These are the most exciting times in English football. It started with the Under-21 winning the Youth World Cup in 2017. Then the senior team reached the semi-finals of the 2018 Russia World Cup. They have already qualified for the inaugural Nations League finals. And now four English teams are in the finals of the Champions League and Europa Cup. It is harvest time for English football.
It is no wonder that while the leagues in other European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain have already been decided, in England it will be decided on the last day tomorrow between defending champions Manchester City and Liverpool.
Man City may have failed in Europe, but are on the verge of sweeping three domestic trophies if they win tomorrow against Brighton. They can complete their domestic treble with a win against Watford in the FA Cup.
The question is can Brighton prevent City from winning the league? It would be a big ask for Brighton to do that. But I suspect City will find this match difficult like they did with Leicester City because Brighton have nothing to lose. They will play with settled nerves and there is a remote chance they could upset the tables.
But Man City have shown a lot of enterprise to navigate obstacles. They have individual brilliance and what we saw on Monday, when captain Vincent Kompany stepped up and scored a belting shot to subdue a stubborn Leicester City, is testimony to that. I suspect they will also win this one but with a small margin.
It’s important to remember that it’s not just a matter of Man City losing or being held by Brighton that will hand Liverpool a chance. They, too, have to win a very difficult match against giant-killers Wolves.
Nuno Esprito Santo’s teams are difficult to beat. Liverpool will need another spirited performance like that against Barcelona to beat Wolves. This one is 50-50 in my book.
With Champions League places already decided by Tottenham and Chelsea, all other matches are academic. Arsenal have to win with more than eight goals against Burnley and hope that Tottenham lose against Everton. That is almost impossible. But there will still be exciting matches.
