The Premier League is back after a two-week international break, and the title and relegation battles are heating up. Liverpool holds a 12-point lead over Arsenal, while the bottom three teams, Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester, are struggling to stay afloat.
Liverpool’s Title Bid
Liverpool requires 16 points from their remaining nine matches to clinch their second Premier League title. Given their superior goal difference, 15 points could be enough, and they might only need four wins, including one against Arsenal, to secure the title.
The earliest Liverpool can win the title is April 13, when they face West Ham at Anfield, provided Arsenal loses their next two matches.
Relegation Battle
Southampton, Ipswich, and Leicester are fighting to avoid relegation, but time is running out. Southampton needs a minor miracle to stay up, being 17 points adrift with 27 points left to play for.
Wolves, who are nine points clear of the relegation zone, could secure their Premier League status by collecting 10 points from their next four matches, provided Leicester and Ipswich both lose their next three matches.
Top Four and Champions League Qualification
The top four teams in the Premier League qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, and Chelsea currently occupy these spots, but seven teams are still in contention for the fourth spot.
Additionally, England is likely to be granted an additional Champions League spot due to its co-efficient ranking, which would allow the team that finishes fifth to also qualify. Manchester City currently occupies this spot, but several teams are within striking distance.
The Premier League title and relegation battles are set to intensify in the coming weeks, with several teams still in contention for Champions League qualification.