The Five Games Set To Decide The Premier League

Wondrous bicycle kicks, contentious refereeing decisions and inspired January signings have all conspired to set up one of the most exciting title run-ins in recent history.

Liverpool’s victory over Manchester United means just 12 points separate the five teams at the top of the table, and the race to sup champagne on 22 May is wide open.

We enlisted Football Focus presenter Dan Walker to give us his expert verdict on the upcoming games that will define the destination of the Premier League trophy.

CHELSEA VS MANCHESTER CITY, 20 MAR

“I still wouldn’t rule out City for the title. They need to throw off the mentality of playing 18 midfielders away from home, though. For all the talk about Chelsea’s David Luiz being a great defender, he’ll always give a sniffer like Tevez a chance with his elaborate play.”

SPURS VS ARSENAL, 20 APR

“Rafael van der Vaart told me the team mentality really changed at Spurs after they won the derby 3-2 earlier this season. Arsenal still lack a player to drag them over the line. If Spurs come back from a couple down again, where will Arsenal’s mental inspiration come from?”

ARSENAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED, 1 MAY

“Recently this hasn’t been the spectacular fixture it was, but if things are as level as they are now – the two are even pretty similar on goal difference – I’d expect both to go for it. A scrappy 1-0 would be a massive boost to any title challenge.”

MANCHESTER UNITED VS CHELSEA, 7 MAY

“I don’t think Chelsea will win it, but they’ll have a hand in who does. The result of their last meeting, and the grievances at refereeing decisions, unsettled United and fostered that poor performance at Anfield. They feel the gods are against them and this will be a week that either makes or breaks them.”

STOKE CITY VS ARSENAL, 7 MAY

“A few seasons ago Arsenal would always have an issue at places like Stoke. They’re more resilient now, but as Birmingham proved in the Carling Cup final, they’re still wobbly on set-pieces. Will we see the old timid Arsenal, or will they play them off the park? It’ll be fascinating to watch.”

'Football Focus is on Saturdays at 12.15pm on BBC One'

(Images: AP/ Press Association)