The 2021/22 title race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in Premier League history, with just six points separating the top five sides ahead of some crucial head-to-heads.
Only once in the last five seasons has it been closer at this stage, with four points separating the same group after 11 matches last term. And on that occasion, seventh-placed Manchester City overtook them all to win the title.
When Liverpool ran away to become champions the previous season, they were already six points clear at this stage.
It all points to a fascinating period in the run-up to Christmas.
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Manchester City
MCI
|
38 | +73 | 93 |
| 2 |
Liverpool
LIV
|
38 | +68 | 92 |
| 3 |
Chelsea
CHE
|
38 | +43 | 74 |
| 4 |
Tottenham Hotspur
TOT
|
38 | +29 | 71 |
| 5 |
Arsenal
ARS
|
38 | +13 | 69 |
While Chelsea are in pole position, they dropped points at home against Burnley last time out, and they face two of their top-six rivals in their next four outings, hosting Manchester United in Matchweek 13 before visiting West Ham United in Matchweek 15.
West Ham are the form team, having taken the maximum 12 points from their last four matches, most recently beating Liverpool.
But two of the Hammers' next four fixtures are against the two teams above them, with a trip to Manchester City in Matchweek 13 preceding the derby with Thomas Tuchel's Blues six days later.
Man City have already lost twice but they appear to have the kindest run of fixtures, in theory at least. West Ham are their only top-seven opponents for the rest of 2021.
Fixtures for the title contenders
| Club | MW12 | MW13 | MW14 | MW15 | MW16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHE | LEI (A) | MUN (H) | WAT (A) | WHU (A) | LEE (H) |
| MCI | EVE (H) | WHU (H) | AVL (A) | WAT (A) | WOL (H) |
| WHU | WOL (A) | MCI (A) | BHA (H) | CHE (H) | BUR (A) |
| LIV | ARS (H) | SOU (H) | EVE (A) | WOL (A) | AVL (H) |
| ARS | LIV (A) | NEW (H) | MUN (A) | EVE (A) | SOU (H) |
Liverpool have taken just one point from their last two matches and will be keen to avoid another slip-up this weekend as they host an Arsenal side who could leapfrog them.
After facing the Gunners, the Reds don't face any more top-five rivals but will go up against two familiar faces in Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard, who used to be Liverpool men but are now in charge of Everton and Aston Villa respectively.
Arsenal also have cause to be excited about the coming weeks. They head to Anfield unbeaten in eight matches, with wins in their last three.
However, they are visiting a ground where they have tended to struggle, losing their last five Premier League visits and conceding at least three goals each time.
