With a substantial lead at the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool is on the verge of securing their first title since the 2019-20 season. The official confirmation of their victory is expected very soon as the current campaign draws to a close.
Presently, Liverpool holds a significant 13-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal with just five matches remaining for both teams. This dominant position makes it highly probable that the Reds will indeed finish the season as champions of England. While winning the league outright is within their control when they next play on Sunday, the title could potentially be clinched even earlier this week, depending on other results. Nevertheless, the title race remains firmly in Liverpool`s hands, and they have the opportunity to seal it themselves in the upcoming fixtures.
This impressive lead follows their previous Premier League triumph five years ago, which was their sole title win during Jurgen Klopp`s storied eight-year tenure as manager. Despite not being considered the initial favorites at the start of the season under new manager Arne Slot, who arrived from coaching in the Netherlands, the team`s exceptionally strong start quickly positioned them as the clear frontrunners for the title months ago.
As the final weeks of the season play out, here are the potential scenarios for Liverpool to clinch the Premier League title.
Premier League Standings
| TEAM | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Liverpool | 33 | 24 | 7 | 2 | 75 | 31 | +44 | 79 |
| 2. Arsenal | 33 | 18 | 12 | 3 | 61 | 27 | +34 | 66 |
Liverpool`s Remaining Schedule
- April 27: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur, 11:30 a.m. (U.S./Eastern)
- May 4: Chelsea vs. Liverpool, 11:30 a.m. (U.S./Eastern)
- May 11: Liverpool vs. Arsenal, 11:30 a.m. (U.S./Eastern)
- May 19: Brighton and Hove Albion vs. Liverpool, 3 p.m. (U.S./Eastern)
- May 25: Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace, 11 a.m. (U.S./Eastern)
Earliest Title Clinching Scenario
The earliest opportunity for Liverpool to clinch the title could arise midweek without them even playing. If second-placed Arsenal fails to secure a win against Crystal Palace on Wednesday (draw or loss), Liverpool would be mathematically confirmed as Premier League champions, given their current points advantage.
Next Opportunity to Clinch
Should Arsenal win their midweek match against Crystal Palace, Liverpool`s next chance to secure the title would be in their own game on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur. A victory in this match would ensure they maintain a 13-point gap with only four games left for Arsenal, making it mathematically impossible for the Gunners to catch up.
Alternative Title Scenarios
If Liverpool doesn`t manage to defeat Tottenham on Sunday, their title aspirations remain firmly intact with their significant lead. A win against Chelsea on May 4th would likely be sufficient to clinch the league, potentially regardless of Arsenal`s results between now and then, although specific calculations would depend on the exact points difference at that moment.
Potential Guard of Honor
While not mandatory, it is customary for the first opposing team to face the newly crowned champions to form a guard of honor onto the pitch before the match. There`s a possibility that Liverpool`s rivals for the title this season, Arsenal, might have to perform this gesture at Anfield when they meet later in May, though this would depend on the precise timing of Liverpool`s title confirmation relative to that fixture.
Adrian Whitmore