Easter is traditionally the business end of the season across Europe as football leagues draw to a conclusion. While it’s true that the only cups handed out are to hold decorated eggs, several teams have already clinched their domestic titles, while others are at their most scintillating and surprising for many years.
In Germany, Bayern Munich claimed their league title last season with six matches to spare and, under the guidance of new coach, Pep Guardiola, won more comfortably this year, becoming uncatchable with seven games to spare, setting records in the process. Borussia Dortmund, who are now 17 points behind, salvaged some pride with a thumping 3-0 victory over their main rivals last weekend. While it is still mathematically possible for the Principality of Monaco to claim the title, it looks highly unlikely that they will catch runaway leaders, Paris St Germain, despite their defeat at the weekend, only the second of their season. The team that some believe to be the strongest club side ever produced in France is 10 points clear at the top with a far superior goal difference. The Italian league also looked to have been wrapped up several weeks ago although the gallant Giallorossi of Roma are closing on leaders, Juventus. The Old Lady may not be singing yet but with a five point lead and game in hand over their closest challengers, she is certainly warming her vocal chords. Spurs fans ruing their form under Tim Sherwood should cast an eye on the Russian league where former manager, Andre Villas-Boas has won all four games in which he has been in charge, in the process guiding Zenit St Petersburg to the top of the league. While the English league always receives plaudits for its competitiveness and excitement, it is being challenged this year by Spain, where the duopoly is being contested. For the first time since 2004 when La Liga was won by Valencia, it is possible that neither Barcelona or Real Madrid will lift the title. Atletico Madrid currently occupy top-spot and lead Real by three points and Barca by four. Furthermore, the Spanish league, if teams are level on points, is decided not by goal difference but by the superior head-to-head record. Crucially Atletico have out-performed Real in their fixtures and, intriguingly, face Barcelona at the Nou Camp on the final day of the season. Having eliminated last season’s title winners from the Champions League, they will be hoping to do so again. If the title goes to the wire it will be interesting to see whether Barca fight for the win or risk allowing the title to finish in the hands of their bitter rivals. Atletico have not won the title since 1996 and will hope to remain focused despite a Champions League semi-final tie against Chelsea. The English Premier League is potentially tighter still with the added drama that last season’s champions are not involved. Arsenal now appear to have dropped out of the title race and to be embroiled in a battle with Everton for the fourth Champions League spot. In pole position are now Liverpool following their nervy win over Manchester City who are now seven points behind, albeit with two games in hand. Chelsea also continue to grind out the results and are only two points behind. Sunday, April 27, sees these two go head-to-head at Anfield in a match that appears to be the only banana-skin for both teams. City’s hardest match is an away trip to Everton. It is incredible that Liverpool has never won a Premier League title, having accumulated previously 18 First Division wins, the last coming in 1990. As Manchester United gloriously and gloatingly overtook them it appeared to many, including their own fans, that it would be many years before they would challenge again. However, a change in management at both clubs has reversed their respective fortunes. Home advantage in the key clash, an injury to Chelsea’s star Eden Hazard and the Blues distraction of the Champions League makes Liverpool the title favourites. At the bottom, despite having games in hand, Sunderland now look destined for the drop in a season that has seen most of the bottom half of the division occupy the relegation spaces at some point in time. Norwich has an almost impossible task and should be relegated if Fulham or Cardiff can make the most of their home games. In the Championship, congratulations to Leicester City who return to the top division, almost certainly as champions, and should be joined by Burnley. Away from the league, keep an eye open for Hull City who, roared on by their tigerish fans, made it through to a Wembley date in the final of the FA Cup for the first time in their 110-year history. The Editor predicts more trophy-less disappointment for the Gunners.
