As seems to be the case in recent years, the 2023 English Premier League has thrown up its fair share of upsets, excitement and shock defeats so far. And with a little over a month of fixtures left until the season draws to a close, all eyes are on the league table as competition between the teams vying for the title intensifies.
As it currently stands, the focus is on Arsenal and Manchester City, both of which have the strongest chance of taking home the ultimate prize. But there is still a lot to play for in the remaining few fixtures.
For sports betting fans in particular, this year’s Premier League seems as uncertain as ever. With just a few weeks left to go in the season, sports betting fans are furiously crunching the numbers to see how the odds may play out.
But taking everything into account, does it look as if Manchester City will be able to catch Arsenal in the remaining few games? Or have the Gunners simply got too much momentum behind them at this stage?
For the answer to this hotly anticipated question, keep reading this short article!
Who are the favourites?
The last five English Premier League titles have been won by two clubs that have exerted an incredible degree of dominance on a competition that has traditionally been quite varied.
Four of those last five titles have been claimed by Manchester City, who are vying for a victory this year in order to become the second team in the history of the EPL to score three championship wins in a row.
The only other team to achieve this feat was their historic rival Manchester United, who earned this unique honour on two occasions under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson. And while there is no denying his skill as a skipper, Pep Guardiola is by no means on par with Ferguson.
Although they have certainly been putting in the hard graft, however, a victory is by no means a certainty – regardless of what their aspirations for a ‘three-peat’ might be. The Gunners have been in incredible form this season and are currently sitting at the top of the league table.
Arsenal have only dropped three games so far, which is an incredible stat given the level of competition they have faced. Much of this success has been down to the efforts of Mikel Arteta, whose tactical innovation combined with a sound understanding of the fundamentals of the game has helped the Gunners considerably.
However, while Arteta’s side does look on track to perform well in the remaining games this season, finishing on top of the league is in no way guaranteed, even at this late stage.
What are City’s chances?
Although perhaps not getting off to quite the same strong start as Arsenal did, the momentum behind Man City has been building slowly but surely.
Pep Guardiola has been steadfast at the helm of City and they have consistently put in solid performances throughout the season so far, even despite the disruption of the World Cup.
Their performance did dip a little, with less than stellar performances against Nottingham Forest and Everton, however, in their most recent games, they definitely look to be back on form. Since then, they have won over six games in a row, which included a 4-1 slaughtering of Liverpool.
They are due to kick off against Arsenal on the 26th of April – the result of that game could determine how the season ends!
How is Arsenal’s form?
Under Arteta, Arsenal have also been putting in solid performances throughout the season.
After some minor disruptions due to the World Cup, they stormed into the New Year at the top of the league table and have barely budged since. And particularly in contrast to last season – when they unceremoniously dropped their three opening games – they are truly looking in championship form.
Arsenal haven’t been completely flawless, however, with Arteta having to own up to defeats against Everton and City, as well as a frankly embarrassing draw against Bournemouth. Despite this, their recovery has been incredibly swift, which included Arteta’s 2023 side becoming the first team in EPL history to win nine London derbies in a single season.
With this momentum behind them, many have already predicted that they will take home the top prize this season. However, given Man City’s current run of great form, this is by no means a sure thing!
