With four games to go for Liverpool and Bolton, and five to go for Everton, the race for fourth place is now almost over. Everton have the initiative right now – their win against Manchester United means they are three points ahead and have a game in hand.
Both Merseyside teams face Arsenal at Highbury before the end of the season, and Arsenal will be looking to get maximum points for pride if nothing else. Tonight’s match between the Champions and the Champions-elect ended goalless, meaning the title race will be over by the time Arsenal play Liverpool on May 8th.
Chelsea have a game against Bolton on 30th April, which could be the match where they clinch the Championship for sure.
It may ultimately go down to the wire – and Everton play Bolton at the Reebok stadium on the last day of the season. Goal difference may even play a part, certainly with the gap right now between fourth and fifth being three points.
Remaining fixtures:
23 April
Everton v Birmingham, Crystal Palace v Liverpool, Aston Villa v Bolton
30 April
Fulham v Everton,
Liverpool v Middlesbrough, Bolton v Chelsea
07 May
Everton v Newcastle, Portsmouth v Bolton
08 May
Arsenal v Liverpool
11 May
Arsenal v Everton
15 May
Bolton v Everton, Liverpool v Aston Villa