With 12 matches to go, the English Premier League title race is nearing its climax. There are three teams in the running, but who will take the crown?
Leicester City
The team that finished seven points above the relegation zone last season, and which was aiming to avoid demotion again this season, is firmly sitting at the top of the table.
The football world is still pinching themselves, because what they have been watching is quite unimaginable. The combined cost of Leicester’s starting XI is just £21 million. Their whole squad is £50 million, lesser Kevin De Bruyne’s pricetag. The roster is £200 million cheaper than Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.
What made Leicester the title favourites? How did Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez find their peak? What magic has Claudio Ranieri conjured up at this football club?
The questions are huge, but the answer is simple, Leicester are one of the three clubs in the race to lift silverware.
Leicester fans will be happy with the upcoming schedule. The Foxes have faced Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester City. Over the next nine matches, they are going to face teams outside the top eight.
Their last three matches will be Manchester United (away), Everton (home) and Chelsea (away). They hammered both Everton (3-2) and Chelsea (2-1) earlier in the season and drew against Manchester United at home. Leicester have a huge chance of carrying their momentum and turning it into a historic title victory.
Tottenham
Every year Tottenham fight for one objective: a Champions League berth. They are one of the unluckiest clubs in the Premier League. Despite playing satisfactory football, the fans are anguished every year for their position below the arch-rivals Arsenal when the season ends.
This time their misery is going to end, because they are going to witness something special.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are two points behind league leaders Leicester City and they have lost only three times this season. Yet their upcoming schedule is quite demanding.
They entertain Arsenal on March 5, in what is going to be a marathon battle. After that, they go against Manchester United (home), Chelsea (away), Liverpool (home), Stoke City (away) and Southampton (away). Can Spurs overcome all the odds to win their first title in 55 years?
Arsenal
Nobody can take Arsenal out of the equation, as Arsene Wenger knows this is the best chance for Arsenal to land their first title in 12 years. Arsenal fans have been in the shadows of the Manchester clubs and Chelsea for many years, but this time around their progress is much better than their rivals.
After all the hard work and emotions shown over the years, Arsenal’s development this year has been effective after spending just £10 million for Petr Cech. There are no doubts that Arsenal have benefited from the service of the former Chelsea man.
Wenger knows the big silverware is a must. The FA and League cup are not enough. Having won the double over the league leaders, Arsenal’s grip has been increased by the arrival of Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky.
Their upcoming fixtures are really tricky, however. They face two huge encounters against Manchester United (away) and Tottenham (away). The away fixtures at Manchester City and Everton also loom large in the final stages of the season.
The stage is set perfectly for the Gunners to finally deliver for their fans.
This three clubs are in the running for the English Premier League title, but who will succeed?
RbbAnonymous
Guest
Tottenham will win it. They have been the sleeper for months. Playing good football and winning matches. They are the best side right now. Tough draw in the run home but they can do it.
nickoldschool
Guest
Dunno who will win it but what is quasi certain is that Leicester and/or Spurs (most probably both as they are currently 12 and 10 pts ahead of 5th) will play next year's UCL meaning a couple of the usual suspects will either play a minor euro comp or watch mid week football on tv. Very refreshing.
clipper
Guest
Would be a remarkable turn around for Lecester to clinch the title, amazingly the closest they've got was a runner up spot in the 20's. Still think they will be like Liverpool a couple of years ago - so close, yet so far away.
144
Roar Guru
No way would i rule out Manchester City - only six points behind Tottenham with 12 games to go. By the end of the season the top four could be completely flipped over on it's head with City winning it Anyone could win it, we haven't had a classic premier league title race since AGUEEERROOOOOO!!!!! It will be absolutely amazing if Leicester win the league, as with Tottenham but i feel as though if Arsenal don't end this season with the premier league trophy it might be the closest they'll get for a while. City still have time and it's all there for everyone to lose.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Mourinho's response to Arsenal fans' chants: "Boring is 10 years without winning a League title. That is boring."
Peter Cotton
Guest
Hope The Foxes can do it, but I suspect they may lose their composure in the coming weeks. Glad I didn't have $5 on them at 5000/1. Wouldn't be good for my heart! Go Foxes!
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
I still think the foxes can pull off one of the biggest miracles in footballs history, the last fortnight has cemented that for me getting all 3 at City and losing in literally the last second with 10 men against away at Arsenal shows they aren't scared of the fight. Two home games on the trot against West Brom and Norwich should see them stay top for another few weeks at least.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
What a fantastic Premier League season it has been. I still find it hard to believe that Leicester can hold on (and probably find it even harder to believe that Spurs can achieve the impossible dream). That leaves the Gunners. They are probably due one, and a just reward for being such an entertaining team for so long - and I like the way they have stuck with their Manager through all these years.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Probably Arsenal, but this season has been refreshing seeing some new blood at the very top when it counts most. If for some strange reason Arsenal can beat Barca...well that might make things interesting if their resources are stretched - Leicester would have to fancy their chances if this happens. Spurs are a bunch of bridesmaids at best - more likely to be a flower girl this year though. ***seriously - under moderation for that!***
Brian
Guest
I wouldn't rule out Man Cty. My favourite is Arsenal, reasonable draw and no more worrying about Europe after they lose to Barca.
Dean
Guest
Man City are well and truly in the contest too. They're not playing great at the moment, but they're more than capable of turning it on when they have to. Leicester will do a Liverpool and falter and Spurs are renowned for stumbling at this point of the season. I would think Arsenal should be favourites. A lot will hinge on commitments to other competitions as well with busy fixtures coming up for everyone except Leicester. Even as a Spurs fan (while Wednesday are out of the premier league) I'd be almost as happy to see Leicester win it.
Monday Okhakume
Guest
Barcelona