The Remaining Intrigue In The Premier League
The second half of the Premier League has turned into something of a slog for those who are most interested in crowning a champion. As of this writing Manchester City is now out to a 16-point lead, so while they aren’t mathematically assured of a title, it’s nearly a sure thing. For more casual football fans in particular, that begs the question of what other intrigue remains in the EPL. So, with 11 matches to go for each club, here’s our overview of the interesting races.
The Golden Boot
Many have assumed that Harry Kane was on his way to another Golden Boot this season, which would be his third straight. He’s still in the lead, but the race has narrowed and now looks like a very intriguing one. Goal.com wrote recently about Sergio Aguero closing in on Kane, but we shouldn’t overlook Mohamed Salah either, despite his being a less familiar name. The 25-year-old Egyptian has been wonderful in his first EPL season, notching 22 goals to date for Liverpool (just one behind Kane, and with a 7-to-1 assist edge as well). Three deadly strikers separated by two total goals with 11 matches to go makes the Golden Boot race a great deal of fun.
Relegation
Relegation is an interesting battle every year, and it may surprise some to learn that it’s actually right up there with the league winner as one of the most popular markets for people betting and speculating on EPL activity. And we’re certainly set up for some relegation drama in 2018. As of this moment West Brom looks to be in trouble, clear in the 20th spot by five points Above West Brom on the table, however, seven teams are stuck between 25 and 28 points, putting them all in legitimate danger of being sent down. If the season ended today it would be Stoke City (25 points) and Southampton (26) joining West Brom. But Huddersfield, Swansea City, Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Newcastle all have a lot to play for.
Top Four
As can sometimes be the case when one club streaks out front for the title, the real intrigue at the top of the table is about qualification to the Champions League. Naturally Man City is a virtual shoe-in, but four or five teams are vying for those last three spots. Not long ago it looked as if Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Arsenal each had a shot. But Tottenham’s recent win over Arsenal has the Gunners likely on the outside looking in (and Arsene Wenger agrees). Arsenal isn’t totally out of it, but only four points separate Tottenham and second place Man United (with Liverpool and Chelsea in between), so it looks largely like a competition between the top five clubs. This should be quite a scramble, and makes for a lot of interesting matches down the stretch. For instance, Chelsea is still slated to play United, City, Tottenham, and Liverpo
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The fight for the top spot may have ended early, but with all of this going on the last few months of the EPL should still be highly entertaining.
