop points.

Leicester would appear to pose the greatest challenge given their excellent ability to counter attack, but they’ve been very vulnerable at the back in recent games. With that fixture being at home too, City should be able to trash Leicester’s defense.

Where does this leave the title race then?