1) A three-peat at the Etihad
The permutations of Chelsea’s visit for Manchester City’s title prospects are as follows: if Arsenal win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Pep Guardiola’s side have to beat their visitors to ensure a successful defence. A draw for the Gunners means City will all but retain their crown whatever the result against Chelsea due to a superior goal difference of 20, but a point will ensure this. And if Mikel Arteta’s team lose, the Etihad Stadium will be in party mode from the start, the scene of the coronation of City as the three-peat English champions, an achievement only Manchester United, Liverpool, Huddersfield and Arsenal have previously managed. Given the rampant form of Pep Guardiola’s side, the one scenario so far not mentioned seems highly unlikely: that, at the final whistle, Arsenal’s challenge will remain live. Jamie Jackson
