English Premier League: 10 Best Matches Until End of Season

As Sir Alex Ferguson (or Roberto Mancini) would say, it’s “squeaky bum time.”

Because, with only nine or so weeks left to go in the season, the race is well and truly on.

The title race, the race for the top four, the race for the top six, that is—and, of course, the relegation battle.

With so much to play for in the next two months and so much at stake, the end-of-season Premier League fixtures make for some fascinating viewing.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 best matches until the end of the season.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham, March 24

One of the most pivotal matches this season, Tottenham’s performance at Chelsea will play a huge role in determining the outcome of the top-four race.

Chelsea find themselves on a good run of form under Roberto Di Matteo, although their recent loss to Manchester City might have knocked some of the wind out of their sails.

Tottenham’s much-publicized slide in form is alarming, and Harry Redknapp will need to find a way to rouse his troops before their previously-solid grip of a top-four finish disappears into nothingness.

Should I mention that this match will be taking place this Saturday? It's all starting now.

Bolton vs. Blackburn, March 24

On the same day as the top-four clash, Bolton and Blackburn will contest one of the most important battles this season—this time to stay in the Premier League.

Blackburn, on a good run of form recently, find themselves five points above, incidentally, Bolton, and would go eight clear in case of a win.

It’ll be a tough match for Bolton, regardless of the opposition, after Fabrice Muamba’s situation last weekend. Owen Coyle will have to be at his best to get his team firing and focused on this massive matchup.

The pressure is well and truly on.

Wolves vs. Bolton, March 31

Worse yet for Bolton, they face another match against a fellow battler against relegation in two consecutive weeks—this time in Wolves.

Both teams will be well aware of their recent poor form, as Terry Connor hasn’t been able to inspire a turnaround in Wolves’ fortunes after Mick McCarthy’s departure.

It’s a five-team relegation battle now, and both Wolves and Bolton will have to salvage three points from this encounter—unfortunately, at the possible expense of their opponents.

A draw would be the worst result for both parties.

Newcastle vs. Liverpool, April 1

And now we turn our attentions to the top six.

Liverpool’s poor run of form in 2012 has captured the headlines, and their three-goal capitulation against QPR will have raised questions about the Reds’ mental capacity and ability to handle pressure.

Contrast that with carefree Newcastle, who already have exceeded all expectations this season.

Having lost to Liverpool in December, Newcastle might still go into this game as the underdogs, which will once again place all the focus on Liverpool.

If Liverpool fail to perform, they might very well end up finishing lower than they did last year.

How’s that for progress, Kenny?

Arsenal vs. Man City, April 8

The following week, we have more good stuff near the top.

Arsenal will hope that they will have sustained their phenomenal form into April’s second Sunday, because Manchester City will be a formidable opponent.

The quality of the City players shouldn’t need further elaboration, and their hot pursuit of Manchester United for the title will provide them extra incentive at the Emirates.

But Arsenal will have their own ambitions of finishing above London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea once more.

Need I mention that the match itself, regardless of the context, will be a fascinating battle?

QPR vs. Swansea, April 11

On April 11, two teams promoted from the Championship last year will come together in London.

Take away QPR’s relegation battle, and we have one of the most intriguing storylines of the season.

Because while QPR have struggled even since a corporate takeover, Swansea have flourished in the Premier League.

Having essentially secured their top-flight status for next year, Swansea will be looking to make their usual footballing statement on the pitch.

You get the feeling that Swansea, who have found a swagger and confidence in their play, might just show the class to remain a Premier League fixture for years to come.

Arsenal vs. Chelsea, April 21

By the third week of April, Arsenal vs. Chelsea could well have turned into a race for third place.

What a turnaround in their respective fortunes that would be.

Always one of the matches of the season—Arsenal triumphed in a Premier League classic that ended 5-3 to the away side back in October—this represents yet another opportunity for Arsenal to show that their young guns mean the business, or that Chelsea’s transition might just be successful.

Of course, it could yet provide the stage for Robin van Persie to shine. He scored a hat trick in Arsenal’s comeback win earlier this season.

Don’t bet against another sublime display from the Arsenal No. 10.

Man City vs. Man Utd, April 30

Without a doubt, one of the matches of the season.

A Mancunian derby, with the title race to boot.

Oh, and memories of City’s 6-1 drubbing of United to avenge.

There’s not a lot more to say—but what are the odds that Carlos Tevez will play a significant role in the title race this season?

Liverpool vs. Chelsea, May 6

Liverpool’s penultimate fixture in the 2011-2012 season will be a visit from Chelsea, and you don’t get much bigger than that.

It’s been that kind of a stop-start season for the Reds that they’ve had to endure all sorts of frustrating draws and losses against smaller opposition, but celebrate impressive successes against the big boys.

They’ve won all three matches against Chelsea since Fernando Torres made his move to Stamford Bridge, and there will be a hostile reception for the former Liverpool favorite at Anfield.

We’re just looking forward to seeing how he’ll respond.

Wigan vs. Wolves, May 13

By the last weekend, Wigan-Wolves might already be a meaningless fixture.

They might already be mathematically guaranteed of relegation.

Or this might be the game in which the bottom three is decided.

As things stand, there is plenty to fight for, and don’t they know it.

Which games are you looking forward to? Have your say in the comments below.

If you liked this article, you might also be interested in 1 Starter Each EPL Team Will Sell and What This Season’s Results in Europe Reveal About English Football. Please also check out my writer’s profile, where you can find more of my work, and my blog, The Red Armchair, for Liverpool match reactions and opinions.