As the international break comes to an end all eyes will return to the Premier League and more so, the battle for the Champions League spots: a battle that Manchester City find themselves in.
When City kick-off against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night the Blues could find themselves in fourth place in the league table. This is due to Arsenal and Manchester United playing on Saturday and victory for both would see them rise above City. Over the next four games in the league City must do everything possible to get 12 points and remain in control of their current position in the league.
So, what lies in store for City over the next four games and could they find themselves in a serious battle for a Champions League spot come May, or perhaps the title?
Crystal Palace vs Manchester City
This match could turn out to be vital for City’s hopes of clutching on to second place in the Premier League. If United and Arsenal both win on Saturday and The Blues were to stumble once again, like at Burnley, then they could find themselves in fourth and a point behind United come the Manchester Derby.
City will be looking for another comfortable match just like the 3-0 home win against West Brom. Sergio Aguero will want to score now more than ever having not scored in the league since February. However the Argentine did manage to score for his country in their 2-1 victory over Ecuador during the international break.
Crystal Palace will be looking to carry on their good form having won 3 of their last 4 in the league, scoring 8 goals in the process. City will have to spoil Alan Pardew’s Eagles revival if they hope to retain any chance of catching league leaders Chelsea.
Prediction: City win (0-2), City back up to 2nd
Manchester United vs Manchester City
DERBY DAY! This fixture could in fact come at just the right time for the club if they are to win at Palace on Monday night and stay above United in the table. With the media constantly discussing City and Manuel Pellegrini’s demise then a good performance and victory at Old Trafford on April 12th could see The Blues shut the doubters up and moreso their city rivals.
If previous derbies are anything to go by then City should have this one in the bag come the final whistle. City have won 5 of the last 6 league meetings between the two clubs, and 2 of the last 4 wins have come at Old Trafford.
If City were to sneak an away win then it would be a big blow to United as they search for their Champions League comeback after missing out last year. City would then have to look to Arsenal’s result from the Saturday prior as they take on Burnley at Turf Moor. A victory for the Gunners would mean 2nd position could turn into a two horse race, were City to beat United.
Prediction – City win (1-2), City stay 2nd
Manchester City vs West Ham United
Just another pivotal game as the league season enters the final six games. By this point City could still be second before they kick a ball at the Etihad Stadium as United have a tough trip to Chelsea on the Saturday night and Arsenal do not play on that weekend.
The Blues, playing on the Sunday, could capitalise on both teams missing out on points and victory against The Hammers at home could see City break out a gap to third place once again. Defeat for United away at Stamford Bridge could see Chelsea edge one step closer to clinching the Premier League title, but more importantly it would see United lose ground on City for second place.
City will be looking to avenge their loss to West Ham earlier this season in October; a game that many fans thought City should have come out with at least a draw. This last time these two met at the Etihad was for last season’s final game, and a comfortable 2-0 win on that day saw City lift their second Premier League title in just three years.
Prediction – City win (4-1), City stay 2nd
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Some might say a formality fixture and that City should stroll this game to an easy victory; after all, Villa are the league worst scorers away from home.
The Blues will be looking to pile on the goals in this home fixture on April 25th and increase their goal difference should there still be any chance to catch Chelsea at the summit. The defence will also be looking for a clean sheet as currently City have the worst home defensive record of all the top four, conceding 12 at home.
City play before Arsenal, Chelsea and United and therefore they could amount some pressure on either the league leaders or the chasing pack. Chelsea play away at Arsenal and so two tough fixtures in a row for them could see City back in a title fight with five games remaining. United are away to Everton and Goodison Park has never been an easy place to go for United to get a result.
Villa find themselves in a relegation battle and so The Blues would be wise to put the game to bed early as they themselves cannot afford any slip ups.
Prediction – City win (3-0), City stay 2nd
Come the start of May, Manchester City could find themselves tightening their grip on second place in the league, but possibly cutting the gap to Chelsea following their matches against United and Arsenal. A long shot some may say but for all those optimists out there, City could still have a slender chance at the title come May 2nd when City travel to White Hart Lane to play Tottenham.
