Football

Premier League 19/20 Part II

Published

4 weeks ago

31st March 2024

The Major Clashes of the Remaining Premier League 19/20 Season

After English football’s return on Wednesday, which saw the two games in hand completed, part two of the Premier League 19/20 season has well and truly begun.

In bizarre circumstances, Aston Villa drew with Sheffield United as they had a clear goal disallowed. David Luiz’s brief cameo role was enough to hand Manchester City a two goal cushion against Arsenal, before City youngster Phil Foden wrapped up the points late on.

The Context

Now, all teams have nine games remaining and the fixtures come thick and fast starting on Friday. I’ve picked out some of the remaining key fixtures that could prove pivotal as the fight for European places and survival heats up. In what’s been billed as a ‘mini league’, teams at the top and bottom have everything to play for.

Liverpool have had the champagne on ice since February and look certain to wrap up their first title for 30 long years. Once secured they may take their foot off the pedal for the first time this season, something that seems unlikely given the mentality instilled in them by Jurgen Klopp. With points records in sight the reds may look to achieve even more.

Numerous clubs still hold aspirations of earning Champions League football for next season. In addition to Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester are seemingly nailed on for the top three. The fourth qualifying spot, however, remains very much up for grabs. Any one of; Wolves, Sheffield United, Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United will make a case towards finishing fourth.

The race for a Champions League spot is still too close to call

Should Manchester City have their European ban upheld in the coming weeks, fifth place in the Premier League would also be enough for Champions League football next term.

At the bottom of the table, Norwich seem doomed. The Canaries need a minor miracle to avoid their fate of relegation back to the Championship at the first time of asking. Currently occupying the bottom three spots alongside Norwich are Aston Villa and Bournemouth; both clubs will be desperate to move away from the drop zone.

The completion of this season and possibly the beginning of next will be played behind closed doors, an unusual spectacle in itself. Something we as fans, as well as the players, will use this period to get accustomed to.

The Big Clashes

Tottenham v Manchester United: Friday 19^th June

A huge clash in the race for the top four. A fit again Harry Kane meets a fit again Marcus Rashford. Three points for either club here could prove crucial in the hopes of top tier European competition in 2020/21.

Everton v Liverpool: Sunday 21^st June

A fixture that often needs little introduction. Had Man City done the unthinkable and lost to Arsenal on Wednesday, Liverpool would have had the opportunity to seal the Premier League title at their local rivals ground. As it stands, Liverpool will have to wait a little longer but beating their rivals on the way to the title would still be sweet. Could this be the perfect Fathers Day gift for red’s fans across the world?

Liverpool v Crystal Palace: Wednesday 24^th June

Providing both Man City and Liverpool win their first fixtures back. This will be the night Liverpool finally seal the title with a win in an empty Anfield. Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace will be keen to spoil the party.

Anfield will be empty for what is expected to be Liverpool’s first title for 30 years

Manchester United v Sheffield United: Wednesday 24^th June

Another in the race for top four, two clubs with markedly different recent histories, but with equal chance of Champions League qualification. This looks set to be a huge encounter.

Manchester City v Liverpool: Thursday 2^nd July

Perhaps only of interest in terms of the best two teams in the country doing battle by this point. This clash has however been the centerpiece of the Premier League over the last two seasons. Also the possibility of a guard of honour should the league be wrapped up in red ribbons by now. May represent a further chance to clinch the title should Liverpool not have done so.

West Ham v Watford: Wednesday 15^th July

By this stage this looks set to be an old fashioned six pointer. Both teams currently sit just outside the bottom three, level on points with Bournemouth. With only two game remaining after this one, this could be do or die.

Bournemouth v Southampton: Saturday 18^th July

A south coast derby with added intrigue for the penultimate set of fixtures. Bournemouth by this point in the resumption will most likely on the verge of agony or ecstasy, their battle for Premier League safety should it be still alive would benefit from a timely boost with three points here. Southampton a team with relatively little to play for during the ‘mini league’.

Chelsea v Wolves: Sunday 26^th July

Back to that European race, Chelsea will of hoped to have gone clear of the chasing pack by this point. However Wolves are one of the main protagonists among the chasers and will hope this final day fixture is a winner takes all affair.

West Ham v Aston Villa: Sunday 26^th July

Separated as it stands by only two points, should that gap stay in place or even be cut, this match could be a classic. Every neutral in the country will hope this game does have something riding on it. Who doesn’t love some last day drama after all.