Manchester City: 5 Fixtures that could decide the title race for the Citizens

English Premier League has entered its final stage with the Manchester giants leading the race to emerge victorious. Currently, the red side of Manchester has a nine -point lead over the blue side and look firm favourites to recapture the lost glory of last season.

However, things are quite similar last year as well, until the title race changed hands and City won a dramatic title in injury time against QPR, much to United’s dismay. So, with less than 15 weeks to go and big clashes to come, which part of the famous city in England will lift the most coveted domestic title? Can the defending champions offer resistance to catch up with United and pounce when they drop points? The defending champions are in great form currently and pose a real threat to United. Any slip up from the Red Devils could be a shot in the arm for the Blues. However, the opposite is also true. Slip-ups from City will in turn allow United to strengthen their grip on the 20th title. So the blue part of Manchester must be wary of some oppositions. Here is a list of those unwanted threats that can upset the Citizens.

Newcastle United, March 30 (H)

The Magpies stiff opponents who have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Alan Pardew tasted instant success with the signing of wonder boy Moussa Sissoko. Sissoko struck two goals to decimate the boys from West London last week and headline major news. Manchester City will have only one advantage going into this tie and that is home support. But it is ultimately the things that happen inside the football field. Newcastle, who lost Demba Ba, have recovered well and can spring a surprise. This is one fixture where City need to play their best football and earn all 3 points.

Everton, March 16 (A)

If there is one club which has the potential to beat the best of the best in England, it’s the Toffees. Everton, who started their premiership campaign this season with a 1-0 over Manchester United and demolished their title hopes last season, will turn out to be an acid test for Manchester City. The worst fact that Roberto Mancini needs to wary is about Everton’s home record this season – just one loss all season! A draw against Everton can be a possible verdict, but would that be enough for City? Salvaging a point at Goodison Park is a tough ask, winning a huge one.

Chelsea, February 24 (H)

The third best in League currently and last season’s European Champions cannot be taken lightly. Chelsea had a disappointing start to their season with eliminations from almost every tournament. However, the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo came at a time when everything went haywire for them. The next man in charge was none other than Rafael Benitez. No doubt, home advantage will favour City, but a team that beat Aston Villa 8-0 and which has players like Hazard, Oscar and Lampard, this fixture can only provide headache to Roberto Mancini.

Tottenham Hotspur, April 20 (A)

Spurs are unbeaten at home since November and have many world class players who can change the game at any given time. Manchester United tried to teach them some lessons at White Hart Lane, only to be held 1-1. Manchester City needs to play at their best and can still find themselves facing a draw or maybe a shocking loss. To beat Spurs, that too in their home ground, luck is required. A tough tie on April 20 awaits City and their premiership chances.

Manchester United, April 6 (A)

The biggest fixture of the season is none other than the Manchester Derby. Robin Van Persie stole the headlines last time they met at the Etihad with a match winning freekick in the dying seconds of the match and Wayne Rooney was on target twice. Manchester City need to survive their biggest scare in order to take their biggest foe out of the equation. A 6-1 win over United happens once in a blue moon, and as this fixture looms large on City,a tougher task awaits them – United’s hunger to win their 20th title and above all recapture it. The new look United with Van Persie as their focal point will be tough to stop. City need luck, passion, hunger and maybe the best of Sergio Aguero on April 6, 2013.