By Devlin Harris ‘21

The English Premier League is set for a grandstand finish. Manchester City leads the league with 50 points. Their biggest rivals, Manchester United, sits only five points back. Leicester City, winners in 2016, sit seven points back. Liverpool, the Champions, are a dismal ten points adrift from the top of the table. Can Manchester City hold onto their lead? Can Manchester United win for the first time since 2013? Or will someone else take the crown?

Senior Matt Rogers, a Chelsea fan, said, “I think Manchester City will hold onto their lead and win the Premier League. They have the most depth and the best form at the moment.”

Matt also said, “I still can’t count Man United out yet though. With Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford leading their offense, a long winning streak could put them on top at the end of the season.” Matt expressed clear disappointment in Chelsea’s recent performances but holds hope that they can win next season.

Senior Dan Wallace, a diehard Leeds United supporter, said, “I fully believe that Man City will take home the silverware. The game against Liverpool this past week reinforces my prediction as Pep’s [Man City’s coach] side relentlessly presses their opposition’s defense. They have not missed a beat with the loss of playmaker Kevin De Bruyne to injury and are most likely going to run the table for the rest of the season.”

“I agree with Dan that Kevin De Bruyne’s injury has not hurt Man City as much as expected. Man City academy graduate Phil Foden has filled his spot brilliantly.”

As a Manchester United fan, it pains me to say that I believe Manchester City will win the league unless they lose a center back to injury. Manchester United and Leicester City have both been too inconsistent this season. Man United’s defense is not good enough to win a Premier League title. Despite their rampant offense, center backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are too prone to mistakes that lead to goals for the opposition.

Liverpool does have a chance to defend their title any longer. They have lost three straight home games and their defense is a disaster. They lost their best center back, Virgil van Dijk, to injury early in the season and have not been the same team since. I struggle to see how anyone besides Manchester City can win the league this year.