When can Manchester City win the league title and can they win it against Manchester United in the derby?

If City beat Everton, they will be one win away from the title

Mark Critchley

Northern Football Correspondent

Saturday 31 March 2018 17:01 BST

Comments

(Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester City can clinch the Premier League title by winning their next two games, starting at Everton in Saturday’s evening kick-off.

Pep Guardiola’s side are currently 16 points clear of their neighbours and nearest challengers Manchester United.

If City beat Everton and then beat United in next weekend’s Manchester derby, they will be crowned champions.

How many points do City need?

City have 81 points with eight league games remaining and United have 68 with seven league games remaining.

United can finish with a maximum points total of 89. Judging by the table alone, City need nine points – or three wins – to pass that figure.

However, the table lies. United are one of City’s next two opponents and if they lose to City, they will only be able to finish with a maximum of 86.

If City beat Everton and then beat United, they will have 87 points, thereby surpassing United’s maximum total and confirming themselves as champions.

Assuming City beat Everton, would a draw against United be enough?

After United’s win over Swansea, City must beat Jose Mourinho’s men to win the title in the derby. A draw will not do.

What if City do not beat Everton?

United’s win over Swansea means that City must beat Everton in order to have a chance of winning the title in the derby.

What if United beat City?

If City beat Everton but Mourinho spoils the party at the Etihad, City’s lead would be cut back to 13 points.

They would most likely have to wait until their 34th game of the season – expected to be the postponed home meeting with Brighton or Swansea’s visit to Etihad on 22 April.

When can City beat the points record?

The all-time Premier League points record stands at 95 points, achieved by Mourinho’s 2004/05 title-winning Chelsea.

City are 15 points – or five wins – away from surpassing that total, meaning the earliest they could break the record is in their 35th game.

If the postponed Brighton fixture is scheduled w/c 16 April, City’s 35th game will be against Swansea on 22 April.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies