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Why Manchester City could have the Premier League title wrapped up within the first eight matches

Sam Elliott
The contenders: there’s little room for error with City’s next six games all matches they should win
The contenders: there’s little room for error with City’s next six games all matches they should win

If you think the Premier League title race is all looking rather predictable after just one game, wait until you set your eyes on the fixture list.

If a close and nail-biting first few months is what you crave, then look away now.

Manchester City started the defence of their title with what was pretty much a Sunday stroll at Arsenal this weekend.

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A test passed sure, but those clinging to the fact that no side have retained the championship for a decade will know the contenders need to be firing early on or they’re almost certain to be playing catch-up – as many are playing each other.

Flying start: Manchester City were too good for Arsenal – now can they steam ahead?
Flying start: Manchester City were too good for Arsenal – now can they steam ahead?

Pep Guardiola’s team have a dream next six games and there is every chance they’ll win them all.

Next it’s Huddersfield at home, before a trip to promoted Wolves. They then face crisis-hit Newcastle and other new boys Fulham at the Etihad before they go to Cardiff. A home game with Brighton is the warm up to the big one.

By the time City meet Liverpool on October 7 at Anfield they could already be six points clear.

Victory over Jurgen Klopp’s side could, if our calculations are right, may just hand them a very healthy nine-point advantage.

We look at where the points are going to be dropped between now and the end of September.

On fire: Chelsea’s N’Golo Kanté is having the time of his life right now
On fire: Chelsea’s N’Golo Kanté is having the time of his life right now

Chelsea:

They’ve not got it easy. A home game against Arsenal with trips to places the tend to struggle at: Newcastle, West Ham and Liverpool. Not ideal for a new manager.

Predicted points after seven games: 13

Shaw thing: Manchester United got off to a winning start
Shaw thing: Manchester United got off to a winning start

Manchester United:

The Reds have a fair run before October but won’t fancy trips to Brighton, Burnley and Wolves with a dark cloud hovering over the club. Tottenham at home is the big one, but they also go to West Ham.

Predicted points after seven games: 15

All too easy: but Liverpool’s fixture list is getting more challenging
All too easy: but Liverpool’s fixture list is getting more challenging

Liverpool:

The four away games in their six are all a challenge. It’s very difficult to see them winning at Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Predicted points after seven games: 15

They’re mint: Dele Alli was in fine form on the first day of the season at Newcastle
They’re mint: Dele Alli was in fine form on the first day of the season at Newcastle

Tottenham:

They should win at least three of their six, but big tests await early – a trip to Manchester United and then it’s Liverpool at home. How well will they settle into their new stadium?

Predicted points after seven games: 15

Big job on: Arsenal boss Unai Emery has his work cut out as the Gunners lack creativity against Manchester City
Big job on: Arsenal boss Unai Emery has his work cut out as the Gunners lack creativity against Manchester City

Arsenal:

If the last few years are anything to go by, nothing is certain with the Gunners – especially away from home. They face Chelsea next and on paper could win the proceeding five but it’s rarely that straight-forward with Arsenal, regardless of the change of manager.

Predicted points after seven games: 12