Premier League title race: Who has the hardest run-in?

A disappointing 2022/23 on the red side of the Mersey meant an alternate challenger for Manchester City's Premier League throne emerged but Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool are right back in title contention this term.

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal project inspired a tilt at the summit for much of last term but a stuttering epilogue allowed Pep Guardiola's eventual treble-winners to stroll to a third-straight league title.

This time around, however, it looks set to be a three horse race with Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool all tightly packed together at the top of the table. But which side has the most promising run-in and who needs to overcome some difficult opponents to finish first?

Here's how 90min rates the respective run-ins of the Premier League's remaining title hopefuls.

Arsenal

• Current position: 1st
• Games played: 28
• Points: 64
• Goal difference: +46

Arsenal endured a woeful blip over the festive period but roared back into form at the start of 2024, earning huge margins of victory against the likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham, Burnley, Newcastle and Sheffield United to dismiss any fears over a lack of firepower.

Mikel Arteta has managed to keep his squad relatively fit aside from the long-term absences of Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey and an avoidance of key injuries will allow the Gunners to mount a title bid.

However, their run-in isn't exactly simple.

Arsenal take on two fallen giants in Chelsea and Man Utd, who'll be keen on scuppering any Gunners charge, and also face Man City and Tottenham away from home. April contests at Brighton and Wolves with a home game against Villa sandwiched in between certainly add to Arsenal's tricky conclusion to 2023/24.

Arsenal run-in difficulty rating: 8/10

Liverpool

• Current position: 2nd
• Games played: 28
• Points: 64
• Goal difference: +39

Having drastically exceeded expectations during the first half of the season, Liverpool have put themselves in a position where they can claim their second Premier League title.

Whether they can prevent City lifting an unprecedented fourth-straight title or stop Arsenal claiming a first since 2003/04 will depend on the availability of four players; Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. Liverpool's core must be present, especially as they try to deal with a condensed fixture list with Europa League commitments.

Fortunately, their final ten league games aren't too tough. Klopp's outfit take on bitter rivals Everton and Manchester United away from home, but they're nonetheless matches champions should win - even if they were eliminated from the FA Cup in a classic Old Trafford tie.

Tottenham's visit on Matchday 36 followed by a trip to Villa Park the following week is a tough two-game stretch in crunch time that could make or break Liverpool's campaign.

Liverpool run-in difficulty rating: 6/10

Manchester City

• Current position: 3rd
• Games played: 28
• Points: 63
• Goal difference: +35

The signs are ominous for the rest of the division. Man City endured their annual blip before Christmas but are right on Arsenal and Liverpool's tail with Kevin De Bruyne's return proving huge.

Guardiola's side have the ability to put together imperious winning runs to guide them to glory, just as they did last season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if something similar plays out in 2023/24.

The Cityzens' run-in is hardly the most imposing. The majority of their tough outings will be played at the Etihad, with a trip to bogey team Tottenham their greatest cause for concern. They also visit Selhurst Park at the start of April to face Crystal Palace, who have proved annoying opposition for City in the past.

Man City run-in difficulty rating: 5/10

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