Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has predicted that his old club will need eight wins and two draws from their remaining ten Premier League games to secure the title. With seven matches left for Arsenal and four for Manchester City, the race is finely poised after City's 3-3 draw at Everton handed the initiative back to the Gunners.
Arsenal currently hold a five-point lead over City, meaning if they win their last three games they will be crowned champions for the first time in 22 years. City, however, must be flawless and hope Arsenal stumble. The defining moment of the season may have already occurred in that Everton game, or it could still be to come with seven fixtures remaining.
City face a tough test against Brentford, who are chasing European football and boast the best shot conversion rate in the league at 13.83%. Brentford have attempted 56 fast breaks, more than any other team, and have scored nine goals in transition. However, they have won only one of their last seven games.
Arsenal travel to West Ham on Sunday, a team fighting for survival and unbeaten in their last six home games. This will test Arsenal's temperament more than their tactics. The Gunners then face Burnley at home in their penultimate match, a relegated side with the worst defensive record in the league, offering a chance to boost goal difference.
City have a punishing schedule with five matches in 16 days, including an FA Cup final against Chelsea. They face Crystal Palace, who have little to play for and have won only four of their last 19 league games, before a tough trip to Bournemouth, who are sixth and pushing for European qualification.
